In African-America slang, ‘jook’ translates to dance. This word became the origin of the word ‘juke box’. Developed to out do coin operated music boxes and player pianos, the first prototypes were called the ‘Coin-slot phonograph’ and first came into existence in the late 1880s. The term juke box surfaced only in the 1930s. Earlier juke boxes would play a 2 minute song; but it was soon evolved to provide multiple song choices to the listener. The Seeburg Company was the first to introduce 45 rpm vinyl record jukeboxes in 1950, before which shellac 78 rpm record jukeboxes ruled the roost.
The first juke boxes were simple in terms of design and had a few buttons for specific purposes. The later designs brought with them snazzy lights, bubble tubes, ceiling lamps, and, other visual treats. Designed by Paul Fuller, the ‘1015-bubbler’ model by Wurlitzer is still considered the most popular design of all time. Since the end of World War 2 and the Depression, juke box design took a whole new dimension as it became a way to express suppressed joy and commenced celebration. Post 1940s, the juke box design stepped away from the classic inspirations of Greek architecture and gothic motifs, and sported a ‘high-tech’ look.
1980s saw the emergence of compact discs and compact disc juke boxes. By the late 20th century, juke boxes did not need CDs at all. Instead they played music directly from the internet, and also provided information about the song, hence offering a larger play list. Juke boxes were most prominent between 1940s to1960s. Despite the fact the juke boxes were significant in the ‘swing’ era as well, today they more reminiscent of early rock and roll music. |
