Elvis vinyl mastered by Boppin' Bob Jones

[londonflash]

We had a great time, as always, comparing different pressings. I got home and ordered Boppin' Bob's of Roustabout and Golden Records Volume 4 (as well as a back up Tan From Elvis In Memphis that was too good a deal to pass up).

[AfoolSuchAsI.]

Its very sadly that Boping Bob not sign on the back side of vinyl covers . Thats makes more easy to find his work.

[JohnnyByeBye]

Its very sadly that Boping Bob not sign on the back side of vinyl covers . Thats makes more easy to find his work.

It would be nice,yes, but unfortunately you need to have the lp in your hands in order to be able to determine whether it was cut by BBJ. @Colin.Bee mentioned Roustabout: last Fall I was in a record shop, very close to buying an EX copy of green label Roustabout. Luckily I took a look at the deadwax,and there was no BBJ's signature there. So that one exists in versions cut by both BBJ and Jack Adams and maybe a third engineer.

This problem was well described by @Alexander72 in the vinyl discussion thread:

To fresh up your memory: was it @LesterB who at the time at FECC mentioned the Green Label 1981 RCA International releases were either pressed at the RCA UK Pressing Plant (Washington, UK) or in assignment on the EMI Pressing Plant in Hayes, West-London or at both locations? The production facility also determined which engineer cut the lacquer (see below).

Most likely Jack Adams worked as a lacquer cutter for the EMI Pressing Plant while Bob Jones was assigned by RCA Ltd. to cut the lacquers for the runs pressed at the RCA Washington Plant. The soundscape of the Jack Adams and Bob Jones cuts are very similar and as some runs would be pressed in both plants I assume one engineer (Bob Jones: he was appointed by RCA) was in the lead, because it would have been odd for RCA to release an album where the different production runs differed significantly in sound. I think, for that reason, you can assume that the lacquers cut by Jack Adams were created based on the original mastering by Bob Jones. It is an assumption, but since the soundscape is so similar there is some logic to it

[Alexander72]

I will continue this series of confirmed BBJ pressings by adding two UK titles that were probably pressed before the green label International series was started. At least the No.2 is also available with 100% identical sleeve but with an orange label...but be aware that the orange labels were not mastered by BBJ.

This title was also available with green label,as shown in @Alexander72 's image of his complete green label collection here:
viewtopic.php?p=907#p907 Maybe Alexander or someone else that owns the green label versuon can confirm whether it was mastered by BBJ?

These pressings below have Bobbin' Bob Jones on the deadwax, are both mono, and they sound just great. In the old forum I compared these mono pressings to US mono pressings from the 50's as well as later stereo effect pressing and these BBJ pressings sounded way better. Who would have thought?

Rock'n'Roll (SF-8233, UK, black label)

Same songs as in the LPM-1243

20250203_225744.jpg20250203_225929.jpg

Rock'n'Roll No. 2 (SF-7528, UK, black label)

Same songs as in the LPM-1382

20250203_231658.jpg
20250203_232139.jpg

What is noteworthy about these Black label releases is that it these were released with the stereo-prefix (SF) and the label still mentions "Electronically Reprocessed Stereo" - while the content clearly is freshly mastered mono. Bob Jones ignored the standard set by RCA and stubbornly followed his vision that mono should be presented in mono.
Doing so, Jones's influence extends far beyond the UK catalog and has shaped the way we listen to Elvis's 1950s catalog today. With his freshly mastered mono releases Jones would lay the groundwork for a reappreciation for mono, that would prompt RCA USA in August 1984 to release Elvis's 1950s catalog in glorious mono for the first time in decades (resulting in the series with the AFM prefix). Thus, Jones's influence seeped into the entire Elvis catalog. So Jones' influence went far beyond the UK catalog alone. That is the true significance of these 1979 black label releases: it set the standard for decades to come.

[JohnnyByeBye]

Precisely,his effect was huge.

Actually the label of Rock'n'Roll mentions only "Electronically re-processed" which is technically true since any kind of mastering mastering can be thought as electronical re-processing... Rock'n'Roll vol. 2 doesn't have even that. Then again,the term is used in sleeves of both of these records.

That very loose term combined with the SF prefix (referring to stereo) probably kept the RCA managers happy enough

[John]

Thank you @John for these images. That is really a nice and quite rare lp,I've never seen that in real life. It it especially cool that you own a copy presented to Roger Scott,a nice story behind that as well then.

Acuff-Rose was a publishing company who had the publishing rights to some of the songs Elvis recorded
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acuff-Rose_Music
So the common factor for the songs included in that lp was that they were all published by Acoff-Rose. That might explain the inclusion of Your Cheatin' Heart and Miracle of the Rosary on the same side

Have you been able to compare the sound of the lp with other pressings of the same material?

