Lost Sounds

Series produced by KUOW

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Blacks and the birth of the recording industry: 1890-1919

Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Rock and Roll.
Prototypes of these distinctly American music styles can be heard in recordings that date back to the 1890s. Until recently, it wasn't commonly known that the first generation of recorded music featured a wide variety of African American entertainers. Their recordings were discovered, collected, compiled and arranged on the 2007 grammy award winning album Lost Sounds.

Tim Brooks? award winning book Lost Sounds: Blacks and The Birth Of The Recording Industry 1890-1919 profiles early black recording artists heard on the album. Tim Brooks and David Giovannoni organized the music for the CD.

In this three part interview, collectors Tim Brooks and David Giovannoni talk about the history and social implications of Lost Sounds.


Additional Files

3 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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Part 3 of 3 focuses on changes to the face of black American entertainment in the early 20th century and what that can tell us about contemporary t...

Bought by Marfa Public Radio and NPR Station Showcase with PRX


  • Added: Apr 01, 2008
  • Length: 18:27
  • Purchases: 2
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Part 2 of 3 focuses on how early African American recordings planted the seeds for several uniquely American music styles and for social equality.

Bought by Marfa Public Radio and NPR Station Showcase with PRX


  • Added: Apr 01, 2008
  • Length: 18:30
  • Purchases: 2
Caption: PRX default Piece image
Part 1 of 3 focuses on the techniques and content of the very earliest commercial recordings.

Bought by PRX Remix, Marfa Public Radio, and NPR Station Showcase with PRX


  • Added: Apr 01, 2008
  • Length: 12:27
  • Purchases: 3