US
1959- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 71519X45
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
YWN-19020-MS3 E4530Side A Etched
YWN-19021-MS3 E4531Side B Etched
Sarah VaughanSmooth Operator / Maybe It's Because (I Love You Too Much)
Vinyl pressings
Smooth Operator / Maybe It's Because (I Love You Too Much)
by Sarah Vaughan · 1959
15 pressings8 countriesVocalPop
Smooth Operator 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 Smooth Operator
12 pressings came out in 1959, the album's first year, in 5 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
- Mercury SS-10020X45
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Stereo
US
1959- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 71519X45
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene · Allied Pressing
- Runout / matrix
YWM-19020-MS1 E4530Runout side A
YWM-19021-MS3 E4531Runout side B
YW19020Label side A
YW19021Label side B
US
1959- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 71519X45
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
YWM-19020-MS3 F-SSide A runout Etched
YWM-19021-MS3 F-SSide B runout Etched
YW19020Side A label
YW19021Side B label
US
1959- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 71519X45
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
YWN-19020-MS3 E4530Side A Etched
YWN-19021-MS3 E4531Side B Etched
Belgium
1959- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 71.519 x 45
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
YW 19020Label & Runout Side A
YW 19021Label & Runout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Belgium | Mercury 71.519 x 45First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1959 | Canada | Mercury 71519XFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1959 | Italy | Mercury 80011X45First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1959 | Italy | Mercury 70434x45 / Music 70434x45First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1959 | Netherlands | Mercury SS 10020First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1959 | Netherlands | Mercury 957096First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1959 | Netherlands | Mercury 957096First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1959 | US | Mercury 71519X45First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1959 | US | Mercury 71519X45First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1959 | US | Mercury SS-10020X45First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1959 | US | Mercury 71519X45First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1959 | US | Mercury 71519X45First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
1960s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Australia | Esquire Mercury 453207", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1960 | New Zealand | Mercury 715197", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Mercury 1100207", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
Tracklist
- ASmooth Operator2:17
- BMaybe It's Because (I Love You Too Much)2:33
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Smooth Operator are there?
15 vinyl pressings of Smooth Operator are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1959 and 1960.
When was Smooth Operator first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1959, in US, Belgium, Canada, Italy and more. One of them is Mercury 71519X45.
How do I tell if my copy of Smooth Operator is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 71519X45, SS-10020X45, 71.519 x 45, 71519X) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, YWN-19020-MS3 E4530 and YWN-19021-MS3 E4531. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Smooth Operator 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.
