Celebrate The Music On National Jukebox Day!
November 22nd is National Jukebox Day! It’s one of my favorite days, as I am an avid collector of jukeboxes. Currently, I have 3 jukeboxes at the Screamin Ranch.
National Jukebox Day offers several ways to celebrate! Be the DJ at your favorite bar that has a jukebox. Post song recommendations with Touchtunes on Facebook.
The History Of The Jukebox
The first jukebox was installed at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco on November 23rd, 1889. It became an overnight sensation and made $1,100 in its first month. The jukebox became popular in the 1940s – 1970s. Companies like Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola, Seeburg, Ami . The 1980s saw the transition to CD. TouchTunes came about in 1998 as “the world’s first pay-for-play digital jukebox.
The Motor City Of Detroit Made More Than Cars
Detroit, Michigan in 1926, a 14-story building once housed the famous Wurlitzer Co., which made jukeboxes, pianos, organs, radios, and instruments. The building, at 1509 Broadway is currently abandoned. But the famous script of the name of the company still sits at the top of the building.
One Of The Most Famous Jukeboxes
https://youtu.be/3mIwTWGOMY0
A Seeburg 100 Juke Box from “Happy Days” ABC Television, 1974. The jukebox was at Arnolds Drive-In located over by the bathrooms. Took quarters but the character, “Fonzie” had a special touch and could get the jukebox to play for free for him by wrapping the glass with his fist.
The Hobby Of Jukebox Collecting
The first jukebox I got was an NSM Jukebox from the 1970s. Love the style and the curve glass. Loaded with a ton of records.
The 1979 NSM Prestige ES 160
My first jukebox was a NSM prestige 160 ES
The fun of owning jukeboxes is finding rare 45s to put in the jukebox. A hard one to find is a song that was in the Steve Martin, John Candy film, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles.” A Ray Charles song called, “Mess Around.” Normally, the record goes for 150 dollars. But I found it on a site called Discogs http://www.discogs.com– great site to find hard-to-find records.
The 1980 Rock-Ola 488 Jukebox
Rock-Ola 488 Jukebox
The story behind this jukebox is that it was at one time in use at the Emerald Theater in Mt. Clemens. For the longest time, you could find it way up in the upper balcony bar. The highest point of the theater. It was sold to a friend of mine who called up after I had made a visit to his home and asked if I was interested in the purchase of the jukebox. I was in love with this jukebox and proudly bought it. It’s been in the game room at home for over 15 years, packed full of 45’s records- a lot of the local Detroit bands like The Almighty Strut, The Look, Bitter Sweet Alley, Trash Brats, Kid Rock, and others.
1959 Wurlitzer Jukebox
!959 Wurlitzer Jukebox
One of my favorites is the 1959 Wurlitzer jukebox. Currently being restored with new power amp as well as fluorescent lights. Found this in a warehouse in Clinton TWP. and needed some TLC. Packed with 45s from the rock and roll era of the late 50’s like Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis, and more.
In 2022, Jukeboxes are everywhere- on walls of local pubs, everywhere, but they are all hooked to the internet. You can now play almost any artist and music ever made. So today and in days to come, take time to enjoy a song on a local jukebox that has come a long way since paying a 5-cent Nickle in a slot, to using your credit card. Long live the Jukebox.
7 Great Rock Songs That Stuttered Their Way Onto The Music Charts
