Promo 45s
Welcome to the Promo 45s photo gallery. A promo record is one issued to radio stations
in advance of the record being sold in stores. Unlike an acetate record, a promo record is
the final mix of a song that will become commercially available to the public and heard on
radio stations. Often, it looks like a regular issue record. The only difference is that the
label may be a different color from a standard issue record (usually white) and marked "Not for Sale"
or "For Promo Use". Sometimes a promo record's vinyl may come in colors other than black. Conversely,
an acetate record is one sent to radio stations (usually stations in large cities) but may not be the
final mix sold in stores or eventually heard on a regular basis. Also, an acetate record will not
have a record company's label, may come in either a 7" or 10" size with a small spindle hole, have
the song and artist titles handwritten or typewritten on the label,and be pressed on a plastic-coated,
metal based material. There are examples of acetate records on the Memorabilia
and Collectibles page.
Often, a promo record is very crucial to making or breaking the career of a new artist. Pictured
above is a promo record for the Paramours, Bill Medley's group prior to the Righteous Brothers.
The Paramours issued three 45s prior to their disbandment in 1962. This particular 45, "That's the Way We Love",
was issued in 1961. It is the first known recording by this group. If you have any promo 45s to be displayed, please contact me at: rblady@hotmail.com
. Thank you. A special thanks to Charlie Harvey for suggesting this page and for providing the
scans.
Click on any thumbnail to view full size:
