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1430
1430
The Renaissance begins which sees the start of Greek and Roman classic styles. Secular music becomes very popular. -
Period: to
1590 - 1604
This period sees the birth of opera. Jacopo Peri produces "Dafne" in 1598. -
1600
The Baroque period originates in Europe. It is described by strict musical forms and highly ornamental works. -
1750
This year marks the end of the Baroque period. Instead, the Classical period begins with the emergence of symphonies and string quartets -
1860
West African rhythms, work songs, chants and spirituals are introduced to America due to the Slave Trade. This strongly influence blues and jazz music -
1877
Sound recording is invented by Thomas Edison -
1896
Ragtime is created, a combination of European musical form and West Indian rhythm. -
1932
Duke Ellington produces the song "It Don't Mean a Thing, If it Ain't Got That Swing" which started the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s -
1936
Debut of electric guitars. -
1951
Alan Freed uses the term rock 'n' roll to describe Rhythm and Blues, hoping to spread it among more of a white audience who were reluctant to embrace "black music." -
1973
The Jamaican film "The Harder They Come" begins the rise of reggae music in the United States. -
1974
Patti Smith releases her single "Hey Joe" which was considered as the first punk rock single. During the late 1970s punk begins to rise in popularity. Bands, such as the Clash, during this period, showed anarchistic and nihilistic views in response to a lack of opportunity in Britain, boredom and opposition towards the bland music. -
1977
The movie "Saturday Night Fever" begins the disco inferno. -
1978
Sony introduces the Walkman, which was the first portable stereo made. -
1979
The Sugar Hill Gang releases "Rapper's Delight" their first commercial rap hit. This encourages rap from the streets of New York to enter into the popular music scene -
1981
MTV is introduced promoting music videos on air. They debut with "Video Killed the Radio Star." -
1983
The vinyl begins to decline with the arrival of compact discs (CDs). -
1988
Vinyl is outsold by CDs. -
1991
The grunge movement begins. This is described by distorted guitars, dispirited vocals, and flannel. -
1992
CDs begin to overtake cassette tapes as the favored medium to listen to recorded music. -
1995
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum opens in Cleveland. -
2000
The internet changes the music scene as companies provide free music through the internet without paying copyright fees. -
2003
Apple introduces the Apple iTunes Music Store, allowing people to instantaneously download songs for 99 cents each.