JBL TURNS 80: EIGHT DECADES OF SOUND INNOVATION

Images courtesy of JBL

A Legacy of Sound, Innovation and Experiences That Are Truly “Made to Be Heard”

From legendary music festivals to immersive listening experiences, JBL celebrates 80 years of shaping how the world hears and connects through sound.

Jakarta, 21 October 2026 — Since its founding in 1946 by engineer James B. Lansing, JBL has helped define the sound of generations. Now the iconic audio brand from HARMAN marks eight decades of innovation spanning professional audio, personal listening, home entertainment, and live music. Today, its influence extends from portable speakers and headphones to professional sound systems serving stadiums, recording studios, and more than 40% of the world’s cinemas.

“For 80 years, JBL has helped shape the way the world experiences sound, setting the standard for innovation and performance across music, entertainment and culture,” said Grace Koh, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Audio, HARMAN APAC.

Shaping the Future of Sound
JBL’s pursuit of audio excellence has earned recognition including Academy Awards for sound engineering and a Grammy Award honouring its contributions to concert, studio, cinema, and broadcast audio.

Presented by Coulisse | INK

Looking ahead, the brand is advancing spatial audio, adaptive soundscapes, and immersive listening technologies while integrating sustainability into product design and manufacturing. Beyond technology, initiatives such as the JBL Music Academy and JBL Campus Program, alongside its partnership with Girls Make Beats, support emerging talent and help amplify diverse voices across the music industry.

“JBL has always been, and will always be, about ensuring artists’ voices are heard, and audiences experience their vision unfiltered,” said global ambassador Martin Garrix.

EXPERIENCE 80 YEARS OF JBL at Grand Indonesia, Jakarta
Step into eight decades of audio innovation at JBL’s 80th anniversary exhibition, taking place from 21–25 October 2026 at Grand Indonesia, Main Atrium, East Mall, Level 1, Jakarta. Explore interactive experience zones, discover iconic products at the JBL Playback Gallery, and get up close with the technologies that have shaped generations of listening. Visit the exhibition and experience the evolution of sound—firsthand.

Eight decades on, JBL continues to push the boundaries of audio, connecting people and culture through sound—and carrying its Made to Be Heard philosophy into the future.

Discover more at JBL’s official 80th anniversary page.