Vinyl pressings
by Stevie Wonder · 1980
Happy Birthday was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
4517MG-A-66210-15A ZJF # 13 QSCI jmSide A runout groove, etched
4517MG-A-66210-15B ZJF # 13 QSCI jmSide B runout groove, etched
4517MGASide A label
4517MGBSide B label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | UK | Motown PSLP 326First year12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1980 | US | Motown 4517MGFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1980 | US | Motown 4517MGFirst year12", Compilation, Promo · Promo | 12", Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | US | Motown 4517MG12", Promo, White Label, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo | 12", Promo, White Label, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo |
| 1983 | Germany | Motown ZC 6911812", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Reissue | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Reissue |
| 1983 | Germany | Motown ZC 6911812", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Compilation, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1983 | Spain | Motown SPCO-6011212", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Motown TMGT 132612", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | US | Motown 4517 MG / Motown 4517MG12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Motown 4517MGLP, Single, Reissue | LP, Single, Reissue |
10 vinyl pressings of Happy Birthday are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1980 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, UK. One of them is Motown 4517MG.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4517MG, PSLP 326) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 4517MG-A-66210-15A ZJF # 13 QSCI jm and 4517MG-A-66210-15B ZJF # 13 QSCI jm. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
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.
