Long before mankind became civilized, humans had the ability to put their vocal chords to use and sing. But it wasn’t until a few decades ago that people were introduced to karaoke, a staple of amateur entertainment. Meaning “empty orchestra” in Japanese, karaoke allows people to put their skills to the test by singing over prerecorded music—usually in a bar or party atmosphere. But how did this globally celebrated activity get so popular? 

How Karaoke Evolved Over the Years

Developed by a Drummer

The first karaoke machine was invented by Daisuke Inoue in 1971 in Japan. As a drummer who had played songs in bars as others sang along, Inoue sought out a way to play his music without having to drum. The result was the Juke 8, a device that blended a cassette player, microphone, and amplifier into one convenient, coin-operated package.  

From the Bar to the Box

Karaoke quickly caught on and became an essential activity for people all across Japan. Despite this popularity, some had reservations about hosting loud parties at their homes and performing in front of strangers in a bar. But, when the karaoke box came onto the scene in the 1980s, more people seemed to gravitate toward the fun. Essentially, the “box” was a private soundproof space where small groups could gather to sing in front of a smaller crowd.

Amateur Hour Comes to America

As Japan and other countries rapidly caught karaoke fever, the U.S. was a little more reluctant to adopt the trend. The first American karaoke bar—known as Dimples—emerged in Burbank, CA, in 1982, introducing the Hollywood crowds to a new way to become a star. In 1986, the singing machine gained traction when it was featured in the Talking Heads’ music video “Wild Wild Life.” Soon after, people across the country were traveling to bars to belt out their favorite tunes.

Lyrics Lead the Way

One of the biggest developments in karaoke evolution was the introduction of video screens. In the 1990s, bar patrons were able to select tracks from jukebox-like machines that would display lyrics to help them sing along. Laser discs could also be loaded into other devices to give participants instant access to their favorite songs. Since then, having words to follow along with the music has been standard for karaoke fans.

Whether you’re a seasoned singer or a first-time performer, you can experience all of the fun of modern karaoke at Gilly’s Sports Bar. Located in Dunwoody, GA, this local bar gives patrons a chance to show their talents every Saturday between 9:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. If singing isn’t your thing, you can stop by for the venue’s other exciting offerings, including happy hour specials, trivia nights, craft beer, and poker games. Visit this hot spot online for more details about their events, or call (770) 817-2789 to speak with a friendly staff member.