This Moment in Music History for 06-21-2024

Music History Daily

21-06-2024 • 2 mins

On June 21, 1948, Columbia Records introduced the 33⅓ rpm long-playing record, also known as the "LP" or "album." This groundbreaking format revolutionized the music industry and the way people listened to music.

The 33⅓ rpm LP was developed by Columbia Records engineer Peter Carl Goldmark. It offered several advantages over the existing 78 rpm records, which could only hold about 3 to 5 minutes of music per side. The new LP records could hold up to 23 minutes of music per side, allowing for the release of longer classical pieces, jazz performances, and collections of popular songs.

The extended playing time also provided artists with the opportunity to create cohesive albums, rather than just focusing on singles. This shift led to the development of the "concept album" and helped establish the album as an art form in its own right.

The first LP released was Columbia Masterworks ML4001, which featured Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, performed by violinist Nathan Milstein with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Bruno Walter.

The introduction of the LP format also led to the development of new recording techniques, improved sound quality, and the creation of album cover art as a means of expression and marketing. The LP remained the dominant format for music distribution until the advent of the compact disc (CD) in the 1980s.

In summary, June 21, 1948, marks a significant milestone in music history with the introduction of the 33⅓ rpm long-playing record by Columbia Records, which transformed the way music was recorded, distributed, and enjoyed by listeners worldwide.

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