Karaoke's Beginning, Favorite Songs, And 'Stinkers'

1950saw Irv Kratka start his record label, “Music Minus One” that played classical music. In 1952, he added music from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s and meant for vocalists to sing along with a band. Kratka married jazz to his novel idea and it enabled musicians of all instruments to play along with professional tracks. The MMO label moved from LPs, to tapes, and CDs with screens for the lyrics. Pocket Tunes was among the first companies to use the CD+G format which shows the lyrics on a screen that can be seen by everyone. Karaoke has become a worldwide source of entertainment and includes music in every genre.

Among the most popular songs for karaoke are: My Heart Will Go On , Proud Mary, What A Wonderful World, The Time of My Life, Thriller, Ghostbusters, Come Away With Me, I Just Called To Say I Love You, Eye Of The Tiger, Theme From Rocky, Like A Virgin, It's Your Love, Total Eclipse Of The Heart, I Feel Lucky, Once Bitten, Twice Shy and Time After Time.

Karaoke regulars have wide opinions of which songs should NOT be attempted. Hey Jude and Piano Man were nixed because they were too long. Take On Me, I'm Too Sexy, Love Shack, Paradise By The Dashboard Light have also received 'thumbs down.' Other unsingables were: Unchained Melody, American Pie, and November Rain. Some karaoke 'experts' said that these songs should be buried as they are so tired. They are: My Way, Copacabana, Head Over Heels and Grunge. Some songs were too long or too sad or just plain old worn out. Opinions are as varied as the songs available. It seems that karaoke has hit taverns and homes as well. Anyone can be a star...well almost.