"I am the Edison Phonograph..."

The Advertising Record was recorded by Len Spencer circa 1906. The phonograph, or gramophone, was the most common device for playing recorded sound from the 1870s through the 1980s. I feel this is important because the phonograph is an important invention, which led the way for many technological advancements. The speech is promoting the phonograph and has a happy tone, and the personality of a salesman. This speech makes me want a genuine Edison phonograph and I imagine the audience feeling more of the same.

Len Spencer was an was early American recording artist. He recorded numerous popular songs in the pre-1920s, the most popular of which was "Arkansaw Traveler" (sic) (1902). The song is an early novelty record and consists of a back-and-forth banter with an Arkansas local who is playing a fiddle.


I am the Edison phonograph, created by the great wizard of the New World to delight those who would have melody or be amused. I can sing you tender songs of love. I can give you merry tales and joyous laughter. I can transport you to the realms of music. I can cause you to join in the rhythmic dance. I can lull the babe to sweet repose, or waken in the aged heart soft memories of youthful days.

No matter what may be your mood, I am always ready to entertain you. When your day's work is done, I can bring the theater or the opera to your home. I can give you grand opera, comic opera or vaudeville. I can give you sacred or popular music, dance, orchestra or instrumental music. I can render solos, duets, trios, quartets. I can aid in entertaining your guests. When your wife is worried after the cares of the day, and the children are boisterous, I can rest the one and quiet the other. I never get tired and you will never tire of me, for I will always have something new to offer.

I give pleasure to all, young and old. I will go wherever you want me, in the parlor, in the sickroom, on the porch, in the camp or to your summer home. If you sing or talk to me, I will retain your songs or words, and repeat them to you at your pleasure. I can enable you to always hear the voices of your loved ones, even though they are far away. I talk in every language. I can help you to learn other languages. I am made with the highest degree of mechanical skill. My voice is the clearest, smoothest and most natural of any talking machine. The name of my famous master is on my body, and tells you that I am a genuine Edison phonograph.

The more you become acquainted with me, the better you will like me. Ask the dealer.