Walkman

With the popularity of jogging came the Sony Walkman (the first version in 1979 and Walkman II in 1981). The Walkman was revolutionary, turning people into movie stars, living their lives to a rock soundtrack - Fitness freaks could now jog around listening to Sheena Easton bang on about taking the morning train.

The first Walkmans (Walkmen?) had two headphone sockets so friends could share the music, but later they got rid of the extra socket, but it was still a significant leap from the old AM radio with the 'hearing aid' ear-piece.

Two things impressed people; How small the tape deck was and how good the sound quality was. Radio and tape Walkmans were released and later came sport and waterproof versions. Half tool, half fashion accessory, the Walkman was an instant hit. 

The portable tape player virtually changed the listening habits of a generation and was probably single-handedly responsible for the tremendous boom in cassette sales during the early half of the the 1980s. Second-hand music and "Walkman overspill" also became a way of life on public transport!

In 1984 the compact disc-playing Discman went on sale.

The term "Walkman" eventually became synonymous with any headphone radio or cassette player - including something in the UK called 'Chegger's Jogger' (pictured at left) which bore the face of Keith Chegwin, presenter of BBC TVs Cheggers Plays Pop - now there's a very scary thought!

TRIVIA NOTE
The Sony Corporation in America originally maintained that the word 'Walkman' was not proper English and unsuitable for their market. The Walkman was therefore initially known in the US as The Soundabout. In the UK it was known as The Stowaway and in Australia as The Freestyle. Sony ultimately put its foot down and insisted the name 'Walkman' be used worldwide.

'Cheggers Jogger' photo courtesy of Jonathan Hill