The music industry has evolved in many ways over the years. This has impacted the way artists perform and interact with fans.
The first major change was the rise of radio. This allowed musicians to reach a much larger audience and become famous. This was an important step for the industry as a whole.
The Phonograph and Records
The phonograph is a device that records sound and plays it back. It was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison and is still used today.
The machine consists of a tin foil wrapped cylinder with a thin membrane called a diaphragm attached to a needle. When turned, the cylinder rotates and cuts into a groove to record the vibrations from the diaphragm.
During the early 1900s, both wax cylinder and disc recordings were widely popular. Eventually, the cylinder system was displaced by the disc and it is estimated that over 150 million 78 RPM records were sold in the United States alone during this period.
The Rise of Radio
The radio we know today–crystal clear music and spoken words broadcast on FM stations across the country–wasn’t always the technology it is today. It evolved gradually over time, gaining acceptance slowly as it competed with other technologies to attract and hold an audience.
Early radio programs focused on entertainment, but news stories also made a big impact. For example, a series of broadcasts from England during World War II gave Americans a sense of the horrors of war on the home front.
The 1930s
The 1930s were a time of great change in the music industry. The Great Depression caused record sales to fall and radios became more popular.
Hollywood musicals were a popular form of entertainment in the 1930s, and many film stars were also singers. This trend changed the way songwriters and performers were able to market their work.
The 1950s
The 1950s saw a large shift in music culture and it changed how the music industry operated. This decade saw the emergence of new genres such as rock and roll, jazz, and country.
The music industry was also affected by the Civil Rights Movement and racial tensions. Many artists started to focus on social change rather than just commercial success.
A new type of radio programmer called a disc jockey introduced the new rock bands to thousands of listeners. This allowed them to become popular and made a name for themselves in the music world.
The 1960s
The 1960s were a time of revolution in many aspects of society. The music industry was no exception. Artists spoke out against discrimination and the Vietnam War, using their platform to express their feelings of love, peace and harmony.
Most students think of the music of Bob Dylan, the Beatles and the Motown Sound when they hear the phrase “the 1960s.” However, it’s important to remember that a whole range of styles was popular during this decade.
The 1970s
The 1970s were a time of accelerated development in music technology. New technologies like multi-track recording, and vinyl records became affordable to more people than ever before.
This paved the way for modern music production. This decade also saw the birth of a new style of music called hip hop.
This decade also had its share of rock n roll. Some of the best rock bands of all time came out during this decade. ABBA, Queen, Steve Miller and Marvin Gaye all contributed their unique sounds to our musical world.
The 1980s
The 1980s were a decade that saw many changes within the music industry. They included the introduction of the Walkman and boombox, the development of compact synthesizers and VHS video technology.
The music industry also experienced a new focus on image and showmanship, reflected in the popularity of MTV. This changed the way artists were perceived and influenced their musical careers.
The 1990s
The 1990s were a time of great change and upheaval for the music industry. CDs became the dominant format, and the role of music videos changed dramatically.
The decade also saw the emergence of new genres such as alternative rock and hip hop. This helped music become more popular than ever before.