Feb 25 2025 16 mins
In this episode of the A Tisket-Tasket Podcast, host Gina explores the rich history of the song 'Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two)'. Initially composed in 1892 by Harry Dacer, this Victorian-era tune became a cultural phenomenon. The episode delves into its unexpected journey from the music halls of Victorian England to becoming a groundbreaking moment in artificial speech with the IBM 704 computer at Bell Labs. Gina also highlights the song’s profound influence on pop culture, including its appearance in the film '2001: A Space Odyssey' and various other media. The episode concludes with historical recordings and a reflection on the fusion of music and technology. Join Gina as she navigates through folklore, history, and the ever-evolving interplay between humanity and technology.
00:00 Introduction to the Tisket Tasket Podcast
01:17 Daisy Bell: A Victorian Classic
03:57 The Birth of Computer Music
07:38 Daisy Bell in Popular Culture
09:50 Conclusion and Musical Performances
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