History of Music Magazines

Where it all began?

The American music magazine Billboard, now owned by Prometheus Global Media, was the first published on November 1st 1894. It did not become well known until 1936 when sales began to rise. 

Billboard is the oldest trade magazine in the world.

The UK 

Music magazines were very popular in the UK - NME (New Music Express) leading sales since its first issue in 1952.

Where are we now? 

Unfortunately, with the rise of the internet, music magazines are becoming less popular, and in 2001, NME circulation fell due to this.

History of Music Magazines 

1894: Billboard (became well know in 1936)

This magazine was probably one of the most well known music magazines since it was first published. However, its first issues were not made to be about music, but rather to be for the interest of advertisers, poster printers, bill posters and advertising agents. Over the years it has developed into the popular glossy magazine it is now.  

1926: Melody Maker

This particular magazine was first created for the classical and jazz genre. It was originally for musicians, but as the popularity increased, it began to alter its content to fit with the more recent music. Further development came when it changed from its original newspaper format to its glossy design now.

1952: NME (New Music Express)

NME is perhaps the most successful magazine in the UK since its publish in 1952. Similar to Melody Maker and Billboard - its format was like a newspaper and its content focused on what was developing at the time.

1926: Rolling Stone 

This magazine was the first music magazine to identify the culture in music. It looked at issues surrounding music, like the politics of it and began to focus on music from more of a social side, meaning that it was perhaps less informative, but more creative and relevant in comparison to its competitors  beforehand.

1978: Smash Hits

Following from 'Rolling Stone', this magazine was now looking at the more relevant music ideas and was aimed predominately at teens. It had sections like the lyrics to the latest songs in the charts - creating the new idea of magazines specifically designed for ages and focusing on one particular genre.

1981: Kerrang!

This is one of the most well known alternative or rock magazines to date. It has a specific design and function, following the path of 'Smash Hits' and includes things that are aimed more at the younger generation.