In 1961, a computer sang a song for the first time

The song “Daisy Bell”, from 1892, was chosen. The recording was made with an IBM 7094 computer.

In the early 1960s, computers found their voice with the IBM 7094, marking a pivotal moment in the history of technology and culture.

This discovery, made at Bell Labs in New Jersey, involved researchers Carol Lochbaum and John Kelly, who developed the Kelly-Lochbaum Vocal Tract to electronically synthesize human voicess. Their pioneering efforts culminated in the first computer-synthesized song, “Daisy Bell,” which has since gained near-mythical status for its mysterious and innovative nature.

The choice of “Daisy Bell,” an 1892 Harry Dacre song, remains a mystery, although some speculate that it may be a reference to Bell Labs itself. Accompanying the synthesized vocals was a backing track created by Max Mathews, an electrical engineer and musician. Producing this recording was no easy task; Without real-time playback technology, Mathews meticulously recorded an hour of output, later sped up to create 17 seconds of melody.

The resulting audio was not only a technological triumph but also a cultural revolution. In 2009, the recording was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry as one of the early examples of digital musicpaving the way for modern music production and digital formats.

Cary O’Dell of the Library of Congress described the interpretation as “primitive by today’s standards” but acknowledged its profound impact. “This meeting between music and machine continues to be a bold and unique feat”, he wrote, highlighting its importance in defining the future of human-machine interaction.

Bell Laboratories introduced “Daisy Bell” to visitors, including legendary science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. Clarke, deeply inspired, incorporated the song into the iconic 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, HAL 9000, the sentient AI, sings “Daisy Bell” while being deactivated.

Decades later, the 1961 recording has resurfaced in the digital age, gaining viral popularity on social media through creator Nebbed’s retro-style animations. THE haunting tone of computer voice continues to captivate and unsettle audiences, serving as a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come since the days of the IBM 7094.