Nearing the end of the 1980's, Rhino Records released several box set series on 78 RPM vinyl, supposedly for home owned 78 RPM jukeboxes. Although these sets were extremely limited, and at the time considered expensive, try and locate them today. Be sitting down when you see the current price. Research indicates that Rhino released three oldies sets listed as follows: RNJB 78000, RNJB 78001, RNJB 78002. If you played the oldies during the 1960's through the 1980's, you know the feel and sound of a 45 RPM record. Try hearing those old favorites by Freddy Cannon, Jan & Dean, Lou Chrisite, Little Eva, The Turtles, The Shirelles, The Seeds and The Music Explosion, at 78 RPM. The quality of the Rhino releases can not be compared to the original 45. It's pure studio quality! What isn't talked about much is the fact that Rhino also released several country and big band box sets on 78. If you happen to own any of these records, don't let go of them. They are extremely rare and the chances of finding more, will be difficult. Luck was with me when I happened to locate about 50 of these classic records. They were offered to me at a very reasonable price. Below, I have scanned some of the different labels, from various sets, along with the original box cover and the jukebox title strip sheet.
Displayed to the left, is the original cover card for the RNJB 78000 box set. This set includes 25 records; 50 classic hits. The A and B sides of each record contains various artists and titles.
To the left you will see a scan of the actual record, "Palisades Park" by Freddy Cannon from the RNJB 78000 series. To the right, listen to the actual recording. The quality is EXTREME! Some of these discs appear to be reproduced in simulated stereo.
It appears that more than one record company was releasing these classic 78's. This label has different artwork than the Rhino label, displays a completely different series number and has no Rhino markings. The B side of this record is by Santo & Johnny, "Sleepwalk." It's odd that one side is country and the other is an oldie.
This selection is from the box series RNJB 78002. This is an obvious Rhino release, but a completely different label is offered in this set. Carole King, "It Might As Well Rain Until September."
It's not expected that you will be able to read these labels, but it gives you a good idea of the jukebox title page that came with each box set of records. Each label is easily torn apart and inserted into the title tray of the jukebox.
