Karaoke. The word conjures up images of wannabe singers in crowded bars, belting out lyrics to famous songs. Singing karaoke music, however, is a fun way to party and bring friends together!

Karaoke is a word formed from putting two Japanese words together. "Kara" that comes from Karappo and means empty, and "Oke", shortened from Okesutura meaning "orchestra". So Karaoke literally means "empty orchestra".

Karaoke music was first developed in the region of Kobe, Japan, where people would sing along to music videos minus the original vocals. Eager partiers would sing along to the songs while following the song lyrics on a video screen.

This phenomenon became hugely popular in Japan in the 1970's. Since then, it has succeeded in becoming a tremendous form of worldwide entertainment.