Ongoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: When it comes to music vs. tech, tech almost always wins (part 2)

Musical purists have always been wary of how new technologies might affect what they do. In the 1920s, musicians and record companies were frightened to death of a new thing called “radio” for a couple of reasons.

First, if people could hear music in their homes for free, why would they ever go out to see musical performances ever again? Second, if radio stations played records, who would ever buy records? In both cases, the fear was that this new tech would wipe out hundreds if not thousands of jobs. There were protests and strikes and demands that radio stations not be allowed to play records as part of their daily programming.

After a period of adjustment, everyone realized that music on the radio was a good thing for everyone and things settled down.

But not for long. See part 1 Ongoing History Daily: When it comes to music vs. tech here.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39178 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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