US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-9026
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
F1-9026-D2 ²Runout A, stamped
F2-9026-D1Runout B, stamped
F1-9026Label A
F2-9026Label B
Nat King ColeThe Christmas Song
Vinyl pressings
The Christmas Song
by Nat King Cole · 1956
15 pressings11 countriesVocalHolidayJazzPop
The Christmas Song was first pressed on vinyl in 1956. 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 Christmas Song
11 pressings came out in 1956, the album's first year, in 7 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
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-9026
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-9026
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
- F1-9026-D6 anvil logoSide A Runout
- F2-9026-D3 anvil logoSide B Runout
F1-9026Side A Label
F2-9026Side B Label
US
1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-9026
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
F1-9026-D2 'Anvil / Lathe' symbolRunout A, stamped
F2-9026-D1 #4 'Anvil / Lathe' symbolRunout B, stamped
F1-9026Label A
F2-9026Label B
UK
November 1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1036
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
New Zealand
December 1956- Label and catalog number
- Capitol Records EAP 1-9026Capitol Records EAP-1-9026
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
(F1-9026)Label side A
(F2-9026)Label side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 15 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1950s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Argentina | Capitol Records EAP1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | Australia | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | Canada | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | Canada | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | Netherlands | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | US | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | US | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | US | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | US | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | UK | Capitol Records EAP 1036First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1956 | New Zealand | Capitol Records EAP 1-9026 / Capitol Records EAP-1-9026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1958 | Spain | Capitol Records EAP 1-90267", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue |
1970s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Jamaica | Capitol Records EAP 10367", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Barbados | Capitol Records EAP 10367", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue |
| ? | France | Capitol Records EAP 1-90267", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
Tracklist
- A1The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)
- A2Mrs. Santa Claus
- B1Frosty The Snowman
- B2Little Christmas Tree
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Christmas Song are there?
15 vinyl pressings of The Christmas Song are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1956 and 1971.
When was The Christmas Song first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1956, in US, UK, New Zealand, Argentina and more. One of them is Capitol Records EAP 1-9026.
How do I tell if my copy of The Christmas Song is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EAP 1-9026, EAP 1036, EAP1-9026) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, F1-9026-D2 ² and F2-9026-D1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Christmas Song 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.
