Elwood Edwards, the Iconic Voice of AOL’s ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ Dies at 74

Elwood Edwards, the man behind the iconic voice of AOL‘s “You’ve Got Mail” audio message, has passed away at the age of 74. Edwards died on Tuesday, just one day before his 75th birthday, following a long illness. The news was confirmed by his former employer, WKYC-TV Studios in Cleveland, although the details of his illness remain unclear.

Edwards was a multifaceted employee at WKYC-TV, serving roles such as graphics whiz and camera operator. However, it was his voiceover work for America Online in 1989 that brought him worldwide fame. He was asked to record just four simple lines: “Welcome,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Files Done,” and “Goodbye,” for which he was paid $200. This modest payment would go on to make his voice a staple of early internet culture.

As AOL grew in popularity, Edwards’ voice became synonymous with the internet experience for millions of users. Despite never being seen, his voice gave him a unique kind of celebrity status. He even made a notable appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015, where he delivered his classic greeting onstage.

Edwards’ contribution to internet history is undeniable, and his voice remains a nostalgic reminder of the early days of online communication. His legacy continues to be celebrated by those who grew up with the sound of “You’ve Got Mail”.