Customer Reviews

America on Record: A History of Recorded Sound

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Mr. Millard has done an extraordinary job of documenting the recording industry from Edison's invention of the phonograph to the present day. He integrates the social, technical and business issues into an easy-to-read, almost "unputdownable" form. Parallels in broadcasting and motion pictures are given the necessary coverage as well. To a student of recorded sound, the references and bibliography are invaluable.

"America on Record" is well named as it focuses on the sounds, styles and eras of recorded music in America. If you are a collector of old records and early phonographs I suggest buying this book which can be obtained very economically AND also buying a copy of Roland Gelatts "The Fabulous Phonograph". The first is an unequaled source on the musical eras of America. The second book tells the story of the machines that played that music.
The book starts with the early days of recorded sound and brings the reader forward in time all the way to the creation of The CD. It is a fairly easy read but definately a reference book containing VERY detailed histories of the music industry, technologies and audiences.
For me this book is important as a valuable resource that focuses on many aspects of the history of music not covered by "The Fabulous Phonograph". America on Record can be bought in used condition for almost nothing. So buy it!