Earliest voice: Jonathan Edwards
The earliest known recording of a human voice dates back to 1877 and is attributed to Thomas Edison. However, it is important to note that this recording is of a melody played on a phonograph rather than a human voice.
If you are referring to the earliest recorded voice of a person speaking, then the credit goes to Jonathan Edwards, an American theologian and preacher. He was born in 1703 and is known for his powerful sermons during the Great Awakening, a religious revival movement in the 18th century.
While we don't have any actual recordings of Jonathan Edwards speaking, his sermons were transcribed and written down, preserving many of his powerful words and teachings. These written accounts give us insight into his eloquent style of preaching and the impact he had on his listeners.
To learn more about Jonathan Edwards and experience his teachings, you can read books and sermons written by him, such as "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," which is one of his most famous sermons. These materials provide a valuable glimpse into the influential teachings of Jonathan Edwards.