A Unique Journey from Radio to Television
This message, which became emblematic, left a significant imprint on a generation of users who were just discovering email. Edwards recorded this notification in his living room in 1989 using a simple tape recorder, and he was paid $200 for this now-historic work.
Born on November 6, 1949, in Glen Burnie, Maryland, Elwood Edwards began his voice-over career while working at a local radio station in North Carolina during his teenage years. With a deep passion for media, he quickly transitioned to television roles, notably at WCTI where he briefly presented the weather. Over the years, he expanded his experience working in both radio and television, as well as being the voice for various local commercials. It was in 1989, while his wife Karen was employed at Quantum Computer Services (later AOL), that Edwards was recommended to record the famous AOL sound alerts, including “Welcome!” and “File’s done”.
A Lasting Impact on Popular Culture
AOL’s success in the 90s brought Elwood Edwards’ voice to an unexpected level of fame. Daily, millions of Americans (and others) heard his alerts, and his iconic phrase “You’ve Got Mail” became a cultural phenomenon, even inspiring a 1998 movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Although seldom recognized in person, Edwards made several public appearances, including on an episode of The Simpsons and in a commercial for Shopify. He also delighted audiences on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2015 by reciting his famous lines to cheers from the crowd.
A Legacy Behind the Cameras
Following a fulfilling career in media, Elwood Edwards spent fourteen years at WKYC in Cleveland as a camera operator, graphics specialist, and jack-of-all-trades. Until his retirement in 2016, he continued to contribute behind the scenes, sharing his expertise with colleagues. In short, the web has lost a legend.