According to historical accounts, JBL was founded in 1946 by James B. Lansing. Lansing and Ken Decker had earlier established the Lansing Manufacturing Company in 1927, which focused on making six- and eight-inch drivers for radio cabinets.
MGM's sound chief Douglas Shearer, acoustician John Hilliard, and Lansing developed the Shearer Horn cinema speaker, named after Shearer. After Decker died in a plane crash in 1939, the company's finances declined, and in 1941 Altec Service Corporation bought it, forming Altec Lansing. Lansing left in 1946 to start a new company that became James B.
, or JBL. JBL's first products were the 15-inch bass driver D101 and the driver D175. The 15-inch driver D130 became a significant product, remaining in the lineup for over 50 years and used in many Fender amplifiers.
Effortlessly Precise. Elegantly Wireless.
JBL sound has been the leading choice for cinemas worldwide. Today, JBL is primarily known for shipping millions of Bluetooth speakers. The author visited JBL in Los Angeles for an event where JBL paid for travel and accommodation.
The company is launching the Bar MK2 Series in India, described as 'Effortlessly Precise. ' The series features detachable surround speakers that can be lifted off the soundbar and placed around the room without extra wires or power connections. JBL Professional powers over 60-65% of India’s market share in professional audio, with a strong presence across multiplex chains, large-format screens, and premium theater segments.
Over 50% of leading live concerts, large-scale gatherings, religious events, and corporate segments in India are powered by JBL Professional systems. Vikram Kher, VP Lifestyle HARMAN India, stated that the 80-year milestone reinforces JBL’s position at the intersection of technology, culture, and sound. He said JBL's focus is on building a connected audio ecosystem for seamless, immersive experiences.
R. Rahman, JBL India Ambassador, stated that his first JBL system made him believe his sound could reach the world.