US
1971- Label and catalog number
- Atlantic 2846
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · MO - Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A-23291-MOA-Side
A-23292-MOB-Side
Vinyl pressings
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
by Robert John · 1971
36 pressings20 countriesVocalSoulRhythm & BluesBallad
The Lion Sleeps Tonight was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. 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 Lion Sleeps Tonight
15 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year, in 8 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
1971- Label and catalog number
- Atlantic 2846
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · LY - Shelley Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A-23291LYLabel, side A
A-23292LYLabel, side B
US
1971- Label and catalog number
- Atlantic 45-2846
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · SP - Specialty Records Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A-23291-2 AT [SRC logo] xA-Side runout etched
A-23292-1 AT [SRC logo] xB-Side runout etched
A-23291 SPA-Side label
A-23292 SPB-Side label
US
1971- Label and catalog number
- Atlantic 45-2846
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · PL - Plastic Products Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A-23291-3 AT XEtched Side A, variant 1
A-23292-4 AT XEtched Side B. variant 1
A-23291-4 AT XEtched Side A, variant 2
A-23292-3 AT XEtched Side B. variant 2
US
1971- Label and catalog number
- Atlantic 45-2846
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · MO - Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A-23291-MOA-Side
A-23292-MOB-Side
US
1971- Label and catalog number
- Atlantic 45-2846
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
A-23291-3 AT XEtched side A
A-23292-4 AT XEtched side B
A-23291-PLLabel side A
A-23292-PLLabel side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 36 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s31 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Canada | Atlantic AT 2846First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Germany | Atlantic ATL 10 136 / Atlantic 45-2846First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1971 | Jamaica | Atlantic 45-2846First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1971 | Madagascar | Atlantic ATS 573First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | New Zealand | Atlantic ATL.90First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | South Africa | Atlantic ATS 573First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1971 | Sweden | Atlantic ATL 10.136First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | US | Atlantic 2846First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1971 | US | Atlantic 2846First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1971 | US | Atlantic 45-2846First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | US | Atlantic 45-2846First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo, Mono, Stereo · Promo, Mono | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo, Mono, Stereo · Promo, Mono |
| 1971 | US | Atlantic 45-2846First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | US | Atlantic 45-2846First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | US | Atlantic 45-2846First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | US | Atlantic 45-2846First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo, Mono, Stereo · Promo, Mono | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo, Mono, Stereo · Promo, Mono |
1980s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Japan | Atlantic P-16907", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1982 | Japan | Atlantic P-16907", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Reissue · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Reissue · Promo |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Atlantic K 101367", Single | 7", Single |
| ? | UK | Atlantic K 101367", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | UK | Atlantic K 10136 / Atlantic K 101367", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- AThe Lion Sleeps Tonight2:36
- BJanet2:47
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Lion Sleeps Tonight are there?
36 vinyl pressings of The Lion Sleeps Tonight are listed here, from 20 countries, released between 1971 and 1982.
When was The Lion Sleeps Tonight first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in US, Canada, Jamaica, Madagascar and more. One of them is Atlantic 2846.
How do I tell if my copy of The Lion Sleeps Tonight is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2846, 45-2846, AT 2846, ATS 573) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A-23291-MO and A-23292-MO. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Lion Sleeps Tonight 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.
