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…

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…

The holidays bring with them a surge of nostalgia, warmth, and joy—and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like music. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we couldn’t resist the charm of holiday melodies as we embarked on a delightful journey to celebrate the season through music.

Discover RSA Staff’s Favorite 10 Holiday Songs

1. Silent Night, Holy Night by Frank Sinatra
2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by the Boston Pops Orchestra
3. Sleigh Ride by Charlie Bertini; Randy Morris; Dave Gannett
4. The Little Drummer Boy by The Boston Pops Orchestra
5. White Christmas by Frank Sinatra
6. Silent Night by Helen Traubel
7. A Christmas Carol by Richard Hale and Lionel Barrymore
8. Christmas Boogie by Sugar “Chile” Robinson
9. I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey
10. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry and the Pinafores

The Magic of Holiday Music Read More About This…