The Counsel of Trent

#1026 - FFAF: The Greatest Hold Music of All Time

May 2, 2025
Discover the fascinating origins of hold music, tracing back to an accidental invention in the 1960s. Explore the rise of 'Opus No. 1' and its journey to iconic status, especially through Cisco's usage. Hear personal stories reflecting on this catchy synth classic's nostalgic power. Delve into the emotional impact of hold music, providing unexpected joy and comfort during frustrating wait times. It's a captivating look at how tunes on hold can make a lasting impression.
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ANECDOTE

Alfred Levy's Music On Hold Discovery

  • Alfred Levy accidentally discovered music on hold through a loose wire transmitting radio signals in his factory.
  • He patented the idea in 1966, initiating the development of hold music technology.
INSIGHT

Copyright Limits On Music Use

  • Owning music does not grant the right to play it publicly, such as on hold music, due to copyright rules.
  • Licenses often restrict usage to personal or private settings only, restricting broadcasting or commercial use.
INSIGHT

Hold Music's Effectiveness

  • Most hold music is uninspired and barely keeps callers on the line longer.
  • Studies show hold music increases hold time by about a minute compared to no music.
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