Thomas Edison was the famous American inventor known for the phonograph and numerous other innovations. Edison's invention of the phonograph in 1877 marked the first time sound could be recorded and played back, revolutionizing the music industry and audio technology. Beyond the phonograph, Edison held over 1,000 patents, including significant contributions to electric light (the practical incandescent light bulb), motion pictures, and electric power distribution. His prolific inventiveness and entrepreneurial spirit helped establish the foundations of modern electrical engineering and media. Edison’s work not only transformed technology but also influenced industrial practices and consumer culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.