Rock of ages: Older folks buy

Rock ‘n’ roll never dies, but it’s getting older.

According to a survey by the Recording Industry Assn. of America, rock held steady as the most popular genre in 2002, while those over age 45 emerged as the steadiest music buyers in a depressed market.

The survey, released this week, also found that 2002 was the first year that more CDs were sold at discount department stores and consumer electronics outlets than at specialty record stores.

Earlier this year, the association reported that year-end shipments of CDs, DVDs and tapes totaled $12.6 billion in 2002, down 8% from $13.7 billion in 2001.

Purchases by fans 45 and older rose to 25.5% from 23.7% a year earlier, the survey said. Rock reigned as the music purchased most, representing 24.7% of the market, the survey said, followed by rap or hip-hop and urban/R&B; recordings.

From Reuters