According to BBC News, the 45 rpm seven-inch vinyl record will turn 60 this March. In a story that traces the beloved medium from early formats to the modern indie nerd record bin, the BBC echoes the sentiment that, despite an increasingly digital age, vinyl is here to stay, having sold over a million units per year in the UK since 2005.
The first seven-inch record was released on March 31, 1949 by the RCA imprint. The song was "Texarkana Baby," performed by country singer Eddy Arnold. The vinyl was clear green because when the 45 was first introduced, the coloured wax was intended to signify the genre. Classical music was red and children's music was yellow. When rock'n'roll and pop took over, however, the production demands forced the default to black vinyl.
For a fascinating read on the dedication to vinyl, you can check out the article here. And be sure to join in and wish the 45 a happy birthday on March 31 by sitting on the carpet and painstakingly organizing your seven-inches.
Eddy Arnold "Texarkana Baby"
The first seven-inch record was released on March 31, 1949 by the RCA imprint. The song was "Texarkana Baby," performed by country singer Eddy Arnold. The vinyl was clear green because when the 45 was first introduced, the coloured wax was intended to signify the genre. Classical music was red and children's music was yellow. When rock'n'roll and pop took over, however, the production demands forced the default to black vinyl.
For a fascinating read on the dedication to vinyl, you can check out the article here. And be sure to join in and wish the 45 a happy birthday on March 31 by sitting on the carpet and painstakingly organizing your seven-inches.
Eddy Arnold "Texarkana Baby"
