Routledge - Breaking Records: 100 Years of Hits Book

Explore the evolution of the American record business through a comprehensive survey history. Breaking Records: 100 Years of Hits by Routledge tracks the growth of the industry from its early beginnings at the turn of the twentieth century to its massive scale at the start of the twenty-first century. This book examines the industry through two distinct lenses. It provides a detailed look at the financial and commercial side, covering sales, competition, and the economic forces that shaped the market. It also explores the musical side, focusing on the musicians and the songs that defined the era. Whether you are interested in the business of music or the cultural impact of major hits, this text provides a deep look at how the industry reached a scale of 785 million albums by the year 2000. It is a detailed account of how a small business transformed into a global powerhouse.