The record industry experienced a unique 100-year period between the 1890s and 1990s when artists could profit significantly from selling physical copies of their music. This era began with the invention of sound recording in the 1890s and started declining with the rise of the internet in the 1990s.

Previously, musicians like Mozart earned income primarily through live performances, patronage, and sheet music sales. The record industry emerged when electronics companies like Sony and Columbia started producing records to make their record players more valuable. The music itself proved more profitable than the hardware.

Key transitions in the industry included:

• Pre-1890s: Revenue from live performances and sheet music
• 1890s-1990s: Primary revenue from physical music sales (records, tapes, CDs)
• Post-2000s: Shift to digital distribution and streaming

Today's music industry offers different revenue opportunities through:

• Digital distribution platforms
• Social media promotion
• Direct fan engagement
• Live performances
• Merchandise sales
• Licensing deals

The transition hasn't been smooth - artists like Taylor Swift have pushed back against streaming services over compensation. However, the century of profitable physical music sales was an anomaly in music's longer history. Modern artists must adapt to new business models and revenue streams.

While the traditional record industry model is declining, new opportunities exist for musicians to reach audiences and monetize their work through various channels. Success requires embracing current technology and fan engagement methods rather than relying solely on traditional album sales.

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