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Although it may sound like a dizzying ride at a German amusement park or maybe the nickname for a tasty bratwurst with everything on it, it’s not! It’s a jukebox, and in the whole wide wonderful world of jukeboxes, there have been just a few big names through the years that have lit up uncountable dance floors like electric fire. In fact, some brands have become so popular that many people are accustomed to calling these music boxes by the name of their makers and one of the most famous of course, is Wurlitzer.

When it comes to good looks and great sound, it is difficult to find a jukebox that is comparable to this authentic American classic. Yes, there are other brands that are surely worth mentioning though the Wurlitzer was once the undisputed champion of the jukes and this piece of fine machinery still remains a much sought after slice of nostalgia. In regards to iconic Americana, the Wurlitzer is definitely ranked high up there with the vintage 1957 Chevy and Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio.

The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company began in 1853 as a manufacturer and dealer of musical instruments. Although often credited with creating the jukebox as we know it, that did not even happen until 81 years later in 1934 and it was not their first and only claim to fame. As they originally had modest success specializing in producing string, woodwind, and brass instruments they initially gained global recognition when they turned their tuneful attention towards making innovative organs and extraordinary pianos of all types in the early 1900′s.

This Cincinnati based family company was first managed by Franz Rudolph Wurlitzer and then appropriately maintained by his three sons until its relocation to the more musically motivated city of Chicago in 1941, nearly a century after opening. Wurlitzer continued to drive the jumpin’ jukebox revolution of the 1940′s, 50′s and 60′s, making many of the most memorable and marvelous models to date.

The unique style of the Wurlitzer jukebox cannot be mistaken, with their inviting multicolored mood lighting and signature rounded tops. Some of them actually resemble a time machine, which in a way is what they really are, when loaded with reminiscent old recordings. Unfortunately, as all good things must pass, production ceased in 1974 and the company closed in the 1980’s when it was bought by the well known Baldwin Piano Company. The good news is that there were so many made, they can still be found.

Nowadays, many multimedia maniacs get their entertainment “fix” via their digital devices which can kind of take the fun out of things. Especially considering that they are the only ones tuned in to their micro screen and wireless headphones as they are tuning out everything and everyone else in their immediate vicinity. Whatever happened to good old fashioned fun? Try this, get together with your friends at a local bar or residence to harmoniously hang out around a Wurlitzer, now that’s FUN!