First use of the term “world music”

American ethnomusicologist Robert “Bob” Brown (1927–2005) is widely credited with first circulating “world music” as the catch-all term for popular music originating from or influenced by non-Western musical traditions. In the 21st century, the “more relevant, modern and inclusive” term “global music” gained traction, culminating in the Grammy Awards’ decision to change the wording of their Best World Music Album category – first awarded in 1992 – to Best Global Music Album in time for the 63rd Grammys on 14 March 2021. The first winner of the renamed category was Nigerian singer/songwriter and producer Burna Boy (b. Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu) with Twice as Tall (2020).

From 1961, Brown developed the concept of world music at the Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, coining the term as a way of distinguishing the institution’s new PhD programme from its existing ethnomusicology courses. A key component of Brown's vision was to invite performers from Asia and Africa to the campus to enhance the students’ learning process. He founded the Center for World Music (now based in San Diego, California) in 1973 and was the organization’s long-time president until his death in 2005. He also served as Chairman of the Department of Music at San Diego State University.

In his earlier years, as an acclaimed musician in his own right, Brown performed pop numbers with his band, Bobby Brown and His Swingsters. The Robert E. Brown Center for World Music, at the University of Illinois School of Music, was named in his honour and was gifted his extensive collection of instruments from around the world and his library of recordings and books.