This page is intended to provide an overview of the the role of the Jukebox in American popular culture, as well as the role of record companies at the height of the jukebox., as according to our project outline. To learn more about each topic, please follow either the applicable drop down menus or the hyperlinks at the bottom of each paragraph.
The Role of the Jukebox in American Culture
How did the jukebox become popular?
The jukebox became popular as cheap, easy source of entertainment, especially among young adults. Specifically, jukeboxes cropped up in diners, restaurants, and soda shops – environments where teenagers could congregate without the presence of alcohol. [1]
What role did the jukebox fill in American culture, what, if any, transformational effect did the jukebox have?
In American culture, the jukebox served as a means of bringing people together through “third spaces.” A third space refers to an social environment where people spend time outside of their home and work. During the 1940s and the 1950s, the jukebox was pivitol in revitalizing the young but struggling record industry that waned during the advent of the radio and during the Great Depression. [2]
Did the jukebox “bridge” or “divide” people?
As stated previously, the jukebox brought Americans together in third spaces. However, it is important to note that the height of popularity for the jukebox was in at the height of the Civil Rights movement.
At this time, many record companies did not want to be associated with African-American artists, however, the accessibility of the jukebox provided a space for these artists to share their music. [3]
How is the jukebox symbolized in American popular culture?
From the bright colors to the Rock n’ Roll music, jukeboxes became a symbol for American popular culture and the mid-1900s. As we remember it today, the jukebox is a quintessential symbol of mid-century America. [4]
To learn more about the role of the jukebox in American Culture, please click here.
Jukebox Companies & the Modern Music Industry
What companies were leaders in jukebox manufacturing?
As stated in our discussion of the invention and development of the jukebox, the leading companies in jukebox manufacturing were:
- Wurlitzer
- Rock-Ola
- Seeburg
How did different Jukebox manufacturers compete with each other? Which company sold the most jukeboxes?
In the 1940s and 1950s, the jukebox industry was profitable and desirable. [5]
What were the top songs on the jukebox? When were they produced?
The top ten most popular jukebox songs range from the 1950s-1979/80, with the bulk of songs being written in the 1950s.
Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” produced by RCA in 1955 is the number one song. [6]
To learn more about the role of the record companies in the music industry, please click here.
Notes
[1] Kerry Segrave, Jukbeoxes, An American Social History (McFarland, 2002), 149
[2] Vincent Lynch and Bill Henkin, Jukebox The Golden Age: 1937-1948 (Berkeley, CA: Lancaster-Miller, 1981)
[3] Kerry Segrave. 45.
[4] Companies That Made Jukeboxes. Accessed October 16, 2019. http://www.jitterbuzz.com/jukeboxes_companies.html#compa
[5] Ibid.
[6] Kerry Segrave.