The+Evolution+of+Music+Players

=__Overview__= Music has existed for ages, and has changed, and is changing, like the leaves of fall do year after year. For every change in the music there was an equal or greater change in the listener. And although these were extreme changes, nothing compares to the evolution of the devices that have been delivering us sweet sounds for ages. We have came a long way from the 1st recording of a human voice. Now a days we finding ourselves brushing through digital libraries picking one of a thousands songs. The different devices had unique and extreme impacts on not only the listener but the music industry as well.

=__Pre-1900's __= In the late 1800's the world was introduced to the idea that a voice could be recorded, this was great, but it had little use if the voices could not be played back. In 1877 the Phonograph was invented and gave the world just that. This in itself was a revolutionary idea that shocked the world. The idea that a recorded voice could be heard once again long after that person had passed was mind boggling. This technology very soon found its way to the music industry.

=__A Jump to the 50's __= The phonograph had been critiqued and modified to reproduce music all the way up until the idea of personal music. One of the first and most successful devices to provide personal, on the go music was the @transistor radio. The idea of personal music was revolutionary for a number of reason, for one it was much cheeper than buying a phonograph, and it was beneficial for the user because you could take it anywhere and it wouldn't bother those around you. It also made listening to music a daily activity.This challenged artists to constantly be making more music and then opened up different markets for that of selling music.

=__The 60's and 70's __= Another aspect of music players hit the market in 1964 when 8-track players were invented. The first car radio was a product of Lear Jet Co. Music could with the addition to the stereo 8, be listened to in the car, on the go. It was a defining moment in music history. Making music more available to the public at any time. The stereo 8 was very popular throughout these decades and were part of the reason concerts and recitals saw less action.

=__The 80's__= Possibly the greatest icon of the 80's is the music machine that is the @boom box. It was a stereo with large speakers that could be played for all to hear. This may not seem much like "personal" music, but in fact it was actually made for that purpose. What does every barbecue, house party, or get together need? Music, and the boom box did just that!

In addition to the boom box, there was also a need for a device that could be used more all around. that could take multiple forms, but still use the same technology. The @CD Player took the form of a personal device, a car stereo, and also a boom box. each form had a specific use but it made it simpler for the user to maintain/use, instead of having three or four different devices.

=__2000-Present__= In 2001 a device was released by Apple that revolutionized music and music listening. While the Ipod sent some areas of the market into extinction, it was the first of a line of products that would profoundly change music.