If music soothes the savage beast, then the karaoke phenomenon can be credited with pleasing party animals all over the world.

With karaoke, anyone can be in the spotlight. Singing is a great stress reliever and the perfect way to leave your worries at the doorstep. Besides, singing makes you feel good and it's just plain fun. A karaoke machine is a great way to have a blast with your friends and family and it's the perfect starting point to building your own in-house jam session.

When translated, karaoke means "empty orchestra". The term is derived from two Japanese words: Kara, which means "empty" and Oke, short for "okesutora". Karaoke entertainment systems supply pre-recorded musical scores of popular songs without singing. Karaoke performers follow lyrics on a video screen as the music plays on, providing the words they need to sing along.

Karaoke music and parties have fully swept Asia, and is now making a solid presence in North America. Since the first virtual concert machine was introduced in 1970's Japan, karaoke parties have favorite pastimes for music aficionados of all stripes. Karaoke became so popular, the media adopted the term to use on occasions when a live performance was substituted by pre-recorded or "canned" music.

Japanese traditions are rich with musical elements. This form of entertainment is reflected in Japanese culture, history and mythology. Even Samurais use music, singing and dancing as part of their training and education.

The history of karaoke can be traced back to the early 1970's, and a singer named Daisuke Inoue. A crowd favorite at a bar called Utagoe Kissa, Inoue was often asked to provide recordings of his music so that fans could sing along. Realizing the potential, Inoue created a tape recorder that played a song for a 100-yen coin. At that time, 100-yen was about the price of two typical lunches, so it was considered expensive to use this new music machine. Even so, the combination of old-time jukebox and future karaoke machine proved to be a huge hit in Japan. Inoue decided that instead of selling the machines, he would lease them so that the stores and bars would not have to purchase new songs on their own.

The invention proved such an important social success that Daisuke Inoue was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. The basis of his award was for "providing an entirely new way for people to learn to tolerate each other."

Since the early 1980s, "Karaoke Time" has been a popular form of entertainment in east Asia. The karaoke phenomenon spread like a global virus, taking on other parts of the world. The popularity of karaoke reached record highs and it became a very productive industry. It wasn't long until the karaoke craze hit North America and took the continent by storm.

This new entertainment import flourished in the western world. Enterprising Americans quickly saw the potential of investing in this new type of entertainment. It provided cool, relaxing fun and was able to bring people together in a patient and tolerant manner. Nightclubs and karaoke bars known as "KTV boxes" began to open across North America, bringing new venues, software and equipment to eager performers.

Since its inception in the United States and other western countries, people have begun to take karaoke more seriously. American bars are unlikely to have karaoke seven nights a week as they do in East Asia. Many however, have upgraded their equipment from the small, standalone machines that started the craze over two decades ago. Crowds can follow song lyrics on television screens displayed throughout the bars, and some even offer big screen TVs.

Many North American homes have also welcomed the karaoke sensation. From inexpensive machines for kids to pricey high-end versions, home karaoke machines can be connected to a pre-existing entertainment center, allowing family and friends to join in the fun. When performers tire of the karaoke music on hand, they can simply go online to download karaoke tracks from the Internet. With music available on the web, plus a couple of computer speakers and a microphone, you don't even need a karaoke machine to sing like a star.

If you've always wanted to be a star, karaoke is a great way to get your fifteen minutes of fame. Grab the mic and get in tune with the party animal in you!