US
1968- Label and catalog number
- BluesWay 45-61015
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
AMP 45-14244Label Side A
AMP 45-14131Label Side B
B.B. KingPaying The Cost To Be The Boss
Vinyl pressings
Paying The Cost To Be The Boss
by B.B. King · 1968
14 pressings5 countriesBlues
Paying The Cost To Be The Boss was first pressed on vinyl in 1968. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Paying The Cost To Be The Boss
12 pressings came out in 1968, the album's first year, in 5 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
US
1968- Label and catalog number
- BluesWay 45-61015
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
US
1968- Label and catalog number
- BluesWay 45-31019
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
US
1968- Label and catalog number
- BluesWay BL-61015
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene · Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
14244-3 [MR logo] Bell Sound sf △70383Runout A, etched; [MR logo] and 'Bell Sound' stamped
14131-3 Bell Sound sf [MR logo] △70382Runout B, etched; [MR logo] and 'Bell Sound' stamped
14244 - 3Label Side A
14131 - 3Label Side B
US
1968- Label and catalog number
- Bluesway 45-61015
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
14244-² Bell Sound sfSide A runout, etched/stamped
14131-² Bell Sound sfSide B runout, etched/stamped
AMP 45-14244Sode A label
AMP 4514131Side B label
US
1968- Label and catalog number
- BluesWay 45-61015
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
AMP 45-14244Label Side A
AMP 45-14131Label Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 14 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1960s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Canada | Sparton P 1671First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | France | Stateside FSS 568First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Germany | Philips 320 081 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1968 | Germany | Philips 320 081 BFFirst year7", Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1968 | US | BluesWay 45-61015First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | US | BluesWay 45-61015First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1968 | US | BluesWay 45-31019First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | US | BluesWay BL-61015First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1968 | US | BluesWay 45-61015First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | US | Bluesway 45-61015First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | UK | Stateside SS 2112First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1968 | UK | Stateside SS 2112First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Stateside FSS 5687", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| ? | US | BluesWay 45-610157", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
Tracklist
- APaying The Cost To Be The Boss2:35
- BHaving My Say2:32
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Paying The Cost To Be The Boss are there?
14 vinyl pressings of Paying The Cost To Be The Boss are listed here, from 5 countries.
When was Paying The Cost To Be The Boss first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1968, in US, UK, Canada, France and more. One of them is BluesWay 45-61015.
How do I tell if my copy of Paying The Cost To Be The Boss is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-61015, 45-31019, BL-61015, SS 2112) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AMP 45-14244 and AMP 45-14131. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Paying The Cost To Be The Boss on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
