The Oldest Songs: Early Human History and Musical Innovations

The history of music is as old as humanity itself. What we recognize as the first song? This article delves into the origins of music, from ancient times to recorded history. We explore legendary stories and historic events that marked significant moments in the evolution of music.

1860: Au Clair De La Lune

The first documented musical recording, Au Clair De La Lune, was made in 1860 by Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville. This fascinating piece of history sheds light on the early days of sound recording technology. But was it the very first song ever created? Let's explore the earlier origins of music to find out.

The First Recorded Song

Au Clair De La Lune was recorded by Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville in 1860. The earliest known piece of music available for listening, it has a haunting, melodic quality that captivates those fortunate enough to hear it. This important milestone in the history of music marks the birth of recorded sound and paves the way for future advancements in the field.

300,000 Years Ago: The Origins of Rock and Roll

Long before the invention of electricity and the electric guitar, the first rock song was sung by a prehistoric man named Og Rognarg Furback. This early Stone Age musician's song title, "Rawrraaargh! Yargh! Translation: Ow! My Finger!", dates back over 300,000 years ago. Og began his musical journey with a couple of large stones for rhythm and progressively evolved into a jazz fusion style, eventually becoming the first "Rock Song" and the first "One Hit Wonder."

The story goes that Og's song was inspired during a rock transport chain. One of his companions accidentally dropped a rock on another's foot, causing pain and inspiring a wailing and jumping dance move. The early humans found this amusing and began imitating Og's actions, thus creating the first instances of song and dance simultaneously. Today, Og Furback is performing a residency in Las Vegas, two shows a day, four days a week, continuing a musical legacy that spans millennia.

Ancient Legends: The Genesis of Song

According to an entertaining yet unverified legend, the origins of song can be traced back even further to early human history. In the Old Testament, Genesis 4, it is mentioned that Lamech, a man from the time before the Flood, sang the first recorded lyrics, boasting of killing a man. This tale, reminiscent of Johnny Cash's famous song in the late 20th century, "Bad Reputation," suggests that the act of singing and the creation of music has been an important aspect of human culture for thousands of years.

In both these stories, the act of creating music was not just about entertainment, but also about communication and cultural development. The creation of song and dance, however primitive, reflects the early human's ability to express emotions and connect with each other in meaningful ways.

While these stories may not have rigorous historical evidence, they provide a compelling narrative about the evolution of music. They remind us that the history of music is as profound and diverse as human civilization itself.

Key Points Summary:

The first recorded song, Au Clair De La Lune, dates back to 1860. Og Rognarg Furback is credited with the first "Rock Song" and "One Hit Wonder" dating back 300,000 years ago. Lamech's song in Genesis 4 marks one of the earliest recorded instances of lyrics being sung in the Old Testament.

Through these stories, we gain a better understanding of the importance of music in human culture and its evolution over time. Whether through ancient legends or recorded history, music has always played a significant role in human expression and communication.