Germany
1982- Label and catalog number
- Jive 6.20135
- Format
- 12", Single
- Runout / matrix
6.20 135-01-1Label A
6.20 135-01-2Label B
Vinyl pressings
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
by Tight Fit · 1982
44 pressings17 countriesSynth-popElectronicPop
The Lion Sleeps Tonight was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. 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
39 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 14 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.
Germany
1982- Label and catalog number
- Jive 6.13 370Jive 6.13370
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
6.13 370-01-1 H1Runout side A
6.13 370-01-2/1 H1Runout side B
6.13 370-01-1Label A
6.13 370-01-2Label B
Germany
1982- Label and catalog number
- Jive 6.13 370Jive 6.13370 AC
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
6.13 370-01-1 H1Runout A, stamped/etched
6.13 370-01-2/1 H1Runout B, stamped/etched
6.13 370-01-1Label A
6.13 370-01-2Label B
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Jive JIVE T 9
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
JIVE-T-9-A-1 5 ARunout side A
JIVE-T-9-B-1 ARunout side B
JIVE T 9A*Label side A
JIVE T 9B*Label side B
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Jive JIVE 9
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
JIVE-9-A-1Side A runout
JIVE-9-B-1 ΛSide B runout
UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Jive JIVE 9
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
JIVE . 9. A2 toneEtched, Side A Runout
R̶U̶B̶ ̶1̶ ̶B̶1̶ JIVE 9 B5Stamped, Side B Runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 44 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s44 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Jive K-8638First year7" | 7" |
| 1982 | Canada | Jive JVD 002First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1982 | Canada | Jive JIVE 9XFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | France | Jive JIV 4003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | France | Jive JIV 12.4003 / Jive JIV 124003First year12", Maxi-Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1982 | Germany | Jive 6.20135First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1982 | Germany | Jive 6.13 370 / Jive 6.13370First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Germany | Jive 6.13 370 / Jive 6.13370 ACFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Greece | Epic EPIC 2147First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Ireland | Jive JIVE 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Italy | Jive JV 576First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Mexico | Jive S-687First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Mexico | Ariola SL-7080 / Hansa SL-7080First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Jive 151.074First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Jive 144.929First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
Tracklist
- AThe Lion Sleeps Tonight3:05
- BI'm Dancing In The Street3:17
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Lion Sleeps Tonight are there?
44 vinyl pressings of The Lion Sleeps Tonight are listed here, from 17 countries, released between 1982 and 1989.
When was The Lion Sleeps Tonight first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in Germany, UK, US, Australia and more. One of them is Jive 6.20135.
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 6.20135, 6.13 370, JIVE T 9, JIVE 9) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 6.20 135-01-1 and 6.20 135-01-2. 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.
