Before gaining fame in recorded form, what was the common medium for songs?

The correct answer is sheet music, which served as the primary medium for disseminating songs before the advent of recorded music. In earlier eras, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, sheet music was instrumental in popularizing melodies and lyrics. It allowed composers to distribute their songs by providing a written format for musicians to perform, enabling them to play tunes in homes, saloons, theaters, and other venues.

During this time, individuals often learned music through reading sheet music rather than relying on recorded formats, as vinyl records and radio broadcasts became more common later. The sheet music industry thrived as publishers produced popular songs that could be sold broadly. This distribution method helped establish many popular songs and artists before they transitioned to recordings, laying the groundwork for the modern music industry.