Here are some better photos. There are two more things etched into the run out. One says Grampian and the other ???Wembley. They're too difficult to photograph.

[Alexander72]

Here are some better photos. There are two more things etched into the run out. One says Grampian and the other ???Wembley. They're too difficult to photograph.

Side one.jpgSide two.jpgFront.jpgBack.jpgSticker.jpg

CTS Wembley?
That would have been the studio if Bob Jones was involved.
Does anyone know the background story of that Acuff Rose Promo?
I know I do not but when checking it on Discogs it is not particularly rare so it must have been distributed in quite a volume.

[John]

Here are some better photos. There are two more things etched into the run out. One says Grampian and the other ???Wembley. They're too difficult to photograph.

Side one.jpgSide two.jpgFront.jpgBack.jpgSticker.jpg

CTS Wembley?
That would have been the studio if Bob Jones was involved.
Does anyone know the background story of that Acuff Rose Promo?
I know I do not but when checking it on Discogs it is not particularly rare so it must have been distributed in quite a volume.

The comments under this youtube video claim there were only 300 printed.

[LesterB]

LOVING YOU Green Label

I have both the one where the label says electronically reprocessed and this one without https://ebay.us/m/iQckaK

Both are bob Jones

[Alexander72]

Here are some better photos. There are two more things etched into the run out. One says Grampian and the other ???Wembley. They're too difficult to photograph.

Side one.jpgSide two.jpgFront.jpgBack.jpgSticker.jpg

CTS Wembley?
That would have been the studio if Bob Jones was involved.
Does anyone know the background story of that Acuff Rose Promo?
I know I do not but when checking it on Discogs it is not particularly rare so it must have been distributed in quite a volume.

The comments under this youtube video claim there were only 300 printed.

300 copies of which currently 11 are for sale on Discogs ?
Pricing also indicates it is not very rare or particularly wanted.
https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/3668610

LOVING YOU Green Label

I have both the one where the label says electronically reprocessed and this one without https://ebay.us/m/iQckaK

Both are bob Jones

The Loving You copy on Ebay actually has the studio in the deadwax where the lacquers were cut: De Lane Lea.
I will have to check my copies, I remember I saw this on some but definitely not all Bob Jones pressing. Mentioning the studio in the deadwax helps us determine from which year the pressing was. According to Discogs Bob Jones worked at the De Lane Lea Music Centre/The Music Centre, Wembley, London from 1979 to 1981 and then moved to CTS Studios, Wembley, London where he worked from 1982-1990. Find out more about De Lane Lea: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Lane_Lea_Studios.

[LesterB]

Hi Alexander

This is a zoomed up shot of the 4th photo from the ebay listing above:

[Alexander72]

Hi Alexander

This is a zoomed up shot of the 4th photo from the ebay listing above:

The De Lane Lea inscription in the deadwax is on side 2, the Boppin' Bob on side 1.

[rockinrebel]

I will continue this series of confirmed BBJ pressings by adding two UK titles that were probably pressed before the green label International series was started. At least the No.2 is also available with 100% identical sleeve but with an orange label...but be aware that the orange labels were not mastered by BBJ.

This title was also available with green label,as shown in @Alexander72 's image of his complete green label collection here:
viewtopic.php?p=907#p907 Maybe Alexander or someone else that owns the green label versuon can confirm whether it was mastered by BBJ?

These pressings below have Bobbin' Bob Jones on the deadwax, are both mono, and they sound just great. In the old forum I compared these mono pressings to US mono pressings from the 50's as well as later stereo effect pressing and these BBJ pressings sounded way better. Who would have thought?

Rock'n'Roll (SF-8233, UK, black label)

Same songs as in the LPM-1243

20250203_225744.jpg20250203_225929.jpg

Rock'n'Roll No. 2 (SF-7528, UK, black label)

Same songs as in the LPM-1382

20250203_231658.jpg
20250203_232139.jpg

What is noteworthy about these Black label releases is that it these were released with the stereo-prefix (SF) and the label still mentions "Electronically Reprocessed Stereo" - while the content clearly is freshly mastered mono. Bob Jones ignored the standard set by RCA and stubbornly followed his vision that mono should be presented in mono.
Doing so, Jones's influence extends far beyond the UK catalog and has shaped the way we listen to Elvis's 1950s catalog today. With his freshly mastered mono releases Jones would lay the groundwork for a reappreciation for mono, that would prompt RCA USA in August 1984 to release Elvis's 1950s catalog in glorious mono for the first time in decades (resulting in the series with the AFM prefix). Thus, Jones's influence seeped into the entire Elvis catalog. So Jones' influence went far beyond the UK catalog alone. That is the true significance of these 1979 black label releases: it set the standard for decades to come.

