Lily Tomlin: This is a Recording Value Guide

This 1971 debut album is a cornerstone of American comedy, introducing Lily Tomlin's legendary telephone operator character, Ernestine. It remains a highly collectible piece of pop culture history, having secured a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album upon its release.

What affects the value of Lily Tomlin: This is a Recording?

• The presence of the original inner sleeve and any included promotional inserts.
• Overall condition of the cardboard jacket, specifically looking for ring wear or split seams.
• The audio quality and lack of surface noise or deep scratches on the vinyl disc.
• Market demand for 1970s comedy memorabilia and the specific popularity of the Ernestine character.

How to Identify Lily Tomlin: This is a Recording?

• Check for the original 1971 Polydor Records label and catalog number 24-4055.
• Verify the presence of the iconic cover art featuring Tomlin in her Ernestine costume with a vintage headset.
• Look for the 'Recorded Live at The Ice House, Pasadena' credit on the back sleeve.
• Ensure the vinyl matrix numbers are stamped in the run-out groove to confirm an original pressing.

History of Lily Tomlin: This is a Recording

This groundbreaking album introduced the world to Ernestine, the notoriously rude and sassy telephone operator, a character that became synonymous with Lily Tomlin's early career. Released in 1971, the album captured the zeitgeist of the era's evolving comedy scene and earned Tomlin critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album. It's a snapshot of a pivotal moment in American stand-up comedy and pop culture.