Vinyl pressings
by James Brown · 1970
Funky Drummer 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.
10 pressings came out in 1970, the album's first year, in 6 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.
SK-13357-X RGA-side runout etching (Version 1)
SK-13365-X RGB-side runout etching (Version 1)
SK-13357-X2 RGA-side runout etching (Version 2)
SK-13365-X RGB-side runout etching (Version 2)
I - A3 SK-13357 1 RGA-Side Runout
- I A1 SK-13365 2 RGB-Side Runout
SK-13357A-Side Label
SK-13365B-Side Label
SK-13557-X RGEtched Side A
SK-13365-X RGEtched Side B
SK-13357-XSide A Label
SK-13365-XSide B Label
PRO-3232-A
PRO-3232-B
Ⓟ1970 P-2001 030-1/1A-side runout stamped
Ⓟ1970 P-2001 030-2/1B-side runout stamped
2001 030 AA-side label
2001 030 BB-side label
6290-ASide A Label
6290-BSide B Label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Belgium | Polydor 2001030First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Canada | King Records 4-6290First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Germany | Polydor 2001 030First year7", Single, Mono · Mono | 7", Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | Germany | Polydor 2001 030First year7", Single, Mono · Mono | 7", Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | Italy | Polydor 2001 030First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1970 | Italy | Polydor 2001 030First year7", 45 RPM, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | US | King Records 45-6290First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1970 | Philippines | Polydor PRO-3232First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | US | King Records 45-6290First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1970 | US | King Records 45-6290First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Japan | King Groove 45-60047", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Promo, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Promo, Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Promo, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Promo, Limited |
11 vinyl pressings of Funky Drummer are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1970 and 2026.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, Philippines, Belgium, Canada and more. One of them is King Records 45-6290, released March 14, 1970.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-6290, PRO-3232, 2001030, 4-6290) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SK-13357-X RG and SK-13365-X RG. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
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.
