Ongoing History Daily: The 8-track museum

July 17, 2023 Alan Cross 0 Comments

About a million years ago, the 8-track tape changed the way people consumed music in the car. Starting in the middle 60s, these bulky, awkward cartridges allowed people for the first time to program their own music while they were driving.

Before they came along, all anyone had was an AM radio. Eight-tracks kicked started the car stereo industry. And while progress eventually killed the 8-track by the late 80s, it is not dead.

For proof, I direct you to the 8-Track Museum in Dallas which was in business between 2011 and 2014 and was home to hundreds of tapes. And just in case you think these things are worthless, some can sell to collectors for hundreds of dollars.

Everyone needs a hobby, I guess.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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