Conversation so far:
What are the origins of popular music?
The genre popular music originated in its modern form in the 1950s, deriving from rock and roll.The term pop song is first recorded as being used in 1926
What are popular music's characteristics?
Pop music is often repetitive to create a rhythmic element that stands out. Pop music is danceable but the lyrics can also be listened to.

Question: What technological developments enabled it
Self-contained rewrite: What technological developments enabled popular music?