US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Chess 1625
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
8071Label A
8072Label B
Billy StewartBilly's Blues
Vinyl pressings
Billy's Blues
by Billy Stewart · 1956
15 pressings2 countriesChicago BluesRhythm & BluesBlues
Billy's Blues was first pressed on vinyl in 1956. 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 Billy's Blues
11 pressings came out in 1956, the album's first year. 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
1956- Label and catalog number
- Argo Record Corp. 5256Argo 5256
- Format
- 45 RPM, 7"
- Runout / matrix
8071A
8072B
US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Chess 1625
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
8071Label side A
8072Label side B
US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Argo 5256
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
8071A-side matrix
8072B-side matrix
US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Argo 5256
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
8071Label A
8072Label B
US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Chess 1625
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
8071Label A
8072Label B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 15 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1950s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | US | Chess 1625First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1956 | US | Chess 1625First year45 RPM, 7", Promo · Promo | 45 RPM, 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1956 | US | Argo Record Corp. 5256 / Argo 5256First year45 RPM, 7" | 45 RPM, 7" |
| 1956 | US | Chess 1625First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1956 | US | Argo 5256First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1956 | US | Argo 5256First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1956 | US | Chess 1625First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1956 | US | Argo 5256First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1956 | US | Chess 1625First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1956 | US | Chess 1625First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1956 | US | Argo Record Corp. 5256 / Argo 5256First year45 RPM, 7" | 45 RPM, 7" |
1970s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | US | Chess 16257", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
2010s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | UK | Chess 16257", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Chess 16257", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| ? | US | Chess 16257", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- ABilly's Blues Part 1
- BBilly's Blues Part 2
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Billy's Blues are there?
15 vinyl pressings of Billy's Blues are listed here, from 2 countries, released between 1956 and 2014.
When was Billy's Blues first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1956, in US. One of them is Chess 1625.
How do I tell if my copy of Billy's Blues is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 1625, 5256) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 8071 and 8072. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Billy's Blues 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.
