A breakthrough technology breaks through to the public domain
Records started sounding a lot better in 1925. Instead of having to crowd around an acoustic horn, performers could make an “electrical recording“, using microphones placed and amplified for a fuller, more balanced sound.
The first “electrical” record to go on sale was of Penn’s Mask and Wig Club performing “Joan of Arkansas”. You can find its production materials in Penn’s archives. The record, released by Victor in April 1925, joins the public domain in 43 days. #PublicDomainDayCountdown