Thomas Alva Edison
(February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931)

American inventor, scientist, and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world. Edison is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history, holding 1,093 US patents in his name (most taken from his employees) and many more around the world. Edison originated the concept and implemented electric-power generation and distribution to homes, businesses, and factories – a crucial development in the modern industrialized world.

1877, The first device for recording and playing back sound. Patents the Phonograph. Concentrates on Electic Lighting. Therefore, doesn’t have any role in the development of the Phonograph for nearly a decade.

1887, Edison Labs turned their attention back to improving the phonograph and the phonograph cylinder record.

1888, Edison company debuted the Perfected Phonograph and 2 minute wax cylinders The original term for a phonograph as a "talking machine", was for recording dictation used by stenographers. The dictation machine eventually evolved into a separate device called the “Ediphone”.

1908, A new line of cylinders called "Amberols", 4 minutes of music. New machines were sold to play these records, as were attachments for modifying existing 2 minute Edison phonographs.

1912, The Edison Diamond Disc Record was introduced. Diamond Discs were superior in sound but were also more expensive. This together with the incompatibility of the Edison system with other discs and machines had an adverse effect on Edison's market share.

1928, Edison company began plans for making "needle cut" records but they sold poorly as Edison's market share had declined to the point where it was no longer one of the leading companies, compared to leaders like Victor, Columbia, and Brunswick.

Edison Records closed down in 1929. The record plant and many of the employees were transferred to manufacturing radios. The masters for the Edison Records back catalogue were purchased by Henry Ford, and became part of the collection of the Henry Ford Museum.

Edison then died in 1931.