US
November 1956- Label and catalog number
- Dot Records 45-15527
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Indianapolis Pressing
- Runout / matrix
MW 9426-1 I A1A side runout
MW-9299-5 IB side runout
MW-9426Label Side A
MW-9299Label Side B
The Fontane SistersThe Banana Boat Song
Vinyl pressings
The Banana Boat Song
by The Fontane Sisters · 1956
13 pressings8 countriesVocalPop
The Banana Boat Song was first pressed on vinyl in 1956. 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 Banana Boat Song
7 pressings came out in 1956, the album's first year, in 4 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
November 1956- Label and catalog number
- Dot Records 15527
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
DOT-9426Label Side A
DOT-9299Label Side B
Canada
November 1956- Label and catalog number
- Quality 1582
- Format
- 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MB-9426Label Side A
MB-9299Label Side B
Canada
November 1956- Label and catalog number
- Quality K1582
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MW-9426Label Side A
MW-9299Label Side B
Australia
1956- Label and catalog number
- London Records HL-1139
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MW9426Label Side A
MW9299Label Side B
LON1276Label Side A
LON1277Label Side B
New Zealand
1956- Label and catalog number
- London Records 45-NZL.163
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
7MW.9426Label Side A
7MW.9299Label Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1950s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Australia | London Records HL-1139First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1956 | New Zealand | London Records 45-NZL.163First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1956 | New Zealand | London Records NZL.163First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1956 | Canada | Quality 1582First year10", 78 RPM | 10", 78 RPM |
| 1956 | Canada | Quality K1582First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1956 | US | Dot Records 45-15527First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1956 | US | Dot Records 15527First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | Netherlands | London Records L 580 / London American Recordings L 580Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single |
| 1957 | Netherlands | London American Recordings FL 15807", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1958 | France | Versailles 45. S. 5497", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Denmark | Dot Records D 109Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Norway | Dot Records D 109Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Norway | Dot Records D 109Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Repress | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Repress |
Tracklist
- AThe Banana Boat Song2:18
- BHonolulu Moon2:12
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Banana Boat Song are there?
13 vinyl pressings of The Banana Boat Song are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1956 and 1958.
When was The Banana Boat Song first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1956, in US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. One of them is Dot Records 45-15527, released November 1956.
How do I tell if my copy of The Banana Boat Song is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-15527, 15527, 1582, K1582) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MW 9426-1 I A1 and MW-9299-5 I. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Banana Boat Song 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.
