This year’s African American Music Appreciation Month highlights the resurgence of vinyl recordings and their renewed, soaring popularity. Once considered a relic of the past, vinyl records are experiencing a cultural revival, embraced by both new generations and long-time enthusiasts.
As Mark Seagraves from NBC4 Washington reported from Joes Record Paradise, before the internet, there were coffee shops and record stores, social hubs where music lovers gathered. Today, those same record stores are seeing a resurgence, with families browsing shelves filled with both vintage and new vinyl releases.
A major advocate for this vinyl renaissance is Taylor Swift, who began releasing her music on vinyl during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Alex Young (Consequence) and Ethan Millman (Rollingstone), Swift is largely credited with helping drive vinyl sales to new heights. With 12 albums available on vinyl, she was named Record Store Day Ambassador in 2022 and crowned the “Indisputable Queen of Vinyl” in January 2024.
The journey of vinyl has been filled with highs and lows. In the past, analog formats like vinyl records, cassette tapes, and reel-to-reel tapes were standard. Analog captures sound through electronic waves, whereas digital formats convert audio into numerical data, fueling downloads, MP3s, and streaming services. While digital formats dominate in convenience, many listeners are returning to analog for its warmth and authenticity.
Why choose vinyl over modern digital formats? The reasons vary, from nostalgia to a growing awareness of the value of physical media. Additionally, concerns over the fairness and transparency of streaming platforms have led some to seek out more tangible listening experiences.
For the first time in 16 years, vinyl has outsold CDs. In the U.S., over 50 million vinyl albums were sold in 2023 alone. In the UK, sales rose from 200,000 in 2007 to over six million in 2023, a testament to vinyl’s growing appeal.
Mark W. Phillips, Ph.D.
So, what’s behind this vinyl revival? Is it the nostalgic crackle of dust on a spinning record? The richness of analog sound? According to Prairie View A&M University alumni and musicians Sean Torres and John Ferrell, it’s the sound quality that makes vinyl truly special.
Vinyl is back and spinning stronger than ever, and it’s worth celebrating the physical format that continues to capture hearts and ears alike.
Dr. Mark W. Phillips is head of the Department of Music and Theatre at Prairie View A&M University.