Kicker - A vinyl resurgence

MYRNA BROWN, HOST: Something just happened in the music recording industry that hasn’t happened in a long time, not since the 1980s. 

Those of a certain age will remember when vinyl records largely gave way to cassette tapes. That was before sales of CDs overtook both cassettes and vinyl. 

And then of course, the mp3 came along and you  know the rest. But, one of those old formats is making a big comeback. It seems many Americans are nostalgic for this sound:

AUDIO: [Sound effects of vinyl]

For the first time in several decades, vinyl records outsold CDs in the United States. The Recording  Industry Association of America reported $232 million in vinyl sales during the first half of 2020. That made up “62 percent of total physical” format revenues. 

Megan, what was the first vinyl record (or CD) you ever bought?

BASHAM: You know, I’m going to be honest, Myrna, I don’t know that I ever bought a record.

BROWN: Oh no! Can I tell you mine?

BASHAM: What was yours?

BROWN: OK, Michael Jackson, Off the Wall, 1979!

BASHAM: Well, that’s a good one!

BROWN: And I think I still have it!

It’s The World and Everything in It.

(Photo/iStock)

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