"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.