With regards to the UK black label and International pressings, at the time, it wasn't common knowledge that the majority of these titles were significant upgrades. On the face of it, they were simply budget priced reissues, and they were advertised as such.

In fact, whilst I was happy to pick most of them up as a young fan back then, I would have preferred to get earlier pressings as they appeared to carry more value, and it was natural to assume they would have been better.

Of course, I wasn't listening on high end equipment, so whilst it was pleasing to get nice, clean pressings rather than worn out second hand titles from the local record exchange, I still didn't realise just how good these Boppin' Bob pressings were.

Likewise, I don't recall anyone penning glowing reports in the UK based fanzine Elvis Monthly either. That said, I don't think collecting variations was that much of a thing back then, so if an older fan already had an original copy of King Creole for example, I doubt they would be interested in buying a new one just because the labels and sleeve were a little different.

Nevertheless, the whole industry has changed now, with upgraded audio being a major selling point for new vinyl releases. It's strange to think therefore, that we could buy albums that rivalled or even surpassed the originals (or subsequent expensive reissues) for the princely sum of just £2.99 each back in the early '80's, due to the dedication of one Mr Bob Jones.

Who knew, eh...

[Alexander72]

I will continue this series of confirmed BBJ pressings by adding two UK titles that were probably pressed before the green label International series was started. At least the No.2 is also available with 100% identical sleeve but with an orange label...but be aware that the orange labels were not mastered by BBJ.

This title was also available with green label,as shown in @Alexander72 's image of his complete green label collection here:
viewtopic.php?p=907#p907 Maybe Alexander or someone else that owns the green label versuon can confirm whether it was mastered by BBJ?

These pressings below have Bobbin' Bob Jones on the deadwax, are both mono, and they sound just great. In the old forum I compared these mono pressings to US mono pressings from the 50's as well as later stereo effect pressing and these BBJ pressings sounded way better. Who would have thought?

Rock'n'Roll (SF-8233, UK, black label)

Same songs as in the LPM-1243

20250203_225744.jpg20250203_225929.jpg

Rock'n'Roll No. 2 (SF-7528, UK, black label)

Same songs as in the LPM-1382

20250203_231658.jpg
20250203_232139.jpg

What is noteworthy about these Black label releases is that it these were released with the stereo-prefix (SF) and the label still mentions "Electronically Reprocessed Stereo" - while the content clearly is freshly mastered mono. Bob Jones ignored the standard set by RCA and stubbornly followed his vision that mono should be presented in mono.
Doing so, Jones's influence extends far beyond the UK catalog and has shaped the way we listen to Elvis's 1950s catalog today. With his freshly mastered mono releases Jones would lay the groundwork for a reappreciation for mono, that would prompt RCA USA in August 1984 to release Elvis's 1950s catalog in glorious mono for the first time in decades (resulting in the series with the AFM prefix). Thus, Jones's influence seeped into the entire Elvis catalog. So Jones' influence went far beyond the UK catalog alone. That is the true significance of these 1979 black label releases: it set the standard for decades to come.

With regards to the UK black label and International pressings, at the time, it wasn't common knowledge that the majority of these titles were significant upgrades. On the face of it, they were simply budget priced reissues, and they were advertised as such.

In fact, whilst I was happy to pick most of them up as a young fan back then, I would have preferred to get earlier pressings as they appeared to carry more value, and it was natural to assume they would have been better.

Of course, I wasn't listening on high end equipment, so whilst it was pleasing to get nice, clean pressings rather than worn out second hand titles from the local record exchange, I still didn't realise just how good these Boppin' Bob pressings were.

Likewise, I don't recall anyone penning glowing reports in the UK based fanzine Elvis Monthly either. That said, I don't think collecting variations was that much of a thing back then, so if an older fan already had an original copy of King Creole for example, I doubt they would be interested in buying a new one just because the labels and sleeve were a little different.

Nevertheless, the whole industry has changed now, with upgraded audio being a major selling point for new vinyl releases. It's strange to think therefore, that we could buy albums that rivalled or even surpassed the originals (or subsequent expensive reissues) for the princely sum of just £2.99 each back in the early '80's, due to the dedication of one Mr Bob Jones.

Who knew, eh...

Great post. It was exactly like that everywhere: people went buying these records without bothering about these variations we now know. The green label INTS Gold Records 4 was for a long time my only copy of the album I grew up with. When I started collecting US 1st presses that budget album dissapeared in the outback of my collection until I discovered how good these green label INTS releases really sounded and I wanted to collect them all as a nice subcollection.

