The phonograph, invented by Thomas Edison in 1877, is a device that records and plays back sound. It works by etching sound waves onto a rotating cylinder or disc, which can then be played back using a needle that follows the grooves. This invention marked the beginning of recorded music and revolutionized the way people experienced sound. Over the years, the phonograph evolved into various forms, including the gramophone and the turntable. These devices allowed for the mass production of music, making it accessible to a wider audience. The phonograph laid the groundwork for modern audio technology, influencing how we listen to music today.