National Automatic Music and National Piano Manufacturing are founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Working as partners, the two companies become renowned for their coin-operated pianos capable of automatically playing up to eight selectable songs. Acting as both manufacturer and operator, the two create a profitable route of these devices across multiple U.S. states.

Automatic Musical Instrument Company (AMI) is formed.

With the emergence of the 78rpm record, the two companies decide to merge into one, pivot away from piano music, and focus on record-playing jukeboxes, at the time referred to as phonographs.

AMI introduces America’s first modern-style jukebox.

With a newly acquired patent for a record-changing mechanism, AMI unveils America’s first, coin-operated, electrically amplified phonograph capable of playing up to ten interchangeable records. AMI begins to operate these new phonographs across its existing U.S. routes.

AMI partners with Amusement Operators.

AMI stops the practice of owning all its machines in the field, allowing other operators to purchase its phonographs. New routes spread fast across America. The formation of these new partnerships allow AMI to solely focus on phonograph manufacturing and design.

AMI recognizes the term “jukebox.”

Believed to have originated in the Mississippi Delta, the terms jukebox and juke joint were used as slang among patrons, but never used in advertising until AMI did so to introduce its Model-A jukebox.

AMI goes vinyl and contributes to the success of rock n’ roll.

Well suited for jukeboxes, the vinyl 45 was small, lightweight, and also the preferred method of distributing rock n’ roll. Total record sales of the genre soar as AMI integrates the 45 into new product lines.

AMI merges with Rowe AC Services to form “Rowe/AMI.”

Rowe/AMI Designer Jack Mell creates one of the most iconic jukeboxes in American history — the “Continental.”

Rowe/AMI continues to innovate throughout the 60s, filing design patents for over 10 new jukebox models including the “200,” the “Continental,” the “Diplomat,” the “Lyric,” the “Tropicana,” the “Wall-ette,” and more.

Rowe/AMI rebrands to “Rowe” and continues to grow its product portfolio over the next two decades.

Rowe’s “Laser Star” is voted the #1 CD jukebox in America.

With its new flagship model, Rowe becomes the standard by which all other jukeboxes are judged. The company grows to become the dominant manufacturer, commanding an estimated 70% of the domestic market and 60% worldwide.

Rowe goes digital and “AMI” is reborn.

With the emergence of digital music, the jukebox market changes forever. Manufacturing becomes only one part of the equation, with software, network services, and music catalog management becoming new requirements and components of the business. Rowe responds by launching a Chicago-based subsidiary it calls “AMI Entertainment.” The company’s digital evolution begins.

Rowe produces its one millionth jukebox.

A journey started in 1927 reaches a monumental milestone, 79 years later, as the assembly line at Rowe completes its one millionth jukebox build.

Five years after its initial launch, Rowe’s new AMI network reaches a milestone of 10,000 digital connections.

Rowe merges with touchscreen gaming pioneer Merit Industries to form “AMI Entertainment Network.”

AMI launches its new NGX series with the “NGX-32” jukebox.

With a focus on effortless serviceability and customization, the NGX-32 goes on to become the company’s best-selling digital jukebox of all time.

AMI announces new mobile app for remote song selection.

Recognizing the power of mobile to reach new consumers, AMI launches its first mobile app enabling bar patrons to remotely control a nearby jukebox. Later rebranded as AMI Music, the app quickly becomes a popular method of music selection with over 1.5 million active users.

AMI expands its digital portfolio to include music videos, interactive television, and digital signage capabilities.

AMI honored as “Manufacturer of the Year” by the American Amusement Machine Association.

AMI acquires UK jukebox leader NSM Music, paving the way for exciting new products and services for European customers.

AMI’s Co-Pilot app becomes the industry’s first route management app for jukebox operators, while also providing remote functions and rewards to venue staff.

AMI’s NGX Curve becomes its fastest-selling jukebox of the decade.

Intended to be aesthetically rich in design while also living up to the NGX reputation for reliability, AMI’s new music video jukebox quickly becomes the product of choice among American operators.

AMI continues to listen, learn, innovate, and grow.

With now over 30,000 locations connected to the network worldwide, AMI offers millions of songs, customizable catalogs of full albums, 27,000+ music videos, Ad Manager digital signage, powerful mobile apps, and unparalleled customer support.