It’s no secret why so many Americans look forward to one of November’s biggest national holidays. After all, Thanksgiving is a time for family, for celebration, and for making new memories. And that’s what makes this same time of year so wonderful for a rather more recently-inspired event – National Jukebox Day! Why celebrate National Jukebox Day?
Now, since you’re here on the website of the world’s only authentic American jukebox manufacturer, you’ll probably know a little about jukeboxes yourself – but we’ll give you a little breakdown anyway, just in case. The origins of the jukebox can be traced back to one Louis Glass and his business partner William S. Arnold. Back in 1889, this enterprising pair invented the first coin-operated phonograph, which made its debut in San Francisco. It made quite the first impression! As most jukebox enthusiasts know, there are several competing theories about where we first got the word ‘jukebox’, but one of the most popular theories says that they got their name from the juke houses or ‘jook joints’ that became popular in the early 1900s. Though not everyone approved, they were known as places where revelers could go and drink or dance all their troubles away.
Cut to a few decades later in the 1950s, and the design of jukeboxes was fast evolving (thanks in no small part to the efforts of our founder, David C Rockola). They became a staple in diners across the States, where they became forever associated with the pioneering Rock and Roll era of music. This is when the Bubbler jukebox became a truly iconic design, and even today, people the world over love it for its timeless looks, flawless sound, and unique sense of nostalgia it often evokes. Today, it’s an enduring US cultural icon, symbolizing not just a bygone age, but also America’s legendary music history. And when it comes right down to it, that’s really what National Jukebox Day is all about.
How to celebrate National Jukebox Day
It doesn’t need to be anything grand or complex – you can celebrate simply by putting a few records on the nearest jukebox! If you’re lucky enough to have your own at home, we’ve put together the perfect playlist that we think you’ll like – chock full of 50s and 60s nostalgia!
- Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly
- Tutti Frutti – Little Richard
- Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lewis
- Rock Around the Clock – Bill Haley and his Comets
- All Shook Up – Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires
- Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker
- Shout – The Isley Brothers
- You’re Sixteen – Johnny Burnette
- La Bamba – Ritchie Valens
- Oh What A Party – Fats Domino
On the other hand, if you haven’t got a jukebox at home, that doesn’t have to stop you either! They’re still a common sight in bars and diners across America, so you may not have to go far to find one. And if all this talk of jukeboxes has inspired you to start sizing up a spot in your own home, well, we’ve got no shortage of options for you to choose from!
In keeping with the theme of iconic Americana, we’ve produced jukeboxes in the liveries of some world-famous US brands, including Jack Daniels and Harley Davidson. You can take a closer look using the links above – or alternatively, feel free to explore our site and see what else you can find!
