Question 1
During the silent film era, why were live musicians or phonographs used in theaters?
Answer
To mask projector noise
Before films had synchronized sound, live musicians or phonographs were essential to provide music that effectively masked the constant mechanical noise of the film projector.
Question 2
Who became the first Black man to win an Academy Award for music for the theme song to the 1971 film Shaft?
Answer
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Academy Award for music, taking home the prize for the Shaft theme song.
Question 3
Released in 1937, what was the first commercially available movie soundtrack album?
Answer
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The soundtrack for the 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the very first movie soundtrack to be made commercially available for purchase.