The development of the cassette tape format is a fascinating journey that transformed the landscape of audio recording and playback. Before the cassette tape, there were various attempts to create portable audio formats. The most notable was the compact cassette's predecessor, the Phillips EL 3585, introduced in 1962. It was a small reel-to-reel tape system designed for dictation but lacked widespread consumer adoption.
In this article we cover the key milestones in the development of the cassette tape format.
The 45 revolutions per minute (RPM) record, also known as the "single" or "single record," was developed as a format for shorter musical recordings, typically featuring one song on each side. The 45 RPM record was introduced by RCA Victor in March 1949 as a response to the 33⅓ RPM long-playing (LP) record introduced by Columbia Records the previous year.
RCA Victor aimed to create a format that was more suitable for shorter musical recordings, particularly popular songs. It would become widely embraced by young recorded music buyers.
The history of blues music in the United States is deeply rooted in the African American experience, and its evolution over the years has had a profound impact on the broader musical landscape. Blues originated in the late 19th century, with its roots in African musical traditions, spirituals, work songs, and field hollers. It grew and developed in the rural areas of the Southern United States, particularly in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and other states with large African American populations.
The development of the 33⅓ revolutions per minute (RPM) long-playing (LP) record by Peter Carl Goldmark was a significant milestone in the history of audio recording. The LP record revolutionized the way music was distributed, providing longer playing times and improved sound quality compared to the existing 78 RPM records.
In the late 1940s, the standard format for recorded music was the 78 RPM record, which typically could only hold about three to five minutes of music per side. Goldmark recognized the limitations of this format and sought to create a record that could accommodate longer musical performances, such as full symphonies or extended jazz sessions.
In addition to vinyl records, a significant amount of classic rock music, in its heyday, was consumed on 8-track tapes.
The 8-track tape player, also known simply as the 8-track player, was a popular audio playback technology that gained prominence in the mid-1960s and remained popular throughout the 1970s. It was a significant development in the history of portable and in-car audio entertainment.
The 8-track tape format was developed by Bill Lear, the inventor of the Learjet and founder of Lear Incorporated. Lear, along with his team, sought to create a reliable and convenient way for people to enjoy music in their cars. The 8-track cartridge was their solution.
MTV, "Music Television" debuted August 1, 1981. Instead of Disc Jockeys (DJs), there were "VJs" (Video Jockeys), including Martha Quinn, Alan Hunter, Nina Blackwood, JJ Jackson and Mark Goodman, all of whom hosted segments and introduced video clips.
The first ten videos to play on that day were:
1. "Video Killed the Radio Star" The Buggles 2. "You Better Run" Pat Benatar 3. "She Won't Dance With Me" Rod Stewart 4. "You Better You Bet" The Who 5. "Little Suzi's on the Up" Ph.D. 6. "We Don't Talk Anymore" Cliff Richard 7. "Brass in Pocket" The Pretenders 8. "Time Heals" Todd Rundgren 9. "Take It on the Run" REO Speedwagon 10. "Rockin' the Paradise" Styx
Of the 209 videos aired during the first 24 hours, many were run more than once. "You Better You Bet" by The Who, also the first video to be rerun, and "Just Between You And Me" by April Wine tied for the most airings at five apiece. Video number 100 was "Let's Go" by The Cars, which aired only once. "Lonely Boy" by Andrew Gold, also a one-timer, closed out the day.
Other notable first-day landmarks:
9. The REO Speedwagon video was the first live concert video to be aired on MTV, from their Live Infidelity home video release.
16. "Iron Maiden" by Iron Maiden was the first Heavy Metal song to be played on MTV.
41. "Angel of the Morning" by Juice Newton was the first country video to air.
62. "Rat Race" by The Specials was the first video featuring both black and white artists to air on MTV.
"Jet Airliner" is a popular song written by Paul Pena, an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. However, it is important to note that while Paul Pena did write and perform the song, the version that is most widely recognized and popular is not his original recording. The better-known version of "Jet Airliner" was actually recorded and released by the Steve Miller Band.
Paul Pena originally wrote and recorded the song for his 1973 album titled "New Train." The album showcased his musical talents, fusing elements of folk, blues, and rock. Unfortunately, due to conflicts with his record label, the album was not released until 2000.
