"This work traces the history of the jukebox from its origins in the invention of the phonograph by Thomas Alva Edison in the 1880s up to its relative obscurity today." "The jukebox's first twenty years were experimental, with low technical quality and other limitations. It then practically disappeared for a quarter-century, beaten out by the player piano as the coin-operated music machine of choice.". "Then, new and improved, the jukebox spread quickly across America, largely as a result of the repeal of Prohibition and the increased number of bars nationwide. Other important elements of the jukebox are covered: it played patriotic tunes during wartime and, located in youth centers, entertained young people and kept them out of "trouble." The industry had one last fling due to a healthy export trade and then went into decline in the 1960s. Richly illustrated."--BOOK JACKET.