Programming and Scripting :: BASH parameter

Hi,
When I call e.g. xmms from shell, the shell is blocked until xmms is closed. I know there is a parameter in bash which I have to add to free the shell already before closing the called program. I forgot it can you please help me?

Thanks,
Holger

Adding "&" at the end of the line, e.g: xmms &

original here.