Mind-Blowing Music History Facts: Strange yet Fascinating!

Do you ever find yourself hanging out with friends as they discuss fascinating topics, only to realize you don’t have any exciting facts to contribute? We’ve all been there. Please watch this short video

Luckily, I have just what you need to stand out: interesting facts about music and famous musicians.

Whether your friends listen to pop stars like Beyoncé or violinists like Lindsey Stirling, they’ll enjoy these fun facts.

Through fostering connections and enhancing lives, music is a universal tongue that cuts beyond barriers and cultural boundaries.

With these fun facts, you can all gain a better understanding and appreciation of different types of music.

Today, everyone enjoys music from various genres, styles, artists, and periods. Many great musicians come before us, shaping what we know and love about music today.

In light of this, it’s fundamental to acknowledge the vast and varied cultural backgrounds of those who have contributed to the history of music.

While covering everything in one post—or even in a hundred—would be impossible, I’ve gathered some fascinating highlights from the history of music that are sure to amaze you!

10 Fascinating Music History Facts

1. Plants Grow Faster When Exposed to Sounds
   Believe it or not, certain sound frequencies (125 Hz and 250 Hz) stimulate genes essential for photosynthesis, helping plants grow. Sounds like rainfall or classical music even promotes seed germination and increases yield. Maybe that’s why some gardeners play music in their greenhouses!
2. The Oldest Known Instrument is 50,000 Years Old
   The Neanderthal Flute, carved from a cave bear bone and discovered in Slovenia, dates back at least 50,000 years. Music truly plays a role in human evolution from the very beginning.
3. A Canadian Astronaut Records an Album in Space
   Chris Hadfield releases Space Sessions: Songs from a Tin Can, recorded entirely in space. Featuring original compositions and a cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” it’s music from another world!
4. The World’s Oldest Song Dates Back 3,400 Years
   The Hurrian Hymn Text H6, discovered on clay tablets in Ugarit (modern-day Syria), is the oldest surviving song with notation. This very old melody offers a peep into the music of a gone civilization.
5. Franz Schubert Forgets His Compositions
   Schubert, one of history’s most prolific composers, wrote over 600 songs and numerous orchestral and operatic works by age 31. He’s so busy composing that he sometimes forgets his own music—once exclaiming, “That’s a good song. Who wrote it?” upon hearing a piece of his own!
6. Yuri Gagarin Sings in Space
   The first human in space, Yuri Gagarin, sings Dmitri Shostakovich’s The Homeland Hears during his groundbreaking orbit in 1961. Music connects people to home—even in space.
7. The Beatles Don’t Read Sheet Music
   Despite their incredible success, The Beatles rely on ear training and memory to create their iconic songs. They hum ideas and replicate them with instruments, proving formal training isn’t always necessary for greatness.
8. “Bohemian Rhapsody” Becomes the 20th Century’s Most-Streamed Song
   Queen’s 1975 masterpiece, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” remains a global favorite, amassing over 2.5 billion streams on Spotify alone. Its timeless appeal cements it as one of music’s most iconic pieces.
9. Plants Respond Positively to Music: Certain sound frequencies (125 Hz and 250 Hz) activate genes necessary for photosynthesis, such as Rubisco small sub-unit and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase. Classical or nature-inspired music (like rainfall) promotes seed germination and boosts yield, making music a gardener’s secret weapon.
10. The Spice Girls Don’t Choose Their Names
    Stage names aren’t always carefully crafted. Peter Loraine, the editor of Top of the Pops, gives the Spice Girls their iconic nicknames based on the characters they portray:

• Victoria Beckham: Posh for her sophisticated style.
• Melanie Brown: Scary for her bold personality.
• Geri Halliwell: Ginger for her fiery red hair.
• Emma Bunton: Baby is the youngest member.
• Melanie Chisholm: Sporty for her athletic look and love of tracksuits.

Music History Facts: Bonus Facts

• Elvis Presley holds the title of best-selling solo artist of all time, with over 1 billion sales worldwide.
• A forgotten civilization’s music can be heard in this age-old tune.
• Based on the characters they portray, Top of the Pops editor Peter Loraine gives the Spice Girls their the characters they portray the characters they portray nicknames:
• The completely silent tune “4’33” by John Cage contradicts accepted notions of music.
• Leonard Warren, an opera singer, tragically passes away on stage after singing an aria about death.

Music History: A Journey Worth Exploring

From prehistoric instruments to chart-topping hits, music history brims with surprises and inspiration. Whether you’re a budding musician or a music enthusiast, exploring the past deepens your appreciation for the melodies we enjoy today.

Ready to make your mark on music history? Take a lesson or explore a new genre—you never know where your musical journey takes you!