Exploring the History of the Recording Business
Introduction: Usually when we talk about the "record industry," we're talking about the network of artists and companies who produce the musical entertainment we buy on CDs, an increasing number of DVDs and MP3s, and still the odd cassette or LP. That's the way the term "record industry" is usually used. In reality, the business of making and selling recordings also includes much more. For example, we may not think about how Hollywood movies and television are interlocked with the recording industry, since recording stars frequently appear on screen and corporate ownership often spans the various media. There are also important aspects of the music industry like background music (such as Muzak) that produce recordings for sale, but not usually to the general public. Finally there are some types of recording technology that also constitute part of the recording industry, but do not have much to do with music, such as telephone answering systems. The pages that follow explore the "business history" of the recording industry from a number of angles. If you're looking for an overview, I'd suggest starting with the first one:
- History of the Music Recording industry
- History of the Dictation Equipment Industry in America
- A Business History of the Telephone Answering Machine