What invention began the modern music industry?

The invention of the phonograph by Thomas Edison in 1877 marked the beginning of the modern music industry. This device allowed for the recording and playback of sound, enabling music to be distributed and consumed on a mass scale for the first time. The phonograph revolutionized how music was produced, marketed, and experienced, paving the way for the development of record labels and the commercial music market. As a result, it laid the foundation for the diverse music industry we know today.