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- Every May 4
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45 Day spins up every May 4, honoring the iconic 7-inch vinyl record that brought music to the masses. Dive into the rich history of the 45 RPM single, explore its enduring appeal among collectors, and celebrate the artists and labels who continue to release music on this beloved format. Dust off your turntable, visit a local record store, and share your favorite singles.
Want to sponsor 45 Day? Learn how
Expected 45 Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that 45 Day often brings exciting deals from music retailers and record labels. Expect major online stores like Amazon and Target to offer discounts on vinyl singles and turntables. Independent record stores, such as Rough Trade and Amoeba Music, typically host special sales, exclusive releases, and in-store events. Look for deals on audio equipment from brands like Audio-Technica and Pro-Ject. Even streaming services might offer promotions on curated playlists of classic singles. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 4 approaches.
Platform Guide for 45 Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #45Day. Share photos of your favorite 45s, record collections, or visits to local record stores.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #45Day. Film short videos showcasing your spinning singles, vinyl unboxings, or DIY record cleaning tips.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #45Day. Join the conversation by sharing your top 45 RPM picks, music memories, or news about new vinyl releases.
45 Day Hero
David Sarnoff
History of 45 Day
Created by Christos Christou, the first 45 Day was celebrated in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The event happened completely online, featuring 52 D.J. mixes and a two-hour live-streamed radio show. Several prominent artists today are releasing singles and albums on vinyl again. The classic 45 still carves its space in a digital world — a testament to its greatness.
The origins of the 45-vinyl go back to the late 1940s. Record sales during the time were excellent. But as for the records themselves? The quality was not stellar. Despite advancements in recording technology, records still rotated at 78 RPM. In addition, records were fragile, thin, and noisy, defeating the purpose of listening to music entirely. Columbia Records decided to do something about it. In 1948, it launched the 33 1/3 R.P.M. — a long-playing record (20 minutes per side) made of thicker, much quieter vinyl. Not to be outdone by its rival, R.C.A. Victor unveiled a new project a year later — the 45 R.P.M. record that forever changed the course of music history.
The R.C.A. seven-inch 45 R.P.M. was instantly popular with fans and industry professionals. It was small and cute. Each music genre had its own vinyl color, making the 45 a hit with the younger, hip crowd. This is not to say that the 45 did not have its set of challenges. R.C.A. 45 players could only play 45 R.P.M. records and no other formats. The 45 also came with mid-movement breaks — a long-running problem for classical music fans.
Slowly but surely, the 45 replaced the 78 R.P.M. in the ‘50s, and the vinyl became a part of everyone’s lives. You could take your music anywhere with battery-operated phonographs. Kids even traded 45s instead of baseball cards. The records were fun and cheap at less than a dollar each. The era of the 45 lasted about 40 years — before the arrival of cassette tapes, C.D.s, and MP3 players.
45 Day timeline
R.C.A. Victor launches the revolutionary 45 R.P.M.
Every genre gets a vinyl color — green for country releases, red vinyl for classical, orange for R&B and Gospel, blue for semi-classical, and black label for international recordings.
Bel Canto Records introduces the first Stereo 45 R.P.M. record.
America commercially releases the last 78 R.P.M. singles and makes way for the dawn of the 45 era.
How Businesses Can Celebrate 45 Day
Local record stores are the heart of 45 Day, and they can host listening parties, offer discounts on 7-inch singles, or organize a ‘spin the wheel’ promotion for customers. Bars and restaurants could feature a ’45s only’ DJ night, encouraging patrons to bring their favorite singles to be played. Music schools or community centers might offer workshops on vinyl care or the history of recorded music. Even online retailers can curate special bundles of classic 45s or offer free shipping on vinyl orders to celebrate the day.
45 Day FAQs
When is 45 Day?
In 2027, 45 Day is observed on Tuesday, May 4, offering another opportunity to honor the iconic 45 RPM single. Get ready to spin your favorite tunes.
How many 45 RPM records have been sold?
The 45 RPM single was a massive commercial success, especially during the golden age of rock and roll. Though digital sales now lead, the format’s cultural impact and sheer volume of past sales remain immense, with many still being bought and sold today.
How popular is vinyl today?
The vinyl revival continues to gain momentum, attracting both nostalgic collectors and younger generations. Industry reports for 2026 are expected to show further growth, solidifying vinyl’s position as a significant part of the physical music market and a cultural touchstone.
What is the difference between a 45 RPM and a 33 1/3 RPM record?
The key difference lies in playback speed and capacity. 45s were ideal for hit singles and jukeboxes, offering higher fidelity for shorter tracks. LPs, introduced earlier, allowed for longer continuous playback, making them suitable for classical music and later, rock albums, becoming the standard album format.
45 Day Activities
Pick up some 45s
Today’s perfect for a visit to the nearest record store. Buy some new 45s on vinyl or a record you have been eyeing for a while. Go back home, spin the circle, and indulge your ears!
Listen to the online shows and streams
Enjoy the 45 Day radio show or tune in to the live stream. Since everything’s online, anyone anywhere can participate.
Take part in the events
If you are a musician or a D.J., consider submitting your mixes to be included on the official 45 Day website. You could also play 45s at live or virtual events.
5 Interesting Facts About Vinyl
Across the universe
The Golden Record boarding the Voyager One and Two spacecraft is presently over 15 billion miles away from earth.
The most expensive vinyl record
The Wu-Tang Clan made only one copy of their seventh studio album, “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” which was sold for $2 million at an auction.
The first 12-inch vinyl
The world’s first 12-inch vinyl record was the Philadelphia Orchestra playing Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 5 in C Minor.’
The world’s largest vinyl collection
Brazilian businessman José Roberto Alves Freitas has more than six million vinyl records and is known to buy entire vinyl collections from everywhere.
45 R.P.M. has the best sound
Since 45 R.P.M. records travel faster, it means better audio quality than 33 1/3 R.P.M.
Why We Love 45 Day
A classic endures
Great things transcend time. The growth of vinyl despite the ease of digital streaming is strong proof.
it makes us appreciate music
Vinyl transports us to the good old days. 45 Day reminds us that listening to music could be purposeful, not just set as background music while we work.
A day for 45 fans to connect
There is not a lot that dismantles barriers and connects people the way music does. 45 Day brings together music lovers from everywhere to share their love for the classic record.
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