[rockinrebel]

I will continue this series of confirmed BBJ pressings by adding two UK titles that were probably pressed before the green label International series was started. At least the No.2 is also available with 100% identical sleeve but with an orange label...but be aware that the orange labels were not mastered by BBJ.

This title was also available with green label,as shown in @Alexander72 's image of his complete green label collection here:
viewtopic.php?p=907#p907 Maybe Alexander or someone else that owns the green label versuon can confirm whether it was mastered by BBJ?

These pressings below have Bobbin' Bob Jones on the deadwax, are both mono, and they sound just great. In the old forum I compared these mono pressings to US mono pressings from the 50's as well as later stereo effect pressing and these BBJ pressings sounded way better. Who would have thought?

Rock'n'Roll (SF-8233, UK, black label)

Same songs as in the LPM-1243

20250203_225744.jpg20250203_225929.jpg

Rock'n'Roll No. 2 (SF-7528, UK, black label)

Same songs as in the LPM-1382

20250203_231658.jpg
20250203_232139.jpg

What is noteworthy about these Black label releases is that it these were released with the stereo-prefix (SF) and the label still mentions "Electronically Reprocessed Stereo" - while the content clearly is freshly mastered mono. Bob Jones ignored the standard set by RCA and stubbornly followed his vision that mono should be presented in mono.
Doing so, Jones's influence extends far beyond the UK catalog and has shaped the way we listen to Elvis's 1950s catalog today. With his freshly mastered mono releases Jones would lay the groundwork for a reappreciation for mono, that would prompt RCA USA in August 1984 to release Elvis's 1950s catalog in glorious mono for the first time in decades (resulting in the series with the AFM prefix). Thus, Jones's influence seeped into the entire Elvis catalog. So Jones' influence went far beyond the UK catalog alone. That is the true significance of these 1979 black label releases: it set the standard for decades to come.

With regards to the UK black label and International pressings, at the time, it wasn't common knowledge that the majority of these titles were significant upgrades. On the face of it, they were simply budget priced reissues, and they were advertised as such.

In fact, whilst I was happy to pick most of them up as a young fan back then, I would have preferred to get earlier pressings as they appeared to carry more value, and it was natural to assume they would have been better.

Of course, I wasn't listening on high end equipment, so whilst it was pleasing to get nice, clean pressings rather than worn out second hand titles from the local record exchange, I still didn't realise just how good these Boppin' Bob pressings were.

Likewise, I don't recall anyone penning glowing reports in the UK based fanzine Elvis Monthly either. That said, I don't think collecting variations was that much of a thing back then, so if an older fan already had an original copy of King Creole for example, I doubt they would be interested in buying a new one just because the labels and sleeve were a little different.

Nevertheless, the whole industry has changed now, with upgraded audio being a major selling point for new vinyl releases. It's strange to think therefore, that we could buy albums that rivalled or even surpassed the originals (or subsequent expensive reissues) for the princely sum of just £2.99 each back in the early '80's, due to the dedication of one Mr Bob Jones.

Who knew, eh...

Great post. It was exactly like that everywhere: people went buying these records without bothering about these variations we now know. The green label INTS Gold Records 4 was for a long time my only copy of the album I grew up with. When I started collecting US 1st presses that budget album dissapeared in the outback of my collection until I discovered how good these green label INTS releases really sounded and I wanted to collect them all as a nice subcollection.

I can relate. I left a bunch of old albums at my parents house. Quite a few were International reissues bought during the '80's. After they both passed, I took the records home with me after emptying the house, and whilst this rekindled my interest in vinyl, I was still collecting earlier pressings thinking they'd be better.

I think it was a random spin of the K-Tel title Rock n Roll Rebel that made my ears prick up. Then of course, we started seeing enthusiastic reports on FECC about various International pressings which prompted me to dig them out and reevaluate them.

[Bilbobaggins]

This is my list of LP's (mostly RCA international, INTS) cut by Boppin 'Bob Jones. He also did some EP's and singles, but this list is LP only.

I'm not sure if this list is complete or 100% correct, so feel free to add or correct!

I got the information from:
1. My own collection (I own only about 10 of them)
2.This messageboard
3.Discogs

LP's Boppin' Bob (Note: There is only one way to be sure you have a pressing cut by Boppin' Bob Jones, and that is checking out his signature in the deadwax! Some version may be cut by other engineers.)

