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The History of Vinyl

A DJ does some scratching

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



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