Elwood Edwards, Voice of AOL's 'You've Got Mail ' Alert, Dies at 74
Elwood Edwards, voice of AOL's "You've Got Mail!" alert, died at 74 from a stroke. He recorded iconic phrases in 1989, impacting internet culture and broadcasting throughout his career.
Read original article
Elwood Edwards, the voice behind AOL's iconic "You've Got Mail!" alert, passed away at the age of 74 due to complications from a stroke. His voice became a hallmark of the early internet era, greeting users with phrases like "Welcome!" and "Goodbye" as they navigated the new digital landscape. Edwards recorded these messages in 1989 at the suggestion of his wife, who worked for Quantum Computer Services, which later became AOL. He was paid $200 for his recordings, which became widely recognized, with his voice reportedly heard over 35 million times daily at the peak of AOL's popularity. Beyond AOL, Edwards made guest appearances on shows like "The Simpsons" and "The Tonight Show," and his catchphrases became part of popular culture. He had a diverse career in broadcasting, working in radio and television, and retired in 2016 after a long tenure at WKYC in Cleveland. Edwards is survived by his two daughters, a brother, and a granddaughter. His contributions to the internet and broadcasting have left a lasting legacy.
- Elwood Edwards was the voice of AOL's "You've Got Mail!" alert.
- He passed away at 74 due to complications from a stroke.
- Edwards recorded his famous phrases in 1989 for a mere $200.
- His voice was heard over 35 million times daily at AOL's peak.
- He had a diverse career in broadcasting and made appearances on popular shows.
Related
Bob Newhart, legendary comedian, dead at 94
Bob Newhart, the iconic comedian, has died at 94 in Los Angeles. His career spanned stand-up, music, and acting, with notable roles in TV shows like "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart."
Bob Newhart has died
Bob Newhart, the iconic comedian known for TV shows like "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart," passed away at 94 in Los Angeles. His legacy includes groundbreaking contributions to comedy.
45 years ago CompuServe connected the world before the World Wide Web
CompuServe launched its consumer service on September 24, 1979, becoming a pioneer in online communication with features like email and forums, before being acquired by AOL in 1997.
Ward Christensen, BBS inventor and architect of our online age, dies at age 78
Ward Christensen, co-inventor of the bulletin board system, died at 78. He developed the first BBS in 1978, significantly impacting online communities and technology, including the XMODEM protocol.
Man behind AOL's "You've Got Mail" voice dead at 74
Elwood Edwards, voice of AOL's "You've Got Mail," passed away at 74. He recorded iconic phrases in 1989, becoming an unexpected celebrity while working in broadcasting and mentoring others.
2 commentsRelated
Bob Newhart, legendary comedian, dead at 94
Bob Newhart, the iconic comedian, has died at 94 in Los Angeles. His career spanned stand-up, music, and acting, with notable roles in TV shows like "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart."
Bob Newhart has died
Bob Newhart, the iconic comedian known for TV shows like "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart," passed away at 94 in Los Angeles. His legacy includes groundbreaking contributions to comedy.
45 years ago CompuServe connected the world before the World Wide Web
CompuServe launched its consumer service on September 24, 1979, becoming a pioneer in online communication with features like email and forums, before being acquired by AOL in 1997.
Ward Christensen, BBS inventor and architect of our online age, dies at age 78
Ward Christensen, co-inventor of the bulletin board system, died at 78. He developed the first BBS in 1978, significantly impacting online communities and technology, including the XMODEM protocol.
Man behind AOL's "You've Got Mail" voice dead at 74
Elwood Edwards, voice of AOL's "You've Got Mail," passed away at 74. He recorded iconic phrases in 1989, becoming an unexpected celebrity while working in broadcasting and mentoring others.