US
1963- Label and catalog number
- Blue Note 4136Blue Note BLP 4136
- Format
- LP, Album, Mono
- Runout / matrix
BNLP-4136A VAN GELDERRunout side A
BNLP-4136B VAN GELDERRunout side B
BN 4136-ASide A label
BN 4136-BSide B label
Solomon Ilori & His Afro-Drum EnsembleAfrican High Life
Vinyl pressings
African High Life
by Solomon Ilori & His Afro-Drum Ensemble · 1963
11 pressings3 countriesHighlifeFolkWorld& Country
African High Life was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. 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 African High Life
3 pressings came out in 1963, the album's first year. 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
1963- Label and catalog number
- Blue Note BST 84136
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
BNST-84136-A STEREO VAN GELDERSide A runout
BNST-84136-B STEREO VAN GELDERSide B runout
BNST 84136-ASide A label
BNST 84136-BSide B label
US
1963- Label and catalog number
- Blue Note BLP 4136
- Format
- LP, Album, Mono · DG side 1
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1960s5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | US | Blue Note 4136 / Blue Note BLP 4136First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | US | Blue Note BST 84136First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1963 | US | Blue Note BLP 4136First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1966 | US | Blue Note BST84136LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1966 | US | Blue Note 4136 / Blue Note BLP 4136LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
1970s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | US | Blue Note BST 84136LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
1990s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Japan | Blue Note BN 4136 / Blue Note BST 84136LP, Album, Stereo, Reissue, Limited Edition · Limited | LP, Album, Stereo, Reissue, Limited Edition · Limited |
2000s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | US | Blue Note BLP 4136LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
2010s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Europe | DOL DOL1017HGLP, Album, Deluxe Edition, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Deluxe Edition, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
2020s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Unknown | Alternative Fox FOX040LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Blue Note 4136LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
Tracklist
- A1Tolani (African Love Song)
- A2Ise Oluwa (God's Work Is Indestructible)
- A3Follow Me To Africa
- B1Yaba E (Farewell)
- B2Jojolo (Look At This Beautiful Girl)
- B3Aiye Le (The Troubled World)
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of African High Life are there?
11 vinyl pressings of African High Life are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1963 and 2020.
When was African High Life first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in US. One of them is Blue Note 4136.
How do I tell if my copy of African High Life is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4136, BST 84136, BLP 4136) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BNLP-4136A VAN GELDER and BNLP-4136B VAN GELDER. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is African High Life 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.