A juke box is a form of coin-operated entertainment found in bars and casual eating establishments. The idea originated in the late 1930s as a means of having music to dance to without the cost of paying an entertainer. The juke box holds a wide selection of songs. The patron can insert the amount of money required (a quarter, half-dollar, etc.), make a selection, and enjoy their chosen music while dining or dancing.

The first juke boxes were a basic wooden box with slots for coins and a few buttons to choose the song. As time progressed, juke boxes took on a distinct appearance that defined the culture of the 1940s with bright lights and interesting moving mechanisms. Today, the capacity of song choices has increased to hundreds of selections.

The original juke box design was made to play a phonograph recording where the 78 rpm record was the music source. In 1950, a design was introduced that used the 45 rpm vinyl record. Then, in the 1980s, compact discs took over the juke box industry.

Modern technology has expanded the idea of a juke box to include a digital juke box that manages audio files, downloads songs, rips CD tracks, and stores them for playback. Some designs are connected to the Internet, providing patrons with a nearly infinite number of selections. The juke box has continued to evolve with the ages. However, if you prefer the older style of juke box, you can find vintage and used juke boxes in a wide range of prices.