The phonograph, which owes its origin to the electrical 
telegraph and the telephone, had not manifested its basically 
electric form and function until the tape recorder released it 
from its mechanical trappings. That the world of sound is 
essentially a unified field of instant relationships lends it a near 
resemblance to the world of electromagnetic waves. This fact 
brought the phonograph and radio into early association.

     Just how obliquely the phonograph was at first received is 
indicated in the observation of John Philip Sousa, the brass-
band director and composer. He commented: “With the 
phonograph vocal exercises will be out of vogue! Then what of 
the national throat? Will it not weaken? What of the national 
chest? Will it not shrink?”

     One fact Sousa had grasped: The phonograph is an