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The Renaissance begins which sees the start of Greek and Roman classic styles. Secular music becomes very popular.
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This period sees the birth of opera. Jacopo Peri produces "Dafne" in 1598.
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The Baroque period originates in Europe. It is described by strict musical forms and highly ornamental works.
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This year marks the end of the Baroque period. Instead, the Classical period begins with the emergence of symphonies and string quartets
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West African rhythms, work songs, chants and spirituals are introduced to America due to the Slave Trade. This strongly influence blues and jazz music
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Sound recording is invented by Thomas Edison
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Ragtime is created, a combination of European musical form and West Indian rhythm.
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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
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Debut of electric guitars.
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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."
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The Jamaican film "The Harder They Come" begins the rise of reggae music in the United States.
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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.
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The movie "Saturday Night Fever" begins the disco inferno.
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Sony introduces the Walkman, which was the first portable stereo made.
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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
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MTV is introduced promoting music videos on air. They debut with "Video Killed the Radio Star."
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The vinyl begins to decline with the arrival of compact discs (CDs).
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Vinyl is outsold by CDs.
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The grunge movement begins. This is described by distorted guitars, dispirited vocals, and flannel.
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CDs begin to overtake cassette tapes as the favored medium to listen to recorded music.
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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum opens in Cleveland.
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The internet changes the music scene as companies provide free music through the internet without paying copyright fees.
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Apple introduces the Apple iTunes Music Store, allowing people to instantaneously download songs for 99 cents each.