R.: We want to ask you more specifically about the music on the radio today compared to the music that was broadcast in the past, as we know that you began your radio career as a music editor.

I.: Actually, one of the greatest technological advances for music was the invention of recording on records and later on tape and CD's. Before music could be recorded, it could only be heard live or on the radio as live concert broadcasts. Recorded music allowed the performer to record the music and edit it until it reached high levels of perfection. A live performance sometimes had errors or other problems not allowing such high levels of performance. Until the 1950's there weren't so many types of music. In 1955, Bill Haley and the Comets released "Rock Around the Clock" and "Rock 'n Roll" was born. As Rock, and later in the 60's, Pop were developed more and more types of music were developed and made popular by the radio on disks and TV. Today there are over 50 types of music produced and played .(See one list here.) As more and more music styles developed, more radio stations began to specialize in broadcasting particular styles. There are stations that specialize in House Rock, Metal Rock, Country & Western, Album Music, Top 40's, Blues, Dance & DJ's, Gospel and many others. 

R.: How would you define the differences between the different types of music?

I.: That is really difficult. For example, originally Oldie's music was music from the 50's to mid 60's, but last year one of my British colleagues showed me a list  of oldies that had music from the 70's. I mentioned that to him, but he said that today those are also oldies. Pop was originally related to Pop Art and the hippies, long haired and jean wearing. Today pop music is often considered mainstream popular music. Originally, rock music was the first music with electric instruments. You can create your own Dance and House Rock at home just with electronic instruments like the synthesizer. I've heard lectures by many experts and there is much difference of  opinion. about the definitions of all the music styles.

 .: Is there a unique Israeli music today?

I.: There are many local influences, but today the world of music is part of the "global village".  With MTV and radio broadcast around the world 24 hours a day on the internet, people are exposed to all kinds of music almost as soon as it recorded. You can order a CD from across the world and get it by mail in less than a week. I remember years ago how happy we were when a friend who visited Europe brought back a single disk. We all gathered around him to hear what was new and "in". Today anyone can be totally aware of what's going on in the music scene all over the world.  That is why  modern music is so similar all over the world.

R., Y. and R.: Thanks for meeting us and telling us so much about the radio. We really learned a lot.

 I.: It was my pleasure. Come again!

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