More Than 20 Years After Their Death, Eight-Tracks Are Resurrected In Dallas.

But, to hear Burnett tell it, the museum's inspiration goes back even further: It's been 19 years in the making, he says, beginning when he started to work on his own eight-track documentary, called Spinal Tape. Featuring interviews with music luminaries such as legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, the film focuses on the eight-track's importance in the grand scheme of music formats.

"I needed an ending for the movie," Burnett says with a smirk that implies that he's only half-kidding. Nonetheless, with the museum finally opening, he might well have found a way to put a tail on his decades-long effort.

Allison V. Smith

On Monday, February 14, Bucks Burnett will open the world's first eight-track museum. And yes, he knows how weird of an idea that is.

Allison V. Smith

Eight-tracks started falling out of favor with the major labels in 1982 and were last mass-produced in 1988. But Burnett and a handful of other locals are hoping to reignite interest in the dead format.

Even if, as he candidly admits, he's still not exactly sure what he's doing.

"I'm totally winging it," he says, throwing his hands up in despair. "But I also think this is the most sensible thing I may have ever done—even if it doesn't seem to be. I mean, what was I supposed to do? Sit around and wait for somebody else to open an eight-track museum?"