The Tyrant, The Crooner & Tape: The Unlikely History of the Tape Recorder

Iain Betson


Region:
West Midlands
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Paid: Online delivery: £30.00. In-person: £45.00 plus 50p/mile expenses
Category:
History
Updated:
3rd July 2024

The 1950s to the 1980s saw the recording of some of the most iconic music ever created, from Rock Around the Clock via Sgt Pepper to The Wall by Pink Floyd. And it was all made thanks to the invention of the reel-to-reel tape recorder.

Strangely the development of magnetic tape recording, starting in the 1930s, is marked by two milestones that made for unlikely bedfellows: the distribution of Nazi propaganda and the desire of a popular crooner, with a very keen sense of business, to control his own diary.

Iain Betson illustrates his talk on the development of magnetic tape recording with audio, images and anecdotes, from a serviceman who made history when deciding to turn left on his journey home, to chemical companies with a dark past, plus popular performers of their day.

Views: 648 | Enquiries: 0

About Iain Betson

Apart from two years, when he built nuclear missiles at a secret research centre, (true story!) and being a signatory of the Official Secrets Act as a result, Iain Betson has worked all his professional life in the television and radio broadcasting industry, both in the UK and internationally. A BBC trained radio engineer and training instructor, he trained many of the journalists you see and hear on UK radio and television news.

His talks both reflect his professional experience and interests. He is able to bring real-world knowledge to enhance the delivery.

Feel confident to book me

As a professional trainer, of many years standing, I have no worries in delivering my talks in front of an audience, be they online or in-person. I "de-jargon" the subject to make the talk accessible to all and can adjust my delivery to suit a varied audience. I am always willing to take questions at the end.

I have my own presentation equipment: laptop, (microphone if required) , projector and screen or can connect to a large TV monitor via the appropriate cables

I charge £30.00 for an online and £45.00 for in-person delivery for any talk. Mileage expense is charged at 50p/mile.

Testimonials

"Iain many thanks for your professionally delivered talk. It was very relevant in view of the Ukraine invasion. I will certainly keep you in mind for if I am asked for recommendations."

"Thank you for a most interesting and informative talk, which was enjoyed by all our members. I have to say that I don’t remember being as frightened in the 70s and 80s as when I heard your recordings from the time!"

Groups I have delivered to

  • Civic societies
  • Probus
  • Engineering societies
  • Rotary clubs

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