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Karaoke Machine Inventor Shigeichi Negishi Dies at 100

Negishi's 'Sparko Box,' the world's first karaoke machine, revolutionized global music culture and entertainment.

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Shigeichi Negishi, the inventor of karaoke, holds a karaoke machine. A stock image of a karaoke machine is pictured with a microphone. Negishi has died at the age of 100.
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Overview

  • Shigeichi Negishi, the inventor of the karaoke machine, has passed away at the age of 100.
  • Negishi invented the first karaoke machine, dubbed the 'Sparko Box,' in 1967, sparking a global music culture phenomenon.
  • Despite not patenting his invention, Negishi's creation has led to a worldwide karaoke market expected to grow to $6.8 billion by 2032.
  • Negishi's invention was initially met with resistance from live performers, but has since become a staple in entertainment worldwide.
  • Negishi is survived by three children, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.