As the days grow shorter and autumn settles in, November invites us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the stories that shaped American culture. It’s the perfect time to tip our hats to one of the most iconic voices of early American popular music: Gene Autry, the Singing Cowboy. Long before country music dominated the charts, Autry brought tales of the Wild West into homes across America through his recordings, radio shows, and films.

The Sound of the Cowboy
Gene Autry’s 78rpm recordings captured more than just songs—they painted vivid pictures of frontier life. From ballads of lonely trails to upbeat tunes about adventure and romance, his music celebrated the spirit of Americana. Records allowed fans far from Hollywood or Nashville to experience the charm and excitement of cowboy culture, long before television made it mainstream. Read More About This…

This Halloween, the Recorded Sound Archives invites you to step into the spirited world of Cab Calloway — the legendary bandleader, singer, and showman whose larger-than-life performances brought both swing and spectacle to the jazz age.

Long before Halloween playlists or themed albums, Calloway was already weaving ghosts, devils, and playful mischief into his music. His charismatic voice, animated conducting style, and theatrical storytelling made him one of the most unforgettable entertainers of his time. Whether performing in Harlem’s Cotton Club or on national radio, Calloway had a rare gift for turning every song into a story — one that could make you laugh, shiver, and dance all at once. Read More About This…

The 1920s and 1930s were transformative decades in American music. As technology evolved—from acoustic horns to electric microphones and national radio broadcasts—so did the role of the singer. For the first time, individual vocalists could connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, their voices crackling across radio waves and spinning from gramophones in homes across the country.

This golden age introduced us to vocal pioneers whose artistry laid the foundation for modern pop, jazz, and blues. Read More About This…

As the days grow longer and the scent of barbecue fills the air, summer settles in—and with it comes a soundtrack that stirs nostalgia and national pride. At the Recorded Sound Archives at FAU, our vintage recordings tell the story of American summers past: patriotic marches, carefree swing tunes, and songs that once drifted from radios on porches and park benches across the country.

Following our Memorial Day Tribute, we invite you to take a deeper dive into the sounds that shaped American summers between the 1920s and 1950s. This curated collection celebrates everything from sunny strolls to star-spangled joyrides. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or simply daydreaming of summers gone by, let these voices and melodies carry you back in time. Read More About This…

When you think of “pop music,” you might imagine slick beats and catchy hooks. But rewind a century, and “pop” meant something quite different. In the 1920s and 1930s, popular music was the heartbeat of family living rooms, broadcast radios, and record players spinning 78rpm discs.

This Father’s Day, we invite you to step into a musical time machine with the Recorded Sound Archives and celebrate the vintage voices that defined what “dad music” sounded like back then—whether it was crooning love songs, swinging jazz, or toe-tapping novelty tunes. Read More About This…