Final answer:
The 1991 album 'Nevermind' is what launched Nirvana to fame, signifying the rise of grunge music to the mainstream and spotlighting the influence of the Seattle music scene.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1991 album that launched Nirvana to fame is Nevermind. This pivotal album not only catapulted the Seattle-based trio to stardom but also marked the moment when grunge music exploded into mainstream consciousness. With songs like Smells Like Teen Spirit leading the charge, Nevermind dramatically shifted the musical landscape and became a defining soundtrack of the early 1990s. This phenomenon demonstrated the influential role of geography in the music industry as record companies sought to capitalize on the success of the Seattle music scene, leading to a surge of interest in other Seattle bands like Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains.