Why it matters: Elwood Edwards, whose voice welcomed millions of Americans to the internet age through AOL’s famous audio alerts, has died, according to TMZ, after a long illness. His four simple phrases became synonymous with the dawn of digital communication, shaping how an entire generation experienced the internet.
The Legacy: Gizmodo reports that in 1989, Edwards recorded four phrases – “Welcome,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Files Done,” and “Goodbye” – for just $200. These recordings would go on to become one of the most recognized sound bites in internet history, playing every time AOL users received new email.
- Recorded in his living room
- Reached millions of users daily
Career Highlights: Beyond his famous AOL work, Edwards had a diverse career in media spanning radio and television. He worked at WKYC-TV Studios in Cleveland as a graphics specialist and camera operator, and even made a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2015.
- Started in radio during high school
- Worked various TV production roles
Cultural Impact: The “You’ve Got Mail” notification became so ingrained in popular culture that it inspired a Hollywood movie title and appeared in numerous TV shows. Edwards’ voice represented the excitement and novelty of early internet communication for countless users.
