In 1949, RCA Victor released the first 45 rpm “single” records in response to Columbia Records’ successful introduction of its microgroove 33-1/3 “LP” format in 1948. These were produced in a variety of colors, each representing a different genre of music: Red vinyl for classical records (“RCA Red Seal”); green vinyl for country & western records; yellow vinyl for children’s records; black vinyl for pop music; and so on.
RCA manufactured a new type of proprietary turntable that they hoped would force people to choose between their system and the new record players required by the new LPs.
“Besides,” said RCA, “people are used to having records with just one song per side. And our new turntable allows you stack records on its ultra-tall spindle! Once a record finishes playing, the tonearm swings back, a new record falls into place and the listener continues to enjoy a continuous stream of music! Up to an hour’s worth!”
(In 1950, RCA Victor adopted Columbia’s 33-1/3 long-playing records; in 1951, Columbia adopted RCA Victor’s 45 singles.)
