Vivian Leigh

I'm kind of in awe that at one point, a whole artistic industry existed where people got paid and people got to take chances.

And it was all because an electronics company wanted to sell some laser discs.

Karaoke, as a form of entertainment, of course, made it out of this period just fine.

It's been surfing the wave of technology from the very first machine to 8-tracks to Laserdisc to CDG to being available on every single phone because of YouTube.

Singing at the top of our lungs in a dark room with our best friends is a pastime that will never go out of style.

But for a very brief, spectacular moment, karaoke also created an opportunity for a lot of people to explore something they loved and make something that they cared about, even if no one was watching.

99% Invisible was produced this week by me, Vivian Leigh, and edited by our senior editor, Delaney Hall.

Mixed by Martin Gonzalez.

Music by Swan Real, George Langford, and Jamila Sandoto.

Fact-checking by Graham Haisha.

Special thanks this week to Hardy Haberman and Jackson Roach.

Brian Raftery has a new book out now about, of all things, Hannibal Lecter.

It's called Hannibal Lecter, A Life.

Also, if at any point during this episode you found yourself wondering, I wonder what it's like to play a Teletubby.

Well, you're in luck.

Nikki Smedley also has a book.

It's called Over the Hills and Far Away, My Life as a Teletubby.

It is a delightful read, so you should check it out.

Kathy Tu is our executive producer.

Kurt Kolstad is our digital director.