Spoken Word Postar American Phonograph Cultures [Hardcover]

From the 1940s to the 1970s, the phonograph industry experienced phenomenal growth, both in sales and in cultural influence. Along with hugely popular music recordings, spoken word LPs served a multitude of functions and assumed an important place in the American home. In this book, Jacob Smith surveys a diverse range of spoken word genresincluding readings of classic works of literature and drama, comedy albums, childrens records, home therapy kits, even eroticato illuminate this often overlooked aspect of the postwar entertainment industry and American culture. A viable alternative to mainstream broadcasting, records gave their listeners control over what they could hear at home. Smith shows how the savvy industry used spoken word records to develop markets for children, African Americans, women, and others not well served by radio and television.

Jacob Smithis Assistant Professor in the Department of Radio-Television-Film at Northwestern University and is the author ofVocal Tracks: Performance and Sound Media(UC Press).

How quickly we forget! Not so many decades ago, we were all listening to Vaughn MeadersFirst Familyalbum, Steve Martin on LP, or ColumbiasI Can Hear It Now. Alas, spoken word records, like so many aspects of phonography, have been relegated to garage sales and footnotes. Finally, thanks to Jacob SmithsSpoken Word, this important form of entertainment and culture is receiving the attention it so richly deserves.

Rick Altman, author ofSilent Film Sound

Jacob Smiths engaging study of spoken word LPs is as revelatory as it is welcome. No other book has so thoroughly explored a phenomenon that was unique to the 1950s and 1960s, when LPs were the only widely available medium that allowed consumers to enjoy repeated exposure to recorded material.

Krin Gabbard, author ofHotter Than That: The Trumpet, Jazz, and American Culture