GREATGOLD.FM (03/01/2016) – SOME OF THE GREATEST MUSIC STARS of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 1990s, and the early 21st Century, were Born During the Month of March. We give their hits Extra Plays this month. This month we’re also celebrating a revolution of sorts that helped make Rock and Roll and hit music in general as popular as it became in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s: 45 RPM vinyl records. This month we’re giving Extra Plays to 45s from the 1950s to celebrate that welcome boost to the popularity of Rock and Roll.

45 RPM Vinyl Records were introduced in March-April, 1949, replacing 78 RPM records with a higher fidelity, easier to handle format for hit “singles”. The format caught on with the buying public, which mostly consisted of young teenagers during the early years of Rock and Roll of the 1950s and beyond.

They caught on because of the smaller, easier to handle size, more flexible material, and higher fidelity of sound reproduction before Stereo became the preference. 45s were big reasons the industry experienced a surge in sales until the Disco years of Long Play 33-1/3 RPM Singles, followed by a brief changeover to Cassette Singles before MP3s became the norm. Of course, the artists on the records and hugely improved recording technology and techniques in the studio, were also contributing factors.

To read all singers and musicians in our playlist who were born in March, click/tap March Birthdays. You can always find the artists we give Extra Plays to, month by month, by selecting the month you’re interested in UNDER BIRTHDAYS IN OUR MENU.