The TR-808 Drum Machine Changed the Sound of Pop Music Forever.

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  • Author(s): Abdurraqib, Hanif
  • Source:
    Smithsonian. Jul/Aug2020, Vol. 51 Issue 4, p10-10. 1p.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      ROLAND drum machine; DRUM machine; ROLAND Corp.; SEXUAL Healing (Music); GAYE, Marvin, 1939-1984
    • Abstract:
      The article looks at the history of the Roland TR-808 drum machine developed by the Japanese company Roland during the 1980s. Topics include the significant role of the drum machine in propelling Marvin Gaye's 1982 music release "Sexual Healing" to the top of the music charts, how the 808 creates and stores sound, and the complaints of some critics of the machine such as its expensive cost and the semiconductors used.