Connect with us


Features

Classic TV Revisited: Juke Box Jury

Published

on


Juke Box Jury was a long running panel show that featured assorted celebs listening to various discs and passing judgment on them. David Jacobs, Noel Edmonds and Jools Holland all compered its off-on run. It ran on BBC-1 from 1959-1990.

Appearance?
Ultra smooth compere David Jacobs played 45rpm discs on a juke box and a panel of assorted celebs said whether or not they liked them.Sound riveting?

Wait, there’s more.
If the majority on the panel voted a record a “hit”, compere Jacobs tinkled a bell.And for a miss he sounded a klaxon, a bit like a raspberry.

This was cutting edge television?
Look, it could get really exciting – when they slammed a record and the singer came on as surprise guest. And all this around teatime!

Advertisement

Hang on, what did you see on screen while the records played?
Well, nice Mr Jacobs smiling and the panel ditto.And if that got, well, boring then we looked at the studio audience, beehive hair-dos, winkle picker shoes and feet tapping out of time.

Did it last a fortnight?
Eight years, knowall. It was then revived. Twice.

So no klaxon for JBJ?
No, it was a huge hit. They were simpler times.

Who were the celebs?
A mix of industry experts and people who knew nothing.

Advertisement

So the experts got it right?
Hardly, pop pickers. Alan Freeman said Cliff’s one they call Living Doll “wouldn’t sell a copy”.

And?
It made No 1 and sold a million.

Ah, JBJ boosted sales?
Did it ever. Just getting a record played was a huge coup – and being voted a miss often did its chances no harm at all.

When did the discs first spin?
In June 1959, with a panel of singers Alma Cogan and Gary Miller, DJ Pete Murray and “typical teenager” Susan Stranks.

Advertisement

Sue sounds familiar?
Yes, nine years later she hosted Magpie. Typical…

Any others I might know?
Well, one week in 1963 the Beatles were the panel, and in ’64 The Stones.

Now, THEY might be worth seeing?
Ye-e-s – shame the tapes have gone.

What day was it on TV?
At first, Tuesdays, but success was so swift it moved to Saturdays.

Advertisement

Peak viewing?
It competed with ITV’s Boy Meets Girls – the “boy” was Marty Wilde, Kim’s dad. He’s still rockin’ in his 60s.

And those celeb guests?
How about Paul Jones of the Manfreds, actresses Susan Hampshire and Shirley Ann Field – and race ace Jackie Stewart. At least he’d know about 45 revs per minute.

Despite its strait-laced image, was there any controversy?
Well, Bunny Lewis a songsmith, and Wolf Mankowitz, a writer, attacked the records – and then bad-mouthed each other.
Then there was Lisa Gastoni. She was an actress who appeared in an off-the-shoulder low-cut dress that made her appear – gulp – starkers. Viewers galore rang in.

Did it have a memorable theme tune?
Two, in fact, but the best known was the aptly named Hit And Miss.

Advertisement

A hit?
Yes, It made the top 10 for the John Barry Seven, paving the way for a string of hit TV themes and Barry’s film music career. He scored Adam Faith’s hits.Oddly, Faith was on Drumbeat, the BBC pop show that ended in August 1959 to be replaced by – Juke Box Jury. What goes around, comes around.

When did it end?
First, in 1967, but it was revived twice, proving to have slipped from pop to flop.

When was this?
First, in 1979, with smooth, smarmy David Jacobs replaced by Noel Edmonds. A total contrast.John Lydon was on and rubbished it all, using some invigorating language. Exit JBJ.

The final spin?
In 1989-90, chaired by Jools Holland.

Advertisement

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

General Hospital Today General Hospital Today
News3 hours ago

General Hospital, March 19, 2024, ABC,

In the brand new episode of General Hospital, airing on Tuesday March 19, 2024 at 2.00pm on ABC, viewers will...

The Bold and the Beautiful The Bold and the Beautiful
News3 hours ago

The Bold and the Beautiful, March 19, 2024, CBS

On the upcoming episode of the long-running soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful,” airing on March 19, 2024 at...

Days of Our Lives Days of Our Lives
News3 hours ago

Days of Our Lives, March 19, 2024, Peacock

In the latest episode of the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives, airing on March 19, 2024 at 6.00am...

CBS Mornings CBS Mornings
News3 hours ago

Lil Jon, Melissa Dilkes Pateras, CBS Mornings, March 20, 2024

Wednesday’s episode of CBS Mornings on March 20th promises an eclectic mix of guests. First up is Lil Jon, the...

Jimmy Kimmel Live Jimmy Kimmel Live
News4 hours ago

Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Jimmy Kimmel Live!, March 19, 2024, ABC

Get ready for another entertaining episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airing on ABC at 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19,...

Karamo Karamo
News4 hours ago

Sharif & Brittany, James & Jason, Karamo, March 19, 2024

Don’t miss the latest episode of “Karamo” airing on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. In this episode, the show delves into...

The Today Show The Today Show
News4 hours ago

José Andrés, Courtney Mason, The Today Show, March 19, 2024, NBC

On Tuesday, March 19th starting at 7:00 AM., NBC brings you another edition of “The Today Show” filled with informative...

The View: The View:
News4 hours ago

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, The View, March 19, 2024, ABC

In Tuesday’s episode of “The View,” airing on ABC at 11:00 AM on Tuesday March 19th, viewers are in for...

Great British Menu Great British Menu
News11 hours ago

The Finals: Starters, Great British Menu, 18 March 2024, BBC Two

Get ready for the brand new episode of Great British Menu, as national finals week kicks off with the starters...

Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain
News11 hours ago

Series Premiere, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain, 18 March 2024, BBC One

In the premiere episode of the brand new series “Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain,” Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton...

Panorama Panorama
News11 hours ago

Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis, Panorama, 18 March 2024, BBC One

In the latest episode of Panorama, titled “Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis,” viewers will be taken behind the...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News11 hours ago

Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure, 18 March 2024, Channel 4

In a thought-provoking and enlightening new documentary titled “Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure,” airing on Channel 4 on Monday 18...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News12 hours ago

24 Hours in A&E, 18 March 2024, Channel 4, “Season 32 Episode 3”

In the latest episode of Channel 4’s “24 HOURS IN A&E,” viewers are taken inside Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham,...

George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations
News12 hours ago

Chiltern Hills Barber Shop, George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations, 18 March 2024, Channel 4

In the latest episode of Channel 4’s “George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations,” architect George Clarke continues to showcase the inspiring stories of...

Traffic Cops Traffic Cops
News12 hours ago

Traffic Cops, 18 March 2024, Channel 5, “Season 13, Episode 14”

In the latest episode of Channel 5’s “Traffic Cops,” viewers will once again be taken on a gripping journey alongside...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News12 hours ago

Coma Series Premiere, 18 March 2024, Channel 5

In the series premiere of the four part Channel 5 drama “Coma,” viewers are introduced to Simon, a devoted family...

Popular