The History of Vinyl

From the first syllable of recorded time - this is the story of plastic that shook the world, a guide to the key players and events which shaped the record's development. Read the first part of our history of vinyl, 1850 to 1879, with audio.
Section Summaries
1850-1879
Edison, paraffin paper
1880-1889
Graham Bell, wax cylinders
1890-1899
Berliner, shellac
1900-1909
Enrico Caruso, victrola
1910-1919
Decca, portable
1920-1929
Al Jolson, orthophonics
1930-1939
Abbey Road studio, juke-boxes.
1940-1949
PVC, 12" born, microgrooves
1950-1959
Rock'n'roll, 7" format
1960-1969
The Golden Age of Vinyl
