Music Magazines (A history)

Music Magazines Started with Billboard - the first magazine devoted to the music industry, which began in 1894. However, it wasn't until 1936 that they featured the 'music hit parade'  which later developed into the Billboard charts and was responsible for the the foundation of programmes like the American Top 40 and various radio shows. The magazine was aimed at Professionals, but was open to the public.

Melody Maker arrived in 1926 and covered mainly Jazz. By the mid-50s NME had arrived and was in hot competition - a peak for Melody Maker during this competition was when Lennon and McCartney argued over the Beatles split, sending bitchy letters against each other to Melody Maker.

1967 heralded the introduction of Rolling Stone Magazine, which followed the hippy-youth movement. It did this with reflective articles on music and political/social changes and how the two interweave. During the 80s came a wave of new music filled with synth, pop beats and cheesy lyrics. With this new music came new magazines, like Smash Hits! Rolling Stone chose not to change with the times and continued to focus on Rock'n'Roll music, as opposed to this new-fangled pop.