CASHBOX/CASH BOX, the name in either form, will forever be recognized for its association with the music industry.
Celebrating its 80th Anniversary (1942-2022), the magazine CASH BOX, in its original title, was founded in 1942 by Bill Gersh whom had no knowledge of music. President, George Albert published the magazine as a printed trade publication of the vending/coin machine industry. The publication had everything to do with arcades, slots, and pinball games, but very little to do with music. The first issue rolled out in July, 1942. Copyrighted by Universal Copyright Convention, depending the issue, the magazine would have the following slogans printed at the bottom of each page: Please mention THE CASH BOX when answering ads - it proves you’re a real coin machine man!” Or, “It’s what’s in THE CASH BOX that counts.” Nevertheless, the magazine’s subject matter would soon begin its evolution into a music phenomenon.
From the early 50s forward, Cash Box, almost unconsciously, re-invented itself. Music charting would become a thing. According to World Radio History, the first chartings were based on jukeboxes, rather than radio play. The reasoning being that families could not afford home radios, while jukeboxes were prevalent in inner cities, rural and small-town communities, and ethnic gathering places. Radio airplay charting was included for the first time on September 23, 1978.
The 10 X 14 magazine was published for a very long time in black and white, with the occasional red headline. Not very often, but a rather significant piece would be highlighted with a light pink hue. The magazine, having no visible margins, was crammed with music charts by genre, ads (Rock-Ola/Wurlitzer jukeboxes were foremost, even making a cover), single releases, record reviews, radio stations, insider gossip, photographs, artists touring schedules, classifieds (with instructions to send your check air-mail), and record labels galore (RCA/Victor, MGM, Atlantic, Epic, Mercury, Decca, Capitol, Imperial). Almost every page had a record label insignia in a top or bottom corner. The magazine was a weekly publication, costing $15.00 per year, per subscription, mailed out with second class postage. The Cash Box Publishing Co, Inc. had offices in New York, Chicago, Hollywood, Nashville, Boston, and London. Cash Box, while one can speculate on the name, had a huge impact on the music worlds of Country, R&B, Rock, and Gospel.
The publication had its own HOT countdown logoed in flames, an impressive graphic feat back in the day. Over the next eighty years, the varying issues of the magazine would become collectibles, not a single magazine reselling today, for the once roughly $.29 issue price.
Former Cash Box president, George Albert published the first Cash Box magazine in July 1942.
Having varying opinions, some believe that the 1970s was the superior decade, the best decade for music. However, another music shift was on the horizon ushering in Modern Rock and Golden Era Hip Hop. Country music, itself, was reimaging and creating a new silhouette.
In spite of all this, the 80s and 90s publications showed little signs of slowing down with artists such as these all over its pages: Dire Straits, Heart, Jann Browne, Aretha Franklin, Indecent, The Black Crows, Laura Branigan, Carly Simon, Billy Joel, Crystal Gayle, Larry Gatlin, Talking Heads, Deniece Williams, Shirley Caesar, K. T. Oslin, Ramones, Barry White, Horse Sense, Pink Floyd, Jim Croce, Menudo, Alabama, Lionel Richie, R.E.M., John Lennon, and on and on.
The magazine was no longer a US articles only publication, it was picking up music news from Canada, Great Britain, Belgium, Holland, Japan, Mexico, and other foreign countries. Cash Box offices were opening in Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, France, Australia, Argentina, and growing. Music news was literally encircling the globe. Never had there been such a platform (rivaled only to Billboard) to gather so much music artistry, long running, and under one ginormous venue.
Rebranded and with the consent of the now late President and Publisher, George Albert, Cash Box would be revived, reinvented again. It would be an online only publication, under its new owner, Bruce Elrod in Ridgeway, South Carolina. It would also have a slight name variation, simply CASHBOX. This online version would run from 2006 to 2018.
The year 2018 would take the magazine somewhat back to its roots. In West Central Alabama, in the small town of Kennedy, Randall Wilds / Wilds and Associates would acquire the Cashbox printed version. The magazine would become a printed publication once again, printed bimonthly, under the proper title, Cashbox Newspaper/Magazine USA.
Wilds and Associates are a conglomerate of companies specializing in Gospel and Country music promotions, events, and promotional products. Randall Wilds, an astute businessman has faithfully served the Gospel music industry/Christian marketplace for some thirty years.
Twenty-two years after the last printed edition, Wilds & Associates debuted the new Cashbox Magazine, featuring Country music’s Blake Shelton in November 2018. After a few printed issues, it became apparent that the publication was being highly received by music and entertainment industry leaders. Since 2020, the magazine continues to grow beyond what anyone could have imagined.
The newly branded Cashbox (US) features full-color, high-profile covers, artist interviews, charting, music industry news, new artist spotlights, and regular monthly columns. With almost every major music genre represented, the charting covers Americana, Black Gospel, Bluegrass, Bluegrass Gospel, Christian Country, Contemporary Christian, Independent Country, Mainstream Country, Pop / Rock, R & B / HipHop, and Southern Gospel.
The digital edition is published online monthly and is free to view. The printed edition is published bi-monthly and is available in newsstands, select retail outlets, and by subscription.
The team at BIG Records want to extend a huge congratulation to our artist who have made the CashBox Independent Top 100 Charts. Please take some time to explore the music that these talented artist have made especially for you.
Special Agent Sunshine – A Thousand Highways - No. 98. https://www.cashboxmagazine.org/americanachart
Special Agent Sunshine – BIG Records
Gary Matheny - No. 23, up from No. 54 last month. https://www.cashboxmagazine.org/indcountry
Back Where I Belong
Look for a brand new single being released on September 28th "He's On A Trip"
C.C. Brooks Springtime in Nashville – No. 83. https://www.cashboxmagazine.org/indcountry
First month on the charts
A brand new track is bring dropped September 22nd to celebrate CC Brooks Birthday "Send Me A Song"
Ronnie Call – Mud Jeans - No. 91 - https://www.cashboxmagazine.org/indcountry
First month on the charts
Brand new music and a tour is in the making.
The Outsiders – I’ve Got A Heart Too - No. 49, up from No.67 last month. https://www.cashboxmagazine.org/poprock
Steven K. – Turn The Page – No 68 up from 77 last month. - https://www.cashboxmagazine.org/poprock
New music and a RiseUP TV Tour is on its way.
Bruce Coughlan and the Sojouners – Lean Times – No. 88. - https://www.cashboxmagazine.org/poprock
New music is being released on September 22nd "Waiting For Rain"
Congratulations to all of our BIG Records Artist on this amazing accomplishment - be sure to check out our artist to see why they are making it on these charts.
Check out our YouTube Channel which is the host to our promo videos.
Pamela
Commented 11 Sep, 2023
so excited for all this new music