Jukebox Jewkbox! A Jewish Century On Shellac And Vinyl

Released in 2014 by the Jüdisches Museum Hohenems, Jukebox Jewkbox serves as a sonic accompaniment to an exhibition documenting the complex intersection of Jewish identity and popular music. The project was conceived to explore how Jewish musicians, producers, and songwriters shaped the soundscape of the twentieth century, bridging the gap between traditional liturgical influences and the burgeoning industries of jazz, blues, and pop. By tracing these recordings from early shellac discs to later vinyl pressings, the collection highlights both the migration patterns of Jewish artists and their cultural assimilation in various global markets.

The design of the collection is rooted in a scholarly commitment to accessibility and historical preservation, curated to present a multifaceted view of the Jewish experience through the lens of entertainment. The compilers sought to move beyond mere musical nostalgia, instead creating a deliberate narrative arc that reflects how diverse artists negotiated their identities within shifting political and social climates. Upon its release, the project was noted by cultural institutions and music historians for its archival rigor and its success in elevating the historical significance of often-overlooked recording artists.