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Della ReeseBlack Is Beautiful

Vinyl pressings

Black Is Beautiful

by Della Reese · 1970

13 pressings10 countriesSoul-JazzSoulJazzFunk / Soul

Black Is Beautiful was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. 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 Black Is Beautiful

11 pressings came out in 1970, the album's first year, in 9 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

1970
Label and catalog number
AVCO Embassy AVE-33004
Format
LP, Album · Gatefold
Runout / matrix

AVE 004 A-1 c | Bell SoundRunout Side A, variant 1

AVE 004 B-1 B2A Bell SoundRunout Side B, variant 1

AVE 004 A-1 B | B Bell SoundRunout Side A, variant 2

AVE 004 B-1 B | B Bell SoundRunout Side B, variant 2

Full details of this pressing

US

1970
Label and catalog number
AVCO Embassy AVE-33004
Format
LP, Album · Gatefold
Runout / matrix

Side A: AVE 004 A-4 Bell Sound (empossed)

Side B: AVE 004 D-2 Bell Sound (embossed)

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 13 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1970s11 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1970AustraliaAVCO Embassy SAVL-933740First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1970BrazilAVCO Embassy AVLP-7.004First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1970FranceAVCO Embassy AVE-33004First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1970ItalyAVCO Embassy SLAE 41.002First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1970New ZealandAVCO Embassy SAVL-933740 / AVCO Embassy AVE-33004First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1970South AfricaAVCO Embassy AVE-33004First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1970SpainAVCO Embassy CPS 9081First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1970UKAvco Embassy 6466 004First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1970USAVCO Embassy AVE-33004First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1970USAVCO Embassy AVE-33004First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1970USAVCO Embassy AVE-33004First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
Year unknown2 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
?CanadaAVCO Embassy AVE 33004 / AVCO Embassy AVE-33004LP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
?USAVCO Embassy AVE 33004LP, AlbumLP, Album

Tracklist

  1. A1Games People Play5:12
  2. A2Compared To What2:49
  3. A3Choice Of Colors3:09
  4. A4Get Together3:40
  5. A5With Pen In Hand4:38
  6. B1Comment3:11
  7. B2Proud Mary3:36
  8. B3You Know How Love Is4:24
  9. B4Cycles3:14
  10. B5If Everybody In The World Loved Everybody In The World3:05

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Black Is Beautiful are there?

13 vinyl pressings of Black Is Beautiful are listed here, from 10 countries.

When was Black Is Beautiful first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, UK, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is AVCO Embassy AVE-33004.

How do I tell if my copy of Black Is Beautiful is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AVE-33004, 6466 004, SAVL-933740, AVLP-7.004) 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 Black Is Beautiful 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.

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