Dr. James West — inventor of the electret microphone

In 1996, I published a book titled "Black Profiles in Courage." It was my take on American history that included the contributions of black Americans. In so many of our history books, the efforts of black Americans go unrecognized. Since publishing that book, I’ve come across much more information that fits this profile. So, I’d like to give some acknowledgment to Dr. James E. West, whom I did not know of back in ’96. In 1962, Dr. West and his partner Gerhard Sessler invented the electret microphone used in almost 90% of all microphones built today — over 1 billion a year.

Dr. West was raised in Virginia and almost was discouraged from pursuing physics due to the Jim Crow system in place when he was going to school. At that time, the only professional jobs that blacks could hold in Virginia were teacher, preacher, doctor or lawyer. Dr. West recalls that his father introduced him to three men who had earned doctorates in chemistry and physics. The best jobs available to those men were working at the post office. Dr. West’s father did not want him to take a long, arduous road and end up working at a post office.

But Dr. West was not to be denied. He speaks of discovery as being “… the best high I ever had …” He has gone on to acquire over 200 U.S. patents and now teaches at Johns Hopkins University where he is trying to recruit more minority and women faculty.

Photo of Dr. James West, public domain

Comments

[(Patrick)]

Hello Kareem, ...(Go Bruins/Lakers)
Awesome piece on Dr. West. 'I DID NOT KNOW THAT ' (w/best Carson voice). That's an easy enough name to remember -- like JAMES Baldwin & Cornell WEST. It sounds like he was a true PHILOSOPHER - e.g. re: 'Discovery' "..the best high I ever had." Indeed, when I engage Sophos, it IS the best drug I can possibly think of, and innovation is the inevitable conclusion of such endeavor.
Perhaps, I had better explain my predilection for wisdom (Sophos): I was a philosophy major at our beloved UCLA. The level of professorship was outstanding. In my mid-20's I started community college, after flirting with the 'dark path.' Ironically, I hadn't even originally intended to go to a four-year university. Imagine my surprise when I got a 4.0 and gained acceptance to 'Westwood.' I had intended NOT to turn this into a B-Ball rant, but yourself and Mr. Wooden are half of the reason I chose UCLA. In addition, I have been a Lakers fan since 1979 (Dec. vs. GS). My father (the one who taught me about the Wooden/Alcindor era Bruins & Lakers) died my third week at UCLA. Fortunately, his strength was already instilled within me.
I was set to graduate in Spring 2006, but my plans were precluded by a 'hit-n-run' accident that left me in a coma. After spending a year recovering, I finally graduated in Spring 2007. Imagine my surprise to find out that 'the man' was going to be at our commencement; I got "Shoulders" signed and met you that morning. Again, I apologize for the divergence, but the UCLA/Wooden/Kareem(Bruce Lee) connection is ever-present.

P.S. Mr. Wooden was a Philosopher too.
(see the "Pyramid")

Grady Alexander - Class of 2007

[mark]

great article very informative. I'm not much of a speller but has anyone checked the the spelling of electret microphone?

[Richard L. Hess]

Electret is the proper spelling.

I have posted a comment on Susan Kitchen's blog where she pointed to this blog describing microphone types.

I expect the comment to be relased soon.

http://familyoralhistory.us/news/view/who_invented_the_electret_condenser_microphone/