History of LED Lighting:

The first LED was invented in 1961 by Robert Biard and Gary Pittman, working at
Texas Instruments. The first practical visible-spectrum (red) LED was developed in
1962 by Nick Holonyak, Jr., working at General Electric.

Early LEDs emitted low intensity light, usually in the red or green part of the spectrum. 
Often these novel little lights were used as power indicators on electronic components.

LED manufactures have continued to improve the technology. Today’s LEDs are
bright enough to make them viable sources of indoor and outdoor lighting.