Peter Carl Goldmark (1906 – 1977) was a Hungarian-born, American engineer who, during his time with Columbia Records, was instrumental in developing the long-playing (LP) microgroove 33-1/3 rpm vinyl phonograph discs which defined home audio for two generations. Goldmark's LP records were introduced by Goddard Lieberson (April 5, 1911 – May 29, 1977), who later became president of Columbia Records from 1956 – 71 and 1973 – 75.

In addition to developing the technology for the 33-1/3/RPM record, Goldmark claimed to have developed competitive technology for color television and videotape early in his career at Columbia, but he received limited support for this research from the company, and the FCC eventually chose the black-and-white compatible system developed by the RCA under George H. Brown as the standard American system.

In 1937, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Source

• Coleman, Mark (2005) PLAYBACK: From the Victrola to MP3, 100 Years of Music, Machines and Money, Published by Da Capo Press (ISBN 0306813904)

1906 births | 1977 deaths | American inventors | Television pioneers | Hungarian-born people | Naturalized citizens of the United States

Peter Carl Goldmark | Peter Goldmark