US
1959- Label and catalog number
- King Records 45-5171
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
45—F1309A-side label
45—F1308B-side label
Vinyl pressings
Teardrops On Your Letter / The Twist
by Hank Ballard & The Midnighters · 1959
22 pressings7 countriesRhythm & BluesTwistFunk / Soul
Teardrops On Your Letter / The Twist was first pressed on vinyl in 1959. 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 Teardrops On Your Letter / The Twist
11 pressings came out in 1959, the album's first year, in 3 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
1959- Label and catalog number
- King Records 45-5171
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
F-45-1309-X1A-side runout, etched
F-45-1308-2B-side runout, etched
45—F1309A-side label
45—F1308B-side label
US
1959- Label and catalog number
- King Records 45-5171
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
F-45-1309-X1A-side runout, etched
F-45-1308-1B-side runout, etched
45—F1309A-side label
45—F1308B-side label
US
1959- Label and catalog number
- King Records 45-5171
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
F-45-1309-X3A-side runout, etched
F-45-4770 (scratched out)----c1-1308B-side runout, etched
F-45-1309-X1A Side runout, etched (Var. 2)
F-45-4770 (scratched out)----1308-X1B Side runout, etched (Var. 2)
US
1959- Label and catalog number
- King Records 45-5171
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
F-45-1309-X1A-side runout, etched
K-45-4770 (scratched out)—1308—X1B-side runout, etched
45-F1309A-side label
45-F1308B-side label
US
1959- Label and catalog number
- King Records 45-5171
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
F-45-1309-X1A Side runout, etched
F-45-4770 (scratched out)----1308-X1B Side runout, etched
45—F1309A-side label
45—F1308B-side label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 22 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Australia | Parlophone 45-A8018First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1959 | Jamaica | King Records 45-5171First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1959 | US | King Records 45-5171First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1959 | US | King Records 45-5171First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1959 | US | King Records 45-5171First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1959 | US | King Records 45-5171First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1959 | US | King Records 45-5171First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1959 | US | King Records 5171First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1959 | US | King Records 45-5171First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1959 | US | King Records 5171First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1959 | US | King Records 45-5171First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
1960s3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Canada | Regency R-776X7" | 7" |
| 1960 | Italy | Parlophon KNO 220197", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1960 | UK | Parlophone 45-R 46887", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
1970s3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Canada | Golden Treasures KIGT 213X / King Records KIGT 213X7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1975 | US | King Records KG-5087", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Gusto Records GT4-20127", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
1980s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Canada | King Records K-20127", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1988 | US | Collectables COL-3602 / Collectables KG-5087", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Denmark | Odeon 45-DK 14917", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| ? | US | King Records 45/150157", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | US | King Records KG-5087", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
Tracklist
- ATeardrops On Your Letter2:50
- BThe Twist2:33
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Teardrops On Your Letter / The Twist are there?
22 vinyl pressings of Teardrops On Your Letter / The Twist are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1959 and 1988.
When was Teardrops On Your Letter / The Twist first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1959, in US, Australia, Jamaica. One of them is King Records 45-5171.
How do I tell if my copy of Teardrops On Your Letter / The Twist is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-5171, 5171, 45-A8018) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 45—F1309 and 45—F1308. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Teardrops On Your Letter / The Twist 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.
