The Roland TR-808: Production, Diffusion, and Influence (1980–1990)

1. Roland begins TR-808 production run

   Jan 1, 1980Labels: Roland TR-808, Roland Corporation

   • Roland
   • TR 808 Wiki

2. Ryuichi Sakamoto releases B-2 Unit

   Sep 21, 1980Labels: Ryuichi Sakamoto, B-2 Unit

   • B 2 Unit
   • TR 808 Wiki

3. Phil Collins releases “In the Air Tonight”

   Jan 9, 1981Labels: Phil Collins, In the

   • In Air Tonight
   • Drum machine

4. LinnDrum launches, accelerating the “realism” trend

   Jan 1, 1982Labels: LinnDrum, LM-2

   • LinnDrum
   • TR 808 Story

5. Afrika Bambaataa releases “Planet Rock”

   Apr 17, 1982Labels: Afrika Bambaataa, Planet Rock

   • Planet Rock
   • TR 808 Wiki

6. Marvin Gaye releases “Sexual Healing” single

   Oct 9, 1982Labels: Marvin Gaye, Sexual Healing

   • Sexual Healing
   • TR 808 Wiki

7. Roland ends TR-808 production

   Dec 31, 1982Labels: Roland TR-808, Roland Corporation

   • TR 808 Story
   • TR 808 Wiki

8. TR-808 is discontinued and moves to used market

   Jan 1, 1983Labels: Used Market, Secondhand Gear

   • TR 808 Wiki
   • TR 808 Story

9. Cybotron releases “Clear” on Fantasy

   Jan 1, 1983Labels: Cybotron, Clear

   • Clear song
   • B 2 Unit

10. Run-D.M.C. releases “It’s Like That”

    Aug 10, 1983Labels: Run-D M, It s

    • Run D M
    • It s Like

11. 2 Live Crew releases Miami bass debut album

    Jul 25, 1986Labels: 2 Live, Miami Bass

    • 2 Live Crew
    • Planet Rock

12. Planet Rock: The Album compiles key 808-era singles

    Dec 1, 1986Labels: Planet Rock, Compilation Album

    • Planet Rock LP
    • Planet Rock

13. TR-808 influence consolidates across late-1980s dance music

    Jan 1, 1990Labels: Late 1980s, 808 Influence

    • TR 808 Wiki
    • TR 808 Story