AES TURNS 60, CELEBRATES IN NYC
The AES is recognized as a leading forum for the exchange of critical
information concerning the field of sound recording, preservation and
distribution. The organization’s focus encompasses education, health
and hearing concerns, as well as audio’s integral role in TV and radio
broadcast, satellite, Internet, motion picture, electronic games,
wireless, live concert, house of worship and theatrical applications.
To mark the Diamond Anniversary, the AES New York Section hosted a
celebratory gathering at NYC’s New School for Social Research. The
event was highlighted by a screening of excerpts from the forthcoming
AES Oral History Project. Anecdotes by legendary Columbia Records
engineer Frank Liaco; Louis Goodfriend, first editor of the AES
Journal; inventor and AES officer, Norman Pickering; and Les Paul, the
godfather of multi-track recording, provided the audience with insights
to the modern history of sound. Comprised of over 120 exclusive,
hour-long interviews, the anthology was shot by Irv Joel and edited by
Harry Hirsch, members of the Historical Committee. The AES will begin
making interviews from the Oral History Project available on DVD, later
this year.
In addition to the screening, audio guru/former AES president Floyd
Toole discussed the trailblazing work of Harry F. Olson, who was a
pivotal force in technology development. Olson presented the first
technical paper at the initial AES meeting. Toole’s address illustrated
how far the art and science of audio has evolved since 1948.
Pictured at the AES 60th Anniversary event are (L-R): Irv Joel and Harry Hirsch, of the Oral History Project;
NY Section Committee member David Bialik, past President Floyd Toole,
Executive Director Roger Furness, incoming President Jim Anderson, and
NY Section Chair Noah Simon.