Recorded History. By IrisTello Jan 1, 1879 Thomas Edison perfected the phonograph in 1879. Jan 1, 1887 Emile Berliner patented a more practical solution in 1887 with his gramophone. Jan 1, 1920 In the1920's, electrcity started to play a role in recording. Oct 31, 1998 I was born. Feb 12, 2013 Engineers were able to introduce a new techniqe: overdubbing. Feb 12, 2013 In the 1930's, A new way of capturing sound came along: magentic tape. Feb 13, 2013 The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) was the first to use such a recorder for a public radio broadcast.