Names in the audio industry don’t come any bigger than JBL, the iconic audio brand owned by Harman, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. That’s eight decades of bringing sound to the public.
Since its founding by engineer James B. Lansing in 1946, JBL has managed to set quite a few milestones in audio innovation. From professional recording studios and home entertainment to powering legendary cultural moments like Woodstock and Tomorrowland, JBL is about delivering authentic and unfiltered sound.
Today, the brand’s influence is unmatched in terms of personal audio. According to JBL, there are hundreds of millions of people listening to music using the brand’s popular Flip and Charge portable speakers, as well as the JBL range of headphones.
On The Big Screen
On the specialized side of the business, JBL Professional continues to be the power behind more than 40% of the world’s cinema sound systems, while also serving stadiums, recording studios, music venues and even delivering sound through in-car audio systems.
“For 80 years, JBL’s engineering legacy has been the benchmark for high-fidelity audio, and that standard lives in every JBL product made today. As we celebrate this milestone, JBL remains committed to carrying this standard forward in the technologies that will power the next generation of sound and culture,” says Dave Rogers, President, Harman’s Lifestyle Division.
For more than eight decades, JBL engineers have been pioneering audio technologies that have changed how sound is created and heard. The company has been responsible for some groundbreaking loudspeaker designs as well as award-winning smart audio solutions for the professional, luxury, portable and car audio markets.
Oscars And Grammy Awards
JBL says its pursuit of excellence has earned it some of the sound industry’s highest honors, including Academy Awards for achievements in sound engineering and a Grammy Award for its “continual mastery and innovation in concert, studio, cinema and broadcast sound and monitors to ensure exacting standards for the most accurate sonic experience.”
Looking ahead, JBL says it’s shaping the future of sound by investing in breakthrough technologies like spatial audio, adaptive soundscapes and immersive listening experiences designed to integrate audio into everyday life. Sustainability is also a theme for the company with product design and production skewed towards a more responsible future for audio innovation.
JBL’s pursuit of innovation extends beyond its breakthrough products. The company supports community-driven initiatives like the JBL Music Academy, the JBL Campus Program and partnerships with organizations such as Girls Make Beats, JBL says it aims to bring together emerging artists and the broader industry to break down barriers and amplify diverse voices.
Authentic Voices
“Authenticity in music is everything. JBL has always been, and will always be, about ensuring artists’ voices are heard, and audiences experience their vision unfiltered, whether on the move, at home, or at a live event. JBL brings the world together through the power of sound,” says Martin Garrix, JBL Global Ambassador.
JBL is marking its 80th anniversary with a series of global initiatives, including the JBL Playback Gallery, which showcases eight decades of JBL products with expert commentary and technical demonstrations. The tour will visit major cities throughout 2026, including Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Tokyo and Vienna.
Other projects include a special digital magazine available for a limited time and a full-season takeover of Harman’s Audio Talks podcast series. This podcast includes conversations with engineers, designers and musicians who have influenced the JBL signature sound. The celebrations also come to life through a commemorative anniversary video.
You can find out more about the company’s 80th anniversary at https://www.jbl.com/our-story.html
