10 Little-Known Facts About the History of Music That Shocked Us

Music has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, but some stories and facts about its history remain surprisingly unknown. From ancient inventions to unexpected influences, the world of music holds many secrets that can change the way we think about it. Here are ten little-known facts about music’s past that might just shock you.

The Oldest Known Song Was Written Over 3,400 Years Ago

The “Hurrian Hymn No. 6,” discovered in modern-day Syria, is the oldest surviving piece of written music. Dating back to around 1400 BCE, the song was inscribed on a clay tablet using cuneiform script. It provides instructions for playing a lyre, showing that sophisticated musical notation existed far earlier than most people realize.

Beethoven Continued Composing Even After Going Deaf

Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the greatest composers, began losing his hearing in his late 20s and eventually became almost completely deaf. Despite this, he continued to compose some of his most famous works, including the Ninth Symphony, relying on his inner ear and deep understanding of music rather than actual sound.

Music Was Once Banned in Certain Cultures

Throughout history, some rulers and societies have banned or restricted music for various reasons:

• In 17th-century England, certain church authorities opposed the use of musical instruments during worship.
• Some religious groups believed music could lead to immoral behavior and prohibited it.
• During China’s Cultural Revolution, many traditional forms of music were suppressed to promote political ideology.

The First Recorded Use of the Word “Rock and Roll” Was in the 1950s

While the style of music existed earlier, the term “rock and roll” was popularized in the early 1950s by DJ Alan Freed. He used it to describe the energetic, rhythm-driven music that would soon revolutionize the music industry and youth culture around the world.

Music and Mathematics Have Been Linked for Thousands of Years

The ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras discovered that musical notes could be expressed through mathematical ratios. By studying the lengths of vibrating strings, he showed how harmony and scales were based on simple numerical relationships. This idea influenced both music theory and mathematics for centuries.

The First Music Video Was Made in the 1920s

Long before MTV and YouTube, short films featuring music performances were created in the 1920s. These “soundies” were shown on visual jukeboxes in public places, combining music and moving images to entertain audiences. This early form of music video paved the way for modern audiovisual music experiences.

Vinyl Records Were Originally Made from Shellac

Before vinyl became the standard material for records, early recordings were pressed on shellac, a natural resin. Shellac records were heavier and more fragile than vinyl and produced a rougher sound. Vinyl’s introduction in the 1940s brought better durability and audio quality, shaping the music industry for decades.

Some of the World’s Most Famous Songs Were Written in Unexpected Places

Many iconic songs were created during unusual circumstances or locations:

• The Beatles wrote much of the “White Album” on a remote island retreat.
• Bob Dylan composed “Blowin’ in the Wind” while on a road trip through the American South.
• Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” was pieced together in various studios over months, reflecting its complex nature.

Music Has Played a Role in Historical Events and Movements

Beyond entertainment, music has influenced social and political change:

• Spirituals and folk songs helped enslaved people communicate and maintain hope.
• Protest songs became anthems of civil rights and anti-war movements in the 20th century.
• National anthems have united countries, sometimes sparking pride or controversy.

The Earliest Electronic Instruments Date Back Nearly 100 Years

The Theremin, invented in 1920, is one of the first electronic musical instruments. It’s unique because it’s played without physical contact—musicians move their hands near two antennas to control pitch and volume. The eerie sounds it produces have appeared in film scores and experimental music ever since.