In 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, marking a significant milestone in the history of sound recording. This groundbreaking device was the first to both record and reproduce sound, allowing for the preservation of music and spoken word in a way that had never been possible before. The phonograph laid the foundation for the music industry and transformed how people experienced audio, leading to the development of various recording technologies that followed.

The invention of the phonograph allowed poetry readings and performances to be recorded, influencing how poetry was consumed and appreciated, and expanding its reach. Poets like T. S. Eliot and Langston Hughes utilized this technology to reach broader audiences, transforming the public's engagement with poetry.