United Record Pressing marks 75 years with top 15 vinyl records.
In a musical landscape where change is constant, one medium has managed to hold its ground and even flourish amidst all the advancements – vinyl records. According to the 2023 Year-End data from the Recording Industry Association of America, the revenues from vinyl records saw a 10% growth, reaching a staggering $1.4 billion. In fact, vinyl accounted for a remarkable 71% of physical format revenues last year, marking 2023 as vinyl’s 17th consecutive year of growth.
Nashville-based United Record Pressing, a cornerstone in the vinyl industry, is also celebrating a significant milestone – 75 years of pressing vinyl records for some of the biggest names in music history. From Taylor Swift and Michael Jackson to Dolly Parton, Adele, and Stevie Wonder, United Record Pressing has become synonymous with quality and legacy in the music world.
United Record Pressing’s journey began in the 1970s when Southern Plastics transformed into the industry giant we know today. As in-house labels started closing their pressing operations, United Record Pressing emerged as the premier independent record pressing plant in the Southeast. Fast forward two decades, and URP acquired Dixie Record Pressing, allowing them to press 10- and 12-inch records alongside their popular 7-inch ones. With the resurgence of vinyl in the mid-2000s, URP found itself pressing new versions of iconic albums from artists like Johnny Cash, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan, as well as contemporary hits from Adele, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Kendrick Lamar.
In 2017, United Record Pressing consolidated its operations into a new, larger facility on Allied Drive in Nashville to keep up with the growing demand for their services. Witnessing sustained growth, the company expanded further in 2021-2022 by adding nearly 50 presses and increasing its facilities by 15,000 square feet, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
Today, more than 120 staff members at United Record Pressing oversee 64 on-site pressing machines with the capacity to press over 80,000 records daily. Among them is Beth Proctor, the company’s longest-standing employee, who has dedicated almost four decades to ensuring that music lovers get their favorite albums on vinyl.
As United Record Pressing commemorates 75 years of providing music enthusiasts with high-quality vinyl, we take a look back at 15 distinctive recordings that the company has pressed over the decades, spanning from the 1940s to the 2020s.
1. Francis Craig Band – “Red Rose”/ “Near You”
Originally released in the 1940s, this record showcased the musical prowess of the Francis Craig Band and became a classic in its own right.
2. The Beatles – “Please Please Me”/ “From Me to You”
A 1963 release by the iconic Beatles, pressed by URP, that solidified their place in music history.
3. Jackie Shane – “In My Tenement”/ “Comin’ Down”
URP pressed this 1960s single by R&B singer Jackie Shane, a trailblazer in both music and identity.
4. Eula Cooper – “Let Our Love Grow Higher”/ “Have Faith in Me”
A rare soul recording from the 1970s that captures the essence of the era, reissued by Numero Group in 2018.
5. Minor Threat – Minor Threat
The influential East Coast hardcore group’s EP marked their first foray into the music scene, showcasing raw energy and power.
6. Negative Approach – Negative Approach
A 1982 pressing from one of the pioneering punk rock bands, delivering intense tracks that defined a genre.
7. Cat Power – “Headlights”
United Record Pressing handled the vinyl pressing for Cat Power’s debut release, showcasing the singer-songwriter’s unique style and voice.
8. The Dead Weather – “Hang You From the Heavens”
Featuring Jack White and Alison Mosshart, this 2009 single marked the beginning of a new musical journey for the band.
9. Kurt Vile – Untitled
A 2007 vinyl with tracks that speak to the soul, highlighting the essence of Kurt Vile’s musical talent.
10. Taylor Swift – Red
11. Jack White – World’s Fastest Record
12. Paramore / David Byrne – “Burning Down the House”/ “Hard Times”
13. Chris Stapleton – Starting Over
14. Conan Gray – Kid Krow
Kid Krow, the debut album from Conan Gray in 2020, offered listeners a glimpse into the young artist’s unique perspective and musical style.
15. Dolly Parton – Songteller
The book “Dolly Parton’s Songteller: My Life in Lyrics” not only chronicled the iconic singer’s journey but also came with a special pink vinyl record featuring demo recordings of her classic songs.
These 15 recordings represent just a fraction of the incredible work that United Record Pressing has done over the past 75 years. As they continue to press vinyl for generations to come, their legacy in the music industry only grows stronger with each record spun on a turntable.
