Soundies

Soundies were an early version of music videos. From 1940 to 1946, they were designed to be displayed on coin-operated juke boxes in nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.

Soundies covered all genres of music, but they are perhaps best known for the performances of African American artists who were blocked from performing in other public formats. Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong and Stepin Fetchit all made soundies.

Soundies were condemned for their frequent use of cheesecake and strip teases, designed to attract military personnel.