The song would gain widespread recognition when the Steve Miller Band covered it. Miller was made aware of the song by a former band member who also happened to produce Pena's 1973 album. This version, in addition to some slight changes lyrically, featured a more rock-oriented sound and became a major hit, receiving extensive radio airplay and charting well on music charts. Miller's band had recorded their version of "Jet Airliner" in 1975, during sessions for the "Fly Like an Eagle" album, but the song was not released until 1977, when it was included on their album "Book of Dreams."
Steve Miller's rendition of "Jet Airliner" propelled the song to greater fame, reaching a broader audience and becoming a staple in classic rock radio playlists. Its catchy chorus and upbeat melody contributed to its popularity, and it remains one of Steve Miller Band's most iconic and enduring songs.
Paul Pena's original version of "Jet Airliner" was rediscovered and gained some recognition after Steve Miller's cover became a hit. Paul Pena continued to pursue his music career and performed with various artists, showcasing his impressive talents as a musician and vocalist.
Overall, "Jet Airliner" is a song that highlights the journey of its original songwriter, Paul Pena, as well as the enduring success of the Steve Miller Band's cover version, which brought the song to a wider audience and secured its place as a classic in the world of rock music.
Brian May is an English musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist, best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Queen. He was born on July 19, 1947, in Hampton, Middlesex, England.
May began playing the guitar at the age of seven and went on to form his first band, Smile, in 1968, which later evolved into Queen with the addition of singer Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor. Queen became one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with May's distinctive guitar sound and musical contributions playing a major role in the band's success.
May is known for his unique guitar style, which features a blend of heavy distortion, melodic phrasing, and intricate harmonies. He also developed his own custom guitar, the Red Special, which he built with his father when he was a teenager, and has used it throughout his career. He is known for using a British sixpence coin as a guitar pick, and for his preference for Vox AC30 amplifiers, both of which contribute to his recognizable sound.
In addition to his music career, May is also an accomplished astrophysicist and holds a PhD in the subject. He has contributed to several scientific publications and was even appointed Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University in 2008.
May's contributions to music and science have earned him several awards and honors, including the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2005 and the honorary title of Distinguished Supporter of the British Humanist Association in 2014. He continues to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with Queen, and remains a beloved figure in the world of rock music.
"Love Hurts" was written by American songwriter Boudleaux Bryant. He initially composed the song in 1960, and it was first recorded by The Everly Brothers that same year. The Everly Brothers' version of the song, with their distinct harmonies, helped popularize it and established it as a classic. Roy Orbison also had some success with the song when he covered it in 1961. However, it was the cover version by the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth that achieved significant success and became their signature song.
Nazareth's rendition of "Love Hurts" was released as a single in 1974 and featured on their album "Hair of the Dog." The band's interpretation of the song transformed it into a power ballad with a heavier rock sound, differentiating it from the original version. The lead vocals were performed by Dan McCafferty, whose raspy and emotive voice added a unique depth and intensity to the song.
The Nazareth version of "Love Hurts" became a massive hit for the band, reaching high chart positions in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It remains one of their most well-known and beloved songs.
The lyrics of "Love Hurts" explore the theme of love and its accompanying pain. The song expresses the anguish and heartache experienced when love goes wrong, highlighting the emotional struggles and conflicts that often accompany relationships. With its heartfelt and relatable lyrics, the song struck a chord with listeners and became an anthem for those dealing with the ups and downs of love.
Over the years, "Love Hurts" has been covered by numerous artists from different genres, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic. It has been performed by the likes of Cher, Jim Capaldi, Rod Stewart, and Gram Parsons, among others. Each artist brings their own interpretation to the song, showcasing its universal appeal and emotional resonance.
Nazareth's version of "Love Hurts" remains an enduring rock ballad that continues to captivate audiences with its raw emotion and powerful delivery. Its timeless message about the complexities of love has made it a beloved song for generations of music lovers.
Here are some of the most popular one-hit wonder songs of the 1970s:
"Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum (1970) "In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry (1970) "War" by Edwin Starr (1970) "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone (1974) "Rock the Boat" by The Hues Corporation (1974) "The Night Chicago Died" by Paper Lace (1974) "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas (1974) "Lovin' You" by Minnie Riperton (1975) "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry (1976) "Afternoon Delight" by Starland Vocal Band (1976) "Fly, Robin, Fly" by Silver Convention (1975) "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone (1977) "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps (1977) "Baby Come Back" by Player (1977) "Magnet and Steel" by Walter Egan (1978)
Note that some of these artists may have released other singles, but these songs are considered their only true hit.
