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Ray CharlesRay Charles

Vinyl pressings

Ray Charles

by Ray Charles · 1970

17 pressings8 countriesSoulPiano BluesBopJazz

Ray Charles 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.

How to spot a first pressing of Ray Charles

2 pressings came out in 1970, 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.

UK

1970
Label and catalog number
Xtra XTRA 1103
Format
LP, Compilation, Stereo
Runout / matrix

XTRA 1103 A-1G G 1A side stamped

XTRA 1103 B BB side stamped

Full details of this pressing

Italy

1970
Label and catalog number
Quadrifoglio VDS 206
Format
LP, Compilation
Runout / matrix

VDS 206 A 15.7.70Runout side A

VDS 206 B 15.7.70Runout 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 17 vinyl pressings

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

1970s7 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1970ItalyQuadrifoglio VDS 206First yearLP, CompilationLP, Compilation
1970UKXtra XTRA 1103First yearLP, Compilation, StereoLP, Compilation, Stereo
1972FranceDisques Vogue LDM. 30.125LP, CompilationLP, Compilation
1973ChileEverest Records Archive Of Folk & Jazz Music EV - 109LP, Compilation, StereoLP, Compilation, Stereo
1973SpainAcción AC. 40.016LP, Compilation, ReissueLP, Compilation, Reissue
1976USEverest Records Archive Of Folk & Jazz Music FS-244LP, Compilation, StereoLP, Compilation, Stereo
1977SpainPhonic PHL 5502LP, CompilationLP, Compilation
1980s3 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1981SpainCúspide D-25000LP, Compilation, StereoLP, Compilation, Stereo
1982SpainApolo Records J & B-6002-L.P. / Apolo Records J & B-6.002LP, Compilation, Reissue, StereoLP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo
1984GermanyAstan 20079LP, Compilation, ReissueLP, Compilation, Reissue
Year unknown7 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
?AustraliaAstor GGS 1142 / Everest Records Archive Of Folk & Jazz Music GGS 1142LP, CompilationLP, Compilation
?FranceDisques Vogue 530125 / Disques Vogue LDM. 30125LP, Compilation, Reissue, StereoLP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo
?FranceDisques Vogue LDM. 30125LP, Compilation, Reissue, StereoLP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo
?GermanyBellaphon BJS 4041LP, Compilation, ReissueLP, Compilation, Reissue
?GermanyBellaphon BJS 4041LP, Compilation, StereoLP, Compilation, Stereo
?USEverest Records Archive Of Folk & Jazz Music FS-244LP, Compilation, StereoLP, Compilation, Stereo
?USEverest Records Archive Of Folk & Jazz Music FS-244LP, Compilation, Reissue, StereoLP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo

Tracklist

  1. A1Honey,Honey2:53
  2. A2Ray Charles Blues2:32
  3. A3You Always Miss The Water When The Well Runs Dry2:48
  4. A4She's On The Ball2:30
  5. A5How Long2:31
  6. B1Some Day3:02
  7. B2Ain't That Fine2:15
  8. B3Don't Put All Your Dreams In One Basket2:49
  9. B4Baby Won't You Please Come Home2:50
  10. B5Tell Me Baby2:33

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Ray Charles are there?

17 vinyl pressings of Ray Charles are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1970 and 1984.

When was Ray Charles first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1970, in UK, Italy. One of them is Xtra XTRA 1103.

How do I tell if my copy of Ray Charles is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use XTRA 1103, VDS 206) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XTRA 1103 A-1G G 1 and XTRA 1103 B B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is Ray Charles 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.

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