Rock 'n Roll INTS 5148 (1981 pressing) + SF 8233
Rock 'n Roll no 2 INTS 5142 + SF 7582
Loving You INTS 5109
King Creole INTS 5103
Elvis' Golden Records INTS 5143
Elvis' Golden Records Volume 2 INTS 5144
Elvis Is Back! INTS 5141
GI Blues INTS 5104
His Hand In Mine INTS 5105
Blue Hawaii INTS 5136
Pot Luck INTS 5074
Girls! Girls! Girls! INTS 5107 + CDS 1221 (Camden)
Fun In Acapulco INTS 5106
Elvis' Golden Records Volume 3 INTS 5145
Kissin' Cousins CDS 1222
Roustabout INTS 5110
Girl Happy INTS 5034
Elvis For Everyone INTS 5073
Frankie And Johnny INTS 5036
How Great Thou Art INTS 5147
Elvis' Gold Records Volume 4 INTS 5146
Elvis (NBC TV Special) INTS 5093
Elvis Country INTS 5111
That's The Way It Is INTS 5037
Love Letters From Elvis INTS 5081
Aloha From Hawaii DPS 2040
20 Greatest Hits Volume 2 INTS 5116
The Sun Collection HY 1001
Essential Elvis PL 89979
Essential Elvis Volume 2 PL 90250
The Sound Of Your Cry RCALP 3060
American Trilogy (3LP) DR 1124
The History Of Rock Volume 1 HRL 001
Acuff Rose Presents Elvis AREP1
The Elvis Tapes RED1

The Elvis Tapes is an odd one... it's a non-RCA, talking album...

For completeness sake, I also added these INTS LP's cut by others or unknown... Feel free to add/correct!


Elvis' Christmas Album INTS 5060 Jack Adams
A Date With Elvis INTS 5032 Pete Norman
Something For Everybody INTS 5135 ?
It Happened At The World's Fair INTS 5033 Pete Norman
Kissin' Cousins INTS 5108 Dave Tucker
Paradise Hawaiian Style INTS 5037 Pete Norman
California Holiday INTS 5038 Jack Adams
Harem Holiday INTS 5035 Pete Norman
Double Trouble INTS 5039 Jack Adams
Clambake INTS 5040 Jack Adams
Speedway INTS 5041 Jack Adams
Pictures of Elvis INTS 5001 Jack Adams
Elvis Sings Leiber And Stoller INTS 5031 Pete Norman
20 Greatest Hits Volume 1 ?

[Sweet-Angeline]

He also did some EP's and singles,

...correct and those tracks are most probably found on the various albums BBJ did anyway.

[JohanD]

The Elvis Tapes is an odd one... it's a non-RCA, talking album...

It is, but soundwise it sounds much better then the original albums with that material.

[JohnnyByeBye]

@Bilbobaggins ,that it a very good list,thanks for putting that up.

- You might want to add the R'n'R anf R'n'R no 2 that I posted about recently, they are both SF... and not INTS

- The Camden CDS pressing of Girls,Girls,Girls is missing from your list.

- Love Letters INTS exists in other than BBJ pressing as well

- I think only the vol. 2 of 20 greatest Hits exists as BBJ pressing

- At I least I have a Jack Adams-mastered pressing of INTS Speedway.

Also, again, it is extremely important to understand that if one is just looking at those catalogue numbers only and is ordering him/herself a pressing with that catalogue number hoping to receive it might or might now be a BBJ pressing. If you want,you could add a star ( * ) or something like that next to the titles with explanation "other than BBJ pressings exist".

So, with yourlist,I would add a disclaimer that always check the deadwax for Boppin' Bob Jones signature before buying if you want to buy a BBJ pressing

[Bilbobaggins]

@Bilbobaggins ,that it a very good list,thanks for putting that up.

you're welcome

- You might want to add the R'n'R anf R'n'R no 2 that I posted about recently, they are both SF... and not INTS

- The Camden CDS pressing of Girls,Girls,Girls is missing from your list.

you're right... I goofed... because the CDS pressing is exactly the one I have

- Love Letters INTS exists in other than BBJ pressing as well

- I think only the vol. 2 of 20 greatest Hits exists as BBJ pressing

I think you're right. I can't find the source anymore were I thought I found this info...

Also, again, it is extremely important to understand that if one is just looking at those catalogue numbers only and is ordering him/herself a pressing with that catalogue number hoping to receive it might or might now be a BBJ pressing. If you want,you could add a star ( * ) or something like that next to the titles with explanation "other than BBJ pressings exist".

So, with yourlist,I would add a disclaimer that always check the deadwax for Boppin' Bob Jones signature before buying if you want to buy a BBJ pressing

Thanks. Feel free to add things to that list. That's why I posted it...