Originally known as a coin-operated phonograph, the term "juke," African-American slang for dance, was eventually coined. Music boxes were invented in the late 1800s, but did not gain popularity until they were electrically modified and sound became amplified. Jukeboxes were used in upscale restaurants that provided musical entertainment and accompaniment for social dancing in the 1920s and 1930s. Companies of the time, including Wurlitzer and Seeburg, advertised their top-of-the-line equipment to higher class establishments, while older machines were passed down the class-chain until no longer operable, at which time they were dismantled and scavenged for parts.
Jitterbuzz.com explains that a typical jukebox of the 1950s included the following components: coin operation, selection, playback feature, good sound quality and aesthetics. The machine had to recognize and accept correct coinage and reject fake or foreign coins. The user would insert a coin, then choose from a selection of musical titles and press a button for the desired title. Mechanical arms would retrieve the desired record from a carousel housed in the machine. The arm would then place the record onto a turntable and a needle would begin to read the music, with the sound amplified through clear-tuned speakers. Upon completion of the song, the mechanical arm retracted the album and replaced it in the original position.
Jitterbuzz.com explains that Model 1015, the most iconic jukebox of the 1950s, was visually appealing and included bubble tubes that periodically changed colors. Companies like Wurlitzer changed the outer appearance of its jukeboxes by creating an arc shape on the crown instead of the boxy, rectangular look. Store owners often preferred this sleek, hip look and would opt to keep these models even after more high-tech and faster machines were available. Eventually, these music boxes were placed in malt shops, diners and drugstores where teenagers congregated, which coincided with the emergence and rapid growth of rock 'n' roll music. At first, only a selection of 20 songs was offered and companies targeted audiences who would most likely have loose change to spend. By the mid-1950s, jukeboxes were capable of offering 200 selections as smaller, 45 rpm records took place of the larger 78 rpm discs. This freed up space in the machine, allowing for greater variety with regard to the music selection.
The musical revolution that took place in the 1950s greatly impacted the youth of the era. Rock 'n roll music, against which many parents tried to guard their children, was easily accessible and young people could freely and conveniently discover new hit songs simply by going to the local malt shop. Culturally speaking, the jukebox was an equalizer during a time of heavy segregation, permitting many artists of different races -- including those of African American descent -- to have their music produced and widely heard.