Category: Music > Phonograph
The invention of the phonograph by Thomas Edison in 1877 revolutionized the way people experienced music, transforming it from a live, ephemeral event into a recorded commodity that could be reproduced and enjoyed at any time. Before the phonograph, music was primarily performed live, which meant that audiences had to be present to experience it. The ability to capture sound on wax cylinders allowed for the preservation of musical performances, enabling listeners to enjoy their favorite songs repeatedly, thus creating a new relationship between the audience and music. This innovation not only democratized access to music, as people could listen at home regardless of their social status, but it also influenced the music industry, encouraging artists to create recordings specifically for this new medium and paving the way for the modern music landscape we know today.