On 19 February 1878, Thomas Edison was granted a patent for his groundbreaking invention—the cylinder phonograph—ushering in a new era in auditory history.
This ingenious device, capable of recording and reproducing sound, marked the dawn of recorded music, spoken word, and the preservation of voices beyond their mortal existence.
Edison's invention, initially envisioned for dictation and business communication, soon evolved into an instrument of entertainment and culture, forever altering how humanity interacts with sound.
The phonograph’s legacy paved the way for gramophones, vinyl records, and ultimately, the digital audio revolution of today.