Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The National Jukebox

The Library of Congress today announced the launching of a new website called the "National Jukebox," which contains over 10,000 rare historic sound recordings - produced between 1901 and 1925 - that are available to the public in digital format for the first time.
"Visitors to the National Jukebox will be able to listen to available recordings on a streaming-only basis, as well as view thousands of label images, record-catalog illustrations, and artist and performer bios. In addition, users can further explore the catalog by accessing special interactive features, listening to playlists curated by Library staff, and creating and sharing their own playlists."
The recordings include not just music, but also items such as political speeches by former presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, recitings of famous poems, and even "early sound-effects records such as a collection of snores and sneezes."

More information about the National Jukebox is available on the Library of Congress website.

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