The long-playing vinyl phonograph record turns 64 today.
Like many other entities beginning their 65th year, many folks think the LP should retire already. Others say these veterans of the turntable still hold their own compared to those young whipper-snappers (digital files).
For the, um, record, it was on this date in 1948 that Columbia Records first demonstrated the 12-inch microgroove vinyl album. It contained an incredible 22 minutes of music on each side.
This wasn't the first try at a long-playing record - but it was the first product that was reliable and successful in the marketplace.
I've spun a few over the years on the DC airwaves - and both the records and I have gotten a little scratch in return. Vinyl sounds sweet, but it is nice to forego all the clicks and pops of the old days.
Dave Arlington
Whenever you hear a song from the 1980s on WASH-FM, perhaps I played it for you for the very first time when I was on 97.1 way back then. I was born and raised in the Washington area (I've lived at least ten years each in DC, Maryland and Virginia), and I've been lucky enough to be on the radio in Washington for--well, let's just say a long time.
If you're a federal employee, I share your pain (and pride, as well). 14 years of my broadcasting career were at the Voice of America, where I was honored to host programs of features and interviews that gave listeners around the world a window into American culture and current events.
You can hear me on the weekends on WASH-FM (but they do have my number on speed dial, so you never know when I might pop up).
Thanks for listening - and for visiting my blog.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
