Firsts in Music History

The flute is the oldest known musical instrument, dating back to at least 40,000 years ago.

Johann Sebastian Bach is considered to be the father of Western music due to his immense contributions to the development of music theory and composition.

Orfeo, composed by Claudio Monteverdi, is considered to be the first opera ever written.

Symphony No. 1 in C major, composed by Joseph Haydn, is considered to be the first symphony ever written.

Violin Concerto in A minor, composed by Antonio Vivaldi, is considered to be the first concerto ever written.

Sonata for Violin and Continuo in G minor, composed by Arcangelo Corelli, is considered to be the first sonata ever written.

Livery Stable Blues, recorded by the Original Dixieland Jass Band in 1917, is considered to be the first jazz song ever recorded.

Rocket 88, recorded by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats in 1951, is considered to be the first rock and roll song ever recorded.

Rapper's Delight, recorded by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979, is considered to be the first hip hop song ever recorded.

Forbidden Planet, composed by Louis and Bebe Barron in 1956, is considered to be the first electronic music song ever recorded.

The Prisoner's Song, recorded by Vernon Dalhart in 1924, is considered to be the first country music song ever recorded.

Crazy Blues, recorded by Mamie Smith in 1920, is considered to be the first blues song ever recorded.

My Boy Lollipop, recorded by Millie Small in 1964, is considered to be the first reggae song ever recorded.

El Manicero, recorded by Machito and his Afro-Cubans in 1943, is considered to be the first salsa song ever recorded.

Chega de Saudade, recorded by João Gilberto in 1958, is considered to be the first bossa nova song ever recorded.