US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Motown ZT 41740
- Format
- 12"
Darryl DuncanJames Brown
Vinyl pressings
James Brown
by Darryl Duncan · 1987
17 pressings6 countriesHouseElectronicHip Hop
James Brown was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. 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 James Brown
14 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 4 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
1987- Label and catalog number
- Motown 4599MG
- Format
- 12"
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Motown 1924MF
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Motown 1924MF
- Format
- 7", Single
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Motown 4599MG
- Format
- 12", Promo, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
4599 -MGA-67943-15B YYK #12 ZJ ACKRunout, side A, etched
003 4599-MGB-67944-15A YYK #12 ZJ ACKRunout, side B, etched
67943Label, side A
67944Label, side B
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Motown 1924MF
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 17 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s17 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Canada | Motown 1924First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Europe | Motown ZB 41739 / Motown ZB41739First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Motown ZT 41740DJFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | Motown ZT 41740First year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | UK | Motown ZB 41739First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Motown ZT 41740First year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | US | Motown ZT 41740First year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | US | Motown 4599MGFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | US | Motown 4599MGFirst year12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Motown 1924MFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Motown 4599MGFirst year12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Motown 1924MFFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | US | Motown 1924MFFirst year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | US | Motown 1924MFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Italy | Motown ZB 417397", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- AJames Brown4:32
- BJ-J-J-Ja-Ja James Brown7:19
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of James Brown are there?
17 vinyl pressings of James Brown are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
When was James Brown first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, UK, Canada, Europe. One of them is Motown ZT 41740.
How do I tell if my copy of James Brown is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ZT 41740, 4599MG, 1924MF, ZB 41739) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is James Brown 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.