Abstract: Dr. Ed Wolfrum (1956-2021) was a well-known Metro Detroit audio engineer and inventor of the Wolfbox, a key audio component in the 1960s and 1970s Motown sound. He worked in his early career at Motown Records, Golden World Records, and as Chief Engineer of United Sound Systems until its sale to Don Davis in the early 1970s. Wolfrum established his own business, Audio Graphics Services, in 1967, providing remote recording, engineering, and technical support to recording studios and individual artists. The bulk of this collection is audio recorded by Wolfrum during his career, including master tapes and live recordings recorded and produced at United Sound Systems and AGS’ own recording studio; jingles, promos, and sound effects for Detroit radio broadcasts; and film and television audio, including the Evil Dead score by Joe LoDuca. Artists present in the collection include Glen Campbell, Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Roger Whittaker, the Funk Brothers, Isaac Hayes, Styx, Quincy Jones, Cab Calloway, and many, many more. The collection also includes the business records of AGS and photographs from Wolfrum’s career, including many taken at United Sound. This is an extensive collection of fragile audio formats with a number of copyright considerations. If you are interested in research involving the audio in this collection, an appointment at DSC is required. Please email info@detroitsound.org with any questions or requests. 

Donor(s): Sue Wolfum

Dates: 1960-2021, bulk 1967-2005

Extent: 20 LF

Collection Type: Physical

Subjects: Audio engineering, Motown, United Sound Systems, jazz, rock-n-roll, film scores

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