In 1961, RCA Victor Records released Lonely Man b/w Surrender on compact 33. The prefix (37) denotes compact 33. The catalog (7850) is identical to the relatively common counterpart release as a 45 RPM (47-7850). This release was part of an industry-wide attempt to establish a one-speed record market which began in 1960, that was anticipated to phase out the 45 RPM within two to five years of it’s introduction. Using big name artists, like Elvis Presley to propagate sales of the compact 33 in the direction of market domination should have been enough, however, it wasn’t. In 1961, 45 RPM record sales were climbing at a record pace, the major discount stores cut retail prices by nearly 22%, and lack of inexpensive automatic 33-speed singles player discouraged the promotion of the compact 33. All these factors and more attribute to the extreme rarity of this single.
Mfg: RCA Victor Records
Catalog: 37-7850
Title: Surrender b/w Lonely Man
Artist: Elvis Presley
Release: 2/1961
Book Value: $700 record, $1200 sleeve
Undocumented Variation Alert
Compact 33 Single is “commonly” found in blue lettering on both sides, however, this October 2000 image depicts Compact 33 Single in black on one side and not found on the other.
Disc
Surrender has identification numbers engraved, on Lonely Man they are stamped. Unlike the other five Compact 33s, which have “RCA VICTOR” in mustard color print, this one has orange letters.
