Bing Crosby Merry Christmas LP Value Guide

The 1955 12-inch LP release of Bing Crosby's 'Merry Christmas' on Decca Records is a cornerstone of holiday music history, featuring the definitive version of 'White Christmas.' This specific pressing transitioned the 1945 78rpm collection into the modern long-play format, making it a must-have for mid-century audiophiles and Christmas enthusiasts alike.

What affects the value of Bing Crosby Merry Christmas LP?

• The presence of the original paper inner sleeve and the structural integrity of the cardboard jacket.
• The playback quality of the vinyl, specifically the absence of surface noise on 'White Christmas'.
• The scarcity of the stereo version compared to more common mono pressings of the era.
• Overall preservation of the cover art's color and the absence of seam splits or writing.

How to Identify Bing Crosby Merry Christmas LP?

• Verify the Decca Records label branding and the 1955 release date on the back cover.
• Confirm the format is a 12-inch vinyl LP rather than the earlier 10-inch or 78rpm versions.
• Check for the specific tracklist including 'White Christmas' and 'Silent Night' as featured on the 1955 reissue.
• Look for the original cardboard sleeve construction typical of United States Decca pressings from the mid-1950s.

History of Bing Crosby Merry Christmas LP

Bing Crosby's 'Merry Christmas' is one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time. Originally released in 1945 as an album of 78 rpm records, it was reissued as a 10-inch LP in 1949 and then as a 12-inch LP in 1955. It features the iconic song 'White Christmas,' which remains the best-selling single of all time. The album has been re-released numerous times over the decades, solidifying its place as a perennial holiday favorite.