Recording industry is the group of businesses involved in the production and sale of such sound recordings as compact discs (CD's) and cassette tapes. Hundreds of companies in the United States, and many more in other countries, make up the recording industry.
Each year, millions of musical recordings are made and sold throughout the world. Such recordings enable people to listen to a wide variety of musical styles, including classical, country and western, jazz, blues, rap, and rock. They also enable musicians around the world to learn about one another's musical styles, instruments, and songs. A number of spoken-word recordings, such as instructional records, comedy albums, and dramatic readings, are also made and sold.
Several companies dominate the manufacture and distribution of popular recordings. These companies, called the
