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Edison's phonograph
The first device to record and play sound, the phonograph could be described as the pioneer of recorded music. The machine allowed music to be played upon request at homes. Although not many could afford the phonograph, it still began the spreading of music to broader audiences. Consequently leading to the popularization of music.
The first recording was of Edison himself reciting "mary had a little lamb". -
Berliner's phonograph
Soon after Edison's phonograph, Emilie Berliner created the gramophone. The original idea that lead to DJs and turntables, the gramophone was the first to record sound onto compact CDs or vinyl. Commercial Vinyl recording of the 80's developed from the device.
Brahms' Hungarian dance no. 1 was the first to be recorded on the gramophone. -
First jukebox
Developed from the Edison's phonograph, the jukebox was notoriously first placed in San Francisco (at the "Palice royale saloon"). The device lead to the widespread playing of music, thus popularising songs found on them. It was a cheap way to listen to music and encouraged the production of songs for home use. -
Music recorded on celluliod
With the recording of music on celluliod came the distribution of it, thus beginning the selling of songs for profit.
Altough celluliods were revolutionary in the way of music production, they were bulky and difficult to transport. Therefore the invention of CDs overtook celluloids quickly. -
First commercial radio broadcast
"O holy night", played on violin, was the first song to be played on radio. This was an indicator of radios golden age and perhaps lead to the popularity of artists now. -
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Radio's best time
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First computer to play music (CSIRAC)
Cleverly designed by Geof Hill and Mason Beard, the computer sparked the idea of technology playing music. This could then link to the invention of such programs as Ableton and devices such as drum machines. -
FM radio becomes mainstream
The production of FM radio lead to the spreading of music to broader audiences, as many people could now listen to what was popular or recorded at the time. Furthermore spurring the popularity of songs and their artists. Without radio, music would be difficult to distribute. -
Cassette developed
The fist single to be released on cassette in the UK was "C30, C60, C90, Go!" by "Bow wow wow" (1980). The song "Vacation" Vacation by the "Go-Go's" was the first to be produced on cassette tape in the US (1982). -
Multi track analop tape recording
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Sony invents the walkman
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First commercial CD player
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First album released on CD only
This was Brothers in arms by Dire straights, and consequently lead to the domination of CDs, as this was what music was primarily recorded on. -
MP3 debuts
This format allowed for the sharing of music, but also lead to copying and piracy. The MP3 was easily copied and was more portable than CDs. -
Recordable CDs available
This lead to listeners recording their own compilations or CDs, thus damaging the music industry. People could burn their own tracks onto CDs and so didn't have to pay for expensive CDs sold in shops.