[corrys]

I mostly agree with this sentiment. However, even in the pre-recorded music times there was a pretty clear separation between the music people would play themselves at home and the music they would actively seek out to hear in a more professional environment (churches, concerts etc). When first recording mediums were invented, people were really excited specifically about being able to preserve and listen to the greats, not just any music.

[pessimizer]

Before music was recorded, copyright cops chased people playing songs or trading sheet music, bootleg player piano rolls, and fakebooks. Recording didn't change much - the people playing the music get far less protection or benefit than people who get the songwriting credits and the publishing.