The phonograph, invented by Thomas Edison in 1877, was the first device that could record and reproduce sound. This invention made it possible to mass-produce music, which led to the development of the modern music industry.
Before the phonograph, music could only be heard live or through handwritten sheet music. This limited the availability of music and made it difficult for people to share their favorite songs. The phonograph changed all of that. It allowed people to record and listen to music whenever they wanted, and it also made it possible for music to be shared with people all over the world.