The 25th Anniversary Of The CD

Hidden among today’s headlines of industry upheaval and horrible happenings around the globe was a
small item that almost went unnoticed. August 17th marks the Silver Anniversary of the often silver discs we know as CD’s.

Compact Discs may be on the way out in the digital age. But they were quite a technological marvel when they were first manufactured on August 17, 1982 in Hanover Germany. Almost instantly CD’s were a huge hit and by 1986, CD players were outselling record players. By 1988 CD’s outsold records.

CD’s have proven to be both the savior and part of the downfall of the music industry. Income from the massive conversion of record collections from vinyl to CD fueled label profits throughout the late 80’s and 90’s. But almost a decade ago when Mike Dreese the owner of indie record store chain Newbury Comics told the trades that blank CD’s were outselling pre-recorded ones many realized that the industry might be in trouble. Then came Napster…

Like on all anniversaries, this 25th is a good time to reflect upon how the digital age of music began and how far it has to go.