Skip to content
VinylLens
George GershwinPorgy & Bess

Vinyl pressings

Porgy & Bess

by George Gershwin · 1966

12 pressings7 countriesOperaClassicalStage & Screen

Porgy & Bess was first pressed on vinyl in 1966. 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 Porgy & Bess

2 pressings came out in 1966, 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.

UK

1966
Label and catalog number
Decca PFS 4109
Format
LP, Album, Stereo
Runout / matrix

ZAL 7251A Side Label [inverted]

ZAL 7252B Side Label [inverted]

Full details of this pressing

UK

1966
Label and catalog number
Decca LK 4815
Format
LP, Mono
Runout / matrix

ARL-7251-1ARunout Side A

ARL-7252-1ARunout Side B

ARL7251Label Side A

ARL7252Label Side B

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 12 vinyl pressings

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

1960s6 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1966UKDecca PFS 4109First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1966UKDecca LK 4815First yearLP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
1967UKDecca PFS 4109 / Decca PFS 4.109LP, Reissue, StereoLP, Reissue, Stereo
1967USLondon Records SPC 21013LP, StereoLP, Stereo
1967USLondon Records SPC 21013 / London Records SPC.21013LP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1967USLondon Records SPC 21013 / London Records SPC.21013 DJLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · PromoLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo
1970s1 pressing
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1972SpainDecca PFS 4109LP, AlbumLP, Album
1980s1 pressing
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1984USMusical Heritage Society MHS 7044ALP, ReissueLP, Reissue
Year unknown4 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
?AustraliaDecca LKA 4815 / Decca LKA-4815LP, Mono · MonoLP, Mono · Mono
?CanadaLondon Records SPC 21013LPLP
?FranceDecca PFS 4109 / Decca PFS 4.109LP, Reissue, StereoLP, Reissue, Stereo
?GermanyDecca SLK 16 806-PLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo

Tracklist

  1. Porgy And Bess - Symphonic Suite Part 1
  2. Porgy And Bess - Symphonic Suite Part 2

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Porgy & Bess are there?

12 vinyl pressings of Porgy & Bess are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1966 and 1984.

When was Porgy & Bess first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1966, in UK. One of them is Decca PFS 4109.

How do I tell if my copy of Porgy & Bess is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PFS 4109, LK 4815) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL 7251 and ZAL 7252. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is Porgy & Bess 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.

More George Gershwin on vinyl

VinylLens app

What is your copy of Porgy & Bess worth?

Point your phone at the label. VinylLens finds the exact pressing in seconds and shows its value for every condition, from Mint to Poor, so you know what your record is really worth.

Scan your records free