Kris Kristofferson 1970 Debut LP RARE White Label Promo Monoment SLP 18139 EX

$

36

Up for sale is a rare, piece of outlaw country music: An original 1970 white-label promotional first pressing of Kris Kristofferson’s self-titled debut studio album, Kristofferson.

Released on Monument Records (Catalog SLP 18139), this specific copy features the official radio station "Star Jockey" center label designations explicitly marked "Not For Sale." This is not a commercial copy; it is a pristine archival radio station promo distributed directly to DJs in the summer of 1970 before the album hit commercial retail shelves.
Historical Significance: Because the album initially saw very low sales in 1970, Monument Records quickly pulled it, changed the cover, retitled it Me and Bobby McGee, and reissued it under a completely different catalog number. This original, un-altered Kristofferson promo title variant is an incredibly tough find.

Before unleashing this debut, Kris Kristofferson was working as a janitor at Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville, famously sweeping floors while watching Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash record. This 1970 masterpiece was the world's introduction to his brilliant, gritty songwriting style that would completely reshape country music into the "Outlaw" movement.

The album was produced by the legendary Fred Foster and engineered by Tommy Strong and Mort Thomasson at the historic Monument Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Foster’s minimalist production allowed Kristofferson’s gravelly, deeply poetic vocals to take absolute center stage.

This album contains the definitive, original blueprint performances of songs that became monumental hits for other artists. Side One features the immortal tracks "Me And Bobby McGee" (later a #1 hit for Janis Joplin) and "Help Me Make It Through The Night" (later a smash hit for Sammi Smith and Gladys Knight). It also includes foundational tracks like "Blame It On The Stones," "To Beat The Devil," and "The Law Is For Protection Of The People."

Vinyl Matrix Codes & Pressing Plant Details
This disc features clean, error-free hand-etched matrix numbers in the runout groove (dead wax), confirming it was pulled from the very first approved acetate lacquer master:
• Side 1 Matrix: SLP-18139 I2Y-649
• Side 2 Matrix: SLP-18139 I2Y-650
The "I2Y" prefix denotes the authentic, first-generation stereo master tapes mixed in Nashville. Because there are no additional factory delta symbols or scribes in the dead wax, this disc was pressed by Columbia Records' Custom Pressing Division (utilizing their top-tier midwest or east coast plants). Columbia contract pressings from this era are highly sought after by audiophiles for their heavy vinyl weight, superior quality control, and exceptionally low surface noise.

Condition Grading 

Vinyl Disc (Excellent to Near Mint / EX to NM): The vinyl is in exceptional condition, retaining a brilliant, mirror-like factory gloss sheen. Under bright grading lights, the surface is incredibly clean with no deep marks, structural scratches, or prominent scuffs. It has been meticulously preserved and handles beautifully, showing only the absolute barest hints of superficial handling or paper wisps. Plays through warm and clean with minimal surface noise, and captures Krist's vocals so beautifully it transports you to a smokey juke joint where you'll want to sip beer and contemplate life while your ears are bathing in shower of lush golden plate reverb. 

Jacket Sleeve (VG+): The original jacket cover is in excellent condition. It features some minor, typical vintage ring wear on the front and back, but is completely free of seam splits, corner dings, writing, marker lines, or radio station inventory stickers. The spine and edges remain firm, structured, and legible.

Please see photos for condition and runout markings.