The eight-track tape deck and format was conceived in the mid-1960s by Bill Lear of Learjet, who wanted to give his upscale customers a way to play music in their jets (reel-to-reel players were too large). Realizing that the tape deck would work just as well in automobiles, Lear successfully encouraged Detroit automakers to install them in their vehicles, which they did beginning in the 1966 model year. Home eight-track players appeared a...Continue Reading