If the 33&1/3 rpm vinyl record was presented a birthday cake, it would have 70 candles!

The long play record (LP) was developed by CBS Laboratories, and introduced to the world by CBS' Goddard Lieberson on June 20th, 1948.

First, some quick history:

Since the beginning of the phonograph, most records (10-inch, 78-rpm discs used since the 1890's) played for about two or three minutes.

78-rpm record. $1.25 was a FORTUNE! (Craig Allen photo)
78-rpm record...and $1.25 was a FORTUNE! (Craig Allen photo)
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Occasionally, the various record companies issued 12-inch (shellac) records, which had a bit more capacity (78-rpm song-playing time).

78's were also easily breakable!

Phonograph Needle Buyer's "Guide," circa, 1940's. (Craig Allen photo).
Phonograph Needle Buyer's "Guide," circa, 1940's. (Craig Allen photo).
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But, that was about to change...

As "luck" would have it, CBS and competitor RCA, were both working to improve the record, by the mid-1940's!

RCA's concept stuck to the long-standing notion that a record should not have to hold more than one song.

RCA reduced speed to 45-rpm, and used a finer groove, in the effort to develop a smaller disc than the 78-rpm standard. RCA also used a new plastic material, called vinylite, which resulted in the needle picking up less surface noise and hiss.

1956 RCA vinyl in original paper sleeve (Craig Allen photo).
1956 RCA vinyl in original paper sleeve (Craig Allen photo).
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World War II interrupted research and development...

1956 vinyl...exposed! (Craig Allen photo).
1956 vinyl...exposed! (Craig Allen photo).
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...but the new 45-rpm disc and its player were introduced at the end of 1947.

At the same time:

CBS research director Peter Goldmark, and other engineers were developing the 12-inch, 33&1/3-rpm, long playing record (LP).

"Early vinyl." (Craig Allen photo).
Early "Long Playing" record "jacket." (Craig Allen photo).
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It was also made of vinyl plastic, and had very fine grooves.

The concept behind CBS's LP was different from RCA's offering: with its slower speed and larger diameter, the "Long Playing" record was originally designed to showcase classical music, which often ran for 20 minutes or more without a break.

So, after June 20, 1948, consumers had two "new and improved" types of records:

One standard emphasized single songs, the other suited for multiple songs, or long-playing single programs. However, each used different, non-compatible playback equipment.

This LP was made in 1949! (Craig Allen photo).
This LP was made in 1949! (Craig Allen photo).
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Naturally, within a few years, most record companies had adopted both the LP and the 45-rpm formats.

Engineers easily adapted record players to accommodate both types of discs, as well as the older 78-rpm singles!
As a side note, as a kid, I had a "record player" that once belonged to an elementary school...it also played 16-rpm records! These slow-turning vinyl records were for instructional purposes. Fidelity was poor...but that was fine...as these were spoken word ("talking") records.

With the superior sound...

Check out this LP's "fidelity range!" (Craig Allen photo).
Check out this LP's "fidelity range!" (Craig Allen photo).
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...and equipment compatibility, you would think that the old-fashioned 78-rpm record vanished QUICKLY...but NO!

The major labels didn't totally phase out the 10-inch, 78-rpm disc until...1958!! AMAZING!

"Beautiful Music" LP from Mom's collection, circa 1960. (Craig Allen photo).
"Beautiful Music" LP from my Mom's collection, 1957. (Craig Allen photo).
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The growth of LP sales in the 1960's and 1970's transformed the record business, generating large profits, and the LP restored the industry to the prominence it had held in the early 1920's, before radio was introduced.

A 'souvenir" record. LP's could be local, New Jersey! (Craig Allen photo).
A 'souvenir" record. LP's could be local, New Jersey! (Craig Allen photo).
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The birthday-celebrating vinyl LP was hurt by the introduction of the compact disc in the early 1980's...

...CD sales overtaking vinyl, both the LP and the 45, by the late 1980's.

Idol Vinyl from 1987! (Craig Allen photo).
Idol Vinyl from 1987! (Craig Allen photo).
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Most major label record companies stopped releasing vinyl in large amounts, by the early 1990's.

Happily, that's not the end of the story: LP's (and 45's) are still being produced!

Vinyl thrives in underground music scenes and niche collector markets, and is still commonly used by New Jersey club DJ's for mixing purposes.

T.S. on LP (Craig Allen photo).
T.S. on LP (Craig Allen photo).
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Within the last few years, vinyl has experienced a resurgence in the mainstream, with some of today's top-40 artists issuing their albums in vinyl formats...

"New Music" on vinyl (Craig Allen photo).
"New Music" on vinyl (Craig Allen photo).
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...with a limited pressing run.

Drop the needle! (Craig Allen photo).
Drop the needle!  This vinyl is only $27.99 (Craig Allen photo).
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And, selected "Greatest Hits" can now be enjoyed on high quality "Audiophile" vinyl, too!

Maybe you have this on CD...I do! (Craig Allen photo).
Maybe you have this on CD...I do! (Craig Allen photo).
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You have to look for new vinyl...and...

The display says: "Experience the difference!" (Craig Allen photo).
The display says: "Experience the difference!" (Craig Allen photo).
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...be prepared to...

"Classics" in a new presentation! (Craig Allen photo).
"Classics" in a new presentation! (Craig Allen photo).
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...pay the price...literally.

Or...pick up an LP at a "used record store."

A Manville "yard sale" is a great place to find vinyl records. (Craig Allen photo).
A Manville "yard sale" is probably a great place to find vinyl records. (Craig Allen photo).
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Or a "garage sale/yard sale."

2 boxes of LP treasures, from my neighbors. (Craig Allen photo).
2 boxes of LP treasures, from my neighbors. (Craig Allen photo).
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Or...inherit it!

In any event:

Happy 70th to the LP!

And, many more!

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