The ability to record sound has changed the way we communicate, perceive the world around us, and the way we live our every day lives. Before humans were able to capture the sounds they heard onto some kind of recording device, people relied solely on word of mouth and communications among each other and within their own neighborhoods. Written telegraphs, letters, and other messages were the only true way to recount what someone else had said or done. The need for sound recording capabilities was palpable from the beginning of the nation's founding. From the time of Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Adams, meetings were held about the future of the nation and how thing were to be run. Unfortunately, none of these important encounters were able to be recorded and documented. The earliest records of recorded human voices occurred in 1877, when inventor Thomas Edison recorded someone singing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" with a tinfoil cylinder phonograph. At the time, it could record up to three minutes of sound. This was the first successful record of someone being able to record and preserve sounds.
The first records were created in 1881, but at that time there was no machine capable of playing them back. Eventually, however, several inventors came up with new and innovative ways to create instruments or machines that were able to play back recorded sounds. The now historic Gramophone was invented in 1893, and in 1894 over 1,000 of the machines were sold. Over the next several years, this invention took on new forms, and increased in popularity. Later came the phonograph machine, another word for a record player, and it was met with equal success. Soon, flat vinyl records were being created, which provided the public with a means to hear music and spoken word. This was a true breakthrough in the evolution of sound history. Tape reels were the next well-known forms of recorded materials, and this medium revolutionized the world. Film was a totally new way to expose people to the world around them in ways never imagined before.
Today, recorded audio and visual are a part of every day life. Originally, people clamored for recordings so they could better document current events, business meetings, and a way to communicate with others. Now, DVD and CD recorded items are commonplace. Films appear on the big screen, in our homes, and on television sets everywhere we go. The Internet has revolutionized the way we see and hear recorded sound and audio. Now digital formats of media are common, and the tangible items such as vinyl records, tapes, VHS, and even DVD and CD videos are quickly being replaced. Business meetings can now be done via teleconferencing or online. Movies and television are broadcast in high definition, and music often comes in downloadable form. Because of these developments over the last few centuries, sound recordings have been completely revolutionized. Thanks to the innovation of recording capabilities, people can now experience recordings in a clear, crisp way that requires little effort and provides plenty of entertainment for all to enjoy.