The first radios were installed in automobiles back in the 1930s, the initial designs coming form from Motorola, and engineered by BIll Lear of Lear Jet fame. The first FM radio, which substantially increased fidelity over its AM counterpart, was introduced by Blaupunkt in 1952. Three years later Chrysler offered a strange under-dash record player giving drivers for the first time the option of listening to what they wanted when they wanted, but it would take a decade and a half before in-dash tapedecks made this practice commonplace. Today we all have many options for how we get music in our cars, from iPods to Satellite Radio, and that means far more options for what we listen to as well.
It seems that along with every advancement in automotive entertainment options, we also saw music change as well. While tastes and genres may have evolved one thing that has remained constant is the the need for music made to accompany driving fast. From Get Out and Get Under in 1913 to Sammy Hagar’s genetic predisposition to exceeding the posted limit, every era has had songs about driving, and more importantly for driving.
But which era had the best? What was the golden age of car songs, specifically the ones you’d want to play when the hammer is down. What do you think, what era has provided the best driving music?
Image source: expresslane
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