Vinyl Record Day

Who doesn’t love listening to music? National Vinyl Record Day celebrates music lovers who appreciate not only rich sound quality but also the timeless appeal of vinyl records. For true audiophiles, these records represent nostalgia, craftsmanship, and a deep love for music. This day is the perfect excuse to dust off your turntable and enjoy some legendary albums.

History

National Vinyl Record Day was established by Gary Freiberg of Los Osos, California. He chose August 12 to commemorate the invention of the phonograph by Thomas Edison in 1877—the first device to record and reproduce sound. Freiberg encourages everyone, not just music enthusiasts, to reflect on how vinyl records changed the way we experience music.

Interesting Facts

• Many contemporary artists release singles and albums on vinyl alongside digital formats.
• Black vinyl offers better sound quality than colored variants, which often suffer from audio degradation.
• The Wu-Tang Clan’s album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin sold for $2 million in 2015, making it the most expensive record ever sold.
• One of the most iconic album covers in history is Abbey Road by The Beatles.
• There is also a similar celebration known as Record Store Day, observed in April, not August 29 as sometimes mistakenly believed.

How to Take Part

Visit your local record store and pick up something special—maybe a classic or something new. If you’ve never collected vinyl before, today is a great time to start. If you already have a collection, clean and care for your records using proper vinyl cleaning tools. Share your favorite records or playlists online to join the celebration with the hashtag #VinylRecordDay.

When is Vinyl Record Day in 2025?

Vinyl Record Day is observed on August 12 each year.

Observations