The Columbia Phonograph Company was established in 1887 and became one of the first major record companies in the United States. It played a significant role in the development of the music industry by producing and distributing phonograph records and machines. The company was known for its innovative technology and was a pioneer in the use of electrical recording. In 1920, Columbia introduced the first long-playing record, which allowed for longer playback times compared to earlier formats. Over the years, the company merged with other entities and evolved, eventually becoming part of Sony Music Entertainment. Today, Columbia remains a prominent name in the music industry.