National Vinyl Record Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring the cultural influence of vinyl records, the art of music collecting, and the timeless experience of analog sound.
Quick Facts
- When is it: August 12
- Tagged as: Music & Culture Holiday
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalVinylRecordDay
- When was it founded: 2001
- Who founded it: Gary Freiberg
History of National Vinyl Record Day
Gary Freiberg, a music enthusiast from Los Osos, California, established this day to commemorate Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph in 1877. The day celebrates the enduring appeal of vinyl records and their significant role in preserving musical heritage.
Timeline
- 1857: Phonautograph invented by Édouard-Léon Scott
- 1877: Thomas Edison invents the phonograph
- 1890s: First vinyl record created by Emile Berliner
- 1895: Record players released to the public
- 1960s-1970s: Golden age of vinyl records
- Late 2000s: Beginning of “The Vinyl Revival”
Dates by Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 12 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August 12 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | August 12 | Thursday |
| 2028 | August 12 | Saturday |
| 2029 | August 12 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
Music enthusiasts celebrate by visiting record stores, hosting listening parties, cleaning their vinyl collections, and sharing their favorite records on social media. Many collectors use this day to expand their collections or introduce others to the vinyl experience.
Fun Facts About Vinyl Records
- Records were originally made of shellac before vinyl became standard in the 1960s
- Vinyl records come in various colors and include picture discs
- Three common playing speeds exist: 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm
- The largest vinyl collection contained over one million LPs
Quiz
- When was the first vinyl record created?
- What material were records made of before vinyl?
- Who invented the phonograph?
-(Answers: 1890s, Shellac, Thomas Edison)
FAQs
Q: What makes vinyl records special?
A: Vinyl offers unique sound quality, tangible connection to music, and artistic album covers.
Q: How do I know if my record is valuable?
A: Check the catalog number, barcode, or use the Discogs App to determine value.
Importance of National Vinyl Record Day
This celebration recognizes vinyl’s enduring influence on music culture, sound quality, and artistic expression. It emphasizes the physical connection to music that digital formats can’t replicate.
Related Celebrations
- Record Store Day
- National VCR Day
- Get Out Your Guitar Day
- National Disc Jockey Day
- National Old Stuff Day