Story co-produced with Sadie Kennedy
In the cold, dark months of winter, a warm glow of music and glee barrels from a place where locals and travelers alike join to eat, drink and be merry. Wednesday and Friday night karaoke at O’Malley’s Pub and Grill is a holiday highlight for all to enjoy.
Open since 1994, patrons have gone to O’Malley’s for this iconic American staple for years. Karaoke DJ, Chris Monteith, who has been dj-ing karaoke at O’Malley’s for 22 years has seen regulars sing their hearts out since he was a student at Western Carolina University, to now the newest generation of Western students.
See photos and hear some of the regulars about their experiences at O’Malley’s.
While karaoke is known as an American staple, its origins lie in Kobe, Japan. Karaoke began at a bar when a band failed to show up for their gig. The owner improvised and invited customers up on stage to sing instead.
Karaoke migrated over to the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It was first seen in Asian restaurants. Roberto del Rosario helped karaoke take off when he invented the Sing Along System in 1975. Rosario is a Filipino entrepreneur who is the patentholder of the machine.
Karaoke has advanced tremendously over the years. Bars are putting on Karaoke nights more frequently all across the United States and bringing in karaoke DJ’s. A study by IbisWorld show there are 1,505 karaoke bars in the United States. The karaoke market size is expected to surpass $6,127.8 million by 2030 according to Globe News Wire.
Reporter Sadie Kennedy is employed at O’Malley’s
