Popular Karaoke Songs And Their Origins

Since the 1980s, singing popular karaoke songs has grown from modest roots to become a worldwide phenomenon.

Depending on whom you believe, the practice of karaoke, was created either by Roberto del Rosario of the Philippines or Daisuke Inoue of Japan. The former is the one who holds the patent and claims to have invented it in 1975. He called it the sing-along machine, but only took out the patent in the 1980s. Daisuke Inoue, on the other hand was said to have devised the system, to take a break from his musical career of accompanying singing businessmen. The definition of karaoke is 'empty orchestra' as it is derived from the Japanese words 'karappo', which translates as empty, and 'okesutora' which is Japanese for orchestra. An alternate legend asserts that a club owner in Kobe began with the practice by offering the audience the chance to take to the stage, when a performer due to appear that night, canceled due to illness.

The Japanese have been fond of singing at social gatherings long before the advent of karaoke and were quick to embrace the trend once it took off. To them it is more about the fun of taking part, than the pressure of giving a command performance. As everyone joins in, ties of friendship are formed and cemented.

It is easy to see why many bar owners are eager to host karaoke. After making the initial investment in the equipment, no band needs to be compensated. For a karaoke jockey or KJ, as they are termed by the karaoke crowd, choose someone who will get the crowd on their feet and applauding each performance. The KJ should not favor any specific singer, but treat each and every one of them as the budding star they might believe themselves to be. You never know. Today's karaoke queen might well pop up among the hopefuls of next year's 'Idols' on television.

Some clubs are karaoke clubs attracting the true dedicated fans of karaoke, whereas others may have a karaoke night to attract business. The appeal of getting on stage and singing in front of an audience has a direct appeal to the star within us. The songs available are listed on a sheet that may be grouped into several sub-lists. For example one may say Female Solo Artists, or another may be by a general title such as Love Ballads, or even by artist. Each song has a number, and that is the number you write down on a piece of paper to give to the KJ. Then simply relax and wait for your name or song to be called.

Expressing your inner superstar through singing popular karaoke songs is as enduring as the pleasure derived from listening to good music.

For a more in depth analysis of what goes on behind the most popular karaoke songs, check out the history of the music studio producers and how they got into the music industry.

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