The LP (or long playing) record was developed by Peter Carl Goldmark in 1948, changing the music industry forever. Before the LP record, the standard recorded disk was the 78 rpm (revolutions per minute) record, which had several drawbacks. The disks themselves were made of shellac compounds, which had to be imported from Southeast Asia and became very scare during World War II. Indeed the United States government banned its use in non-military items during the War. Also, shellac was hard, brittle, and easily scratched. Phonograph needles wore out quickly. The 78 rpm featured grooves of .001 in (.025 cm), and could only hold about four minutes of music per side.

Goldmark, an amateur cellist and music buff, became frustrated at the limitations of the 78 rpm record. In the middle of a recorded symphony, for example, the music would stop and the record would need to be turned over or replaced...