45 RPM - The 7" Single

Classic Dansette

This week is the 60th anniversary of the 45RPM single.

The 7″ 45 rpm record was introduced in 1949 by RCA as a smaller, more durable and higher-fidelity replacement for the 78 rpm shellac discs. The first 45 rpm records were monaural, with recordings on both sides of the disc. As stereo recordings became popular in the 1960s, almost all 45 rpm records were produced in stereo by the early 1970s.

Although 7″ remained the standard size for vinyl singles, 12″ singles were introduced for use by DJs in discos in the 1970s. The longer playing time of these singles allowed the inclusion of extended dance mixes of tracks. The 12″ single is still considered a standard format for dance music, though its popularity has declined in recent years.

This was the first “proper” single I bought with my own pocket money.

“Telegram Sam” – T.Rex

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