National Jukebox Day
National Jukebox Day is an annual celebration honoring the iconic music machine that revolutionized how people experienced music in public spaces. This nostalgic holiday falls on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, when many people gather in their hometown bars and restaurants.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: Wednesday before Thanksgiving
- Tagged as: Music & Entertainment Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalJukeboxDay #JukeboxDay
- When was it founded?: 2017
- Who founded it?: TouchTunes
History of National Jukebox Day
The celebration began when TouchTunes established it in 2017 to commemorate the first coin-operated music player’s installation. The original “Nickel-in-the-Slot” phonograph was installed at the Palais Royal Saloon in San Francisco on November 23, 1889, by Louis Glass and William S. Arnold.
Timeline
- 1889: First coin-operated music player invented
- 1930s: Jukeboxes gain massive popularity
- 1940s: Golden age of jukeboxes begins
- 2010: Modern touchscreen jukeboxes introduced
- 2017: National Jukebox Day established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 27 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | November 26 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 25 | Wednesday |
Observed
The holiday is celebrated nationwide through various activities, including playing music on vintage jukeboxes, sharing jukebox memories on social media, and participating in TouchTunes’ special promotions and contests.
Fun Facts About Jukeboxes
- The term “juke” comes from the Gullah word meaning “to dance”
- The first jukebox could only play one song at a time
- During the 1940s, three-quarters of all records made in America went into jukeboxes
- Wurlitzer’s Model 1015 is the most popular jukebox ever made
Quiz
- When was the first jukebox installed?
- Who invented the first coin-operated music player?
- What company founded National Jukebox Day?
(Answers: 1889, Louis Glass and William S. Arnold, TouchTunes)
FAQs
Q: Why is it celebrated before Thanksgiving?
A: It coincides with when many people return to their hometowns and gather at local establishments.
Importance of National Jukebox Day
This celebration recognizes the jukebox’s significant role in shaping American popular culture and its contribution to the music industry’s development. It represents a unique intersection of technology, entertainment, and social gathering.
Related
- National Music Day
- Record Store Day
- National Vinyl Record Day
- World Radio Day
- International Jazz Day
