US
October 17, 1952- Label and catalog number
- Columbia 4-39882
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene
- Runout / matrix
RZSP10179-1AA side deadwax - stamped
ZSP12194-1AB side deadwax - stamped
RZSP 10179A-Side Label
ZSP 12194B-Side Label
Frank SinatraThe Birth Of The Blues / Why Try To Change Me Now
Vinyl pressings
The Birth Of The Blues / Why Try To Change Me Now
by Frank Sinatra · 1952
11 pressings3 countriesVocalPop
The Birth Of The Blues was first pressed on vinyl in 1952. 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 The Birth Of The Blues
7 pressings came out in 1952, the album's first year, in 2 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
October 17, 1952- Label and catalog number
- Columbia 39882
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
RZSP10179-1AA side deadwax - stamped
ZSP12194-1AB side deadwax - stamped
US
October 17, 1952- Label and catalog number
- Columbia 4-39882
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
RZSP10179-1AA side deadwax - stamped
ZSP12194-1AB side deadwax - stamped
RZSP 10179A-Side Label
ZSP 12194B-Side Label
US
October 17, 1952- Label and catalog number
- Columbia 4-39882
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Hollywood Pressing
- Runout / matrix
RZSP 10179Runout, Side A [stamped]
ZSP12194-1BRunout, Side B [stamped]
RZSP 10179Label, Side A
ZSP 12194Label, Side B
US
1952- Label and catalog number
- Columbia 39882
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
RZSP10179-1AA side deadwax - stamped
ZSP12194-1AB side deadwax - stamped
Canada
1952- Label and catalog number
- Columbia C-2068
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
RHCO 10179A side label
CO 48181B side label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1950s9 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Canada | Columbia C-2068First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1952 | Canada | Columbia C-2068First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1952 | US | Columbia 39882First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1952 | US | Columbia 4-39882First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1952 | US | Columbia 39882First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1952 | US | Columbia 4-39882First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1952 | US | Columbia 4-39882First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1953 | UK | Columbia SCM50527", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1953 | UK | Columbia D.B. 3257Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Columbia D.B. 3257Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | US | Columbia 3988210", 78 RPM, Promo · Promo | 10", 78 RPM, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AThe Birth Of The Blues3:22
- BWhy Try To Change Me Now2:43
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Birth Of The Blues are there?
11 vinyl pressings of The Birth Of The Blues are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1952 and 1953.
When was The Birth Of The Blues first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1952, in US, Canada. One of them is Columbia 4-39882, released October 17, 1952.
How do I tell if my copy of The Birth Of The Blues is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4-39882, 39882, C-2068) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RZSP10179-1A and ZSP12194-1A. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Birth Of The 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.
