The inventor was years ahead of his time in realizing the importance of being able to record sound.Taylor's ideas have been before his time on many occasions.
ahead of (one's)/its time
More advanced or innovative than is or was typical in a particular era. That 19th-century scientist was definitely ahead of his time with his detailed plan of space travel.I can't believe that movie is from the 1950s—it's so progressive and way ahead of its time.
ahead of (someone or something's) time
More innovative than can be properly appreciated during the time that someone or something is producing such innovation. He was really ahead of his time with this music—critics in the 1970s just couldn't see it.That show was really ahead of its time tackling issues like that.
ahead of your (or its) time
innovative and radical by the standards of the time.