Rare Vinyl Test Press ROBERT JOHNSON Me and the Devil Blues (Take 2) Vocalion 78
$
380
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Description
Offered is a vinyl test pressing of Robert Johnson's "Me and the Devil Blues" (take 2). Matrix (DAL 398-2) is stamped in dead wax and "DAL 398-2P" & "Me and the Devil" are etched outside the run-in groove.
According to a 2006 release from the Library of Congress, these test pressings were created for Columbia producer Frank Diggs in the late 50s or very early 60s as they were considering releasing some of their back catalog blues recordings. From these recordings Diggs produced the Robert Johnson reissue "King of the Delta Blues" in 1961. Shortly after these pressings were made, Columbia and most other record companies abandoned this older stamper equipment, thus halting the production of these test pressings, making them extremely scarce.
This record was acquired from the collection of Steve LaVere. LaVere was a somewhat controversial and legendary figure in the history of American blues music. He was involved in some of the early efforts in the 1960s by the Imperial label to gather historical blues compilations, and he was a key figure in helping the family of blues legend Robert Johnson establish claim to his publishing rights, a process steeped in public and professional contention, to say the least. Along the way, Steve also amassed a large collection of rare and obscure blues records. This is one of several Robert Johnson test pressings purchased from his collection.
This vinyl test pressing grades E+, good gloss with no marks or other signs of play.
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