Omnibus Muzak (Entry 820.1S1616)
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Sep 18, 2025 Dive into the world of Muzak and discover how gentle music transformed public spaces. Hear about General George Owen Squire’s innovations that led to wired radio. Learn how William Benton turned in-store music into a social tool, and the science behind Muzak’s carefully curated playlists aimed at boosting mood and productivity. Explore the Seattle firms that modernized retail music and the cultural backlash against Muzak, which even shaped the early grunge scene. It's a fascinating journey through sound and society!
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Multiplexing Made Wired Radio Possible
- George Owen Squire pioneered multiplexing to send many signals over one wire, enabling practical wired broadcasting of music to buildings.
- That technical idea laid groundwork for wired radio and later commercial background-music services.
Army Officer Turned Aviation Innovator
- Major General George Owen Squire worked with the Wright brothers and became the first U.S. military passenger in an airplane.
- He combined military roles with inventive tinkering, shaping early Army aviation and communications.
Music Via Power Lines Prefigured Paid Distribution
- Squire and Wired Radio transmitted music through electrical wiring into homes and businesses, bypassing unstable early radio.
- This created a subscription model delivered alongside electricity, an early paid media distribution.
