The Grammy’s, Coachella, and the Olympics all have one thing in common: JBL. For 75 years, the legendary HARMAN brand has been the source of some of the most iconic moments in sound, from the original Woodstock festival to the Grateful Dead’s Wall of Sound… and many other memorable experiences in between. HARMAN and JBL believe in making every moment, big or small, off the charts and have long been the go-to source for incredible sound – whether its backyard gatherings and block parties, or gym workouts and solo travels.

In celebration of JBL’s influence in advancing audio innovations and pioneering music history, we’re reminiscing about some of JBL’s biggest moments over the last seven decades…

From Movie Theaters to Concert Arenas

iHeartRadio Awards

The entertainment scene has always been part of the JBL brand DNA. In 1928, the world’s first talking movie, The Jazz Singer, featured JBL-founder James. B. Lansing’s HD loudspeakers and contributed to a sound-revolution in Hollywood and the movie industry. When Lansing eventually founded his own company in 1946, JBL broke into the music scene and was part of some of the most pivotal moments in popular music history, eventually powering the sound of major festival including 1985’s U.S. Live Aid, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, Tomorrowland, and more.

Today, JBL has provided meaningful sound for over 10,000 venues, 6,000 professional studios, 40 countries, and supported countless artists all over the world. JBL never forgot its roots in cinematic history: the brand’s audio systems are featured in nearly half of movie theaters across the U.S. And in 2002, JBL engineers received a Scientific and Technical Oscar award from the Motion Picture Academy – just one of hundreds of awards received for the brand’s innovation in technology, design, and user experience.

The Science behind the Sound
JBL has never ceased to push the boundaries of listening. And while music preferences and tastes are instinctive, the science behind each and every innovation is precise and methodical. Our gifted engineers and designers are devoted to developing products that take listening to the next level.

With more than 300 technology patents already under our belt, JBL continues to find new ways to overcome obstacles and introduce new solutions and technologies that transform listening experiences. Whether it’s a sound bar that turns a living room into a concert hall or portable speakers and headphones that let listeners bring their personal soundtrack anywhere they go, JBL offers sound as it was meant to be heard.

bebe

A Summer of Celebration
No one understands the magic of live music more than JBL. When our venues and stages across the U.S. started to reopen their doors, JBL was on the scene hosting pop-up concerts and providing a safe, music-centric experience for avid music-lovers. Dubbed the JBL True Summer Tour, the campaign kicked-off in July at an iconic Los Angeles and featured performances by JBL Ambassador and global music sensation, Bebe Rexha, Singer/songwriter, Jason Derulo and DJ Sophia Eris.

To support the highly anticipated reopening of music venues, a portion of JBL’s proceeds and products were donated to support the National Independent Venue Association’s (NIVA) #SaveOurStages initiative. The donations benefited venue employees and musicians impacted by the pandemic and who are vital to providing the entertainment and talent that enriches the local culture and community.

For three-quarters of a century, JBL has had a pulse on the music scene and made its mark on the audio industry. Our purpose has always been to touch the human soul with clear, inspiring, and meaningful sound, and we remain committed to ensuring listeners get the most out of their listening experience. Watch the video below for an even closer look at JBL’s most epic audio moments in pop culture history, how JBL has helped shape the experiences of hundreds of millions of people, and what’s in store for the next 75 years: