the 25 National Geographic music albums, 1969-1979

[Scott T. Shier]

- Take a Musical Journey . . . the World is Yours -

In 1969 the National Geographic Society began issuing a series of sound recordings. The recordings were published in 12", 33 1/3 RPM Stereo vinyl (and in tape cassettes). The series was discontinued in 1979, though it seemed more were planned.

There were a total of 25 albums released, under two theme banner categories: the "Sounds of the World" encompassed 9 releases, while the other 16 titles were issued under the "American Adventure Series". Society members could subscribe seasonally (e.g., American Adventure released 4 titles per year) - much like the loyal membership would subscribe to the Special Publications book series, at 4 titles per year.

The books, and the Records were promoted with advance leaflets and brochures showing pictures and offering details of the content particulars. I have not precisely timed these, but all are less than 30 minutes per side. Where a title does have an inner LP sleeve, the sleeves do have text indicating track title, info., and lyrics.

Sounds of the World Recording series:
• The Music of Greece ~ 1969
• The Music of Trinidad ~ 1971
• The Music of Tonga ~ 1972
• Music of the Ozarks ~ 1972
• Songs and Sounds of the Sea ~ 1973
• The Music of Spain, Vol 1, Andalusia ~ 1973
• The Music of Hawaii ~ 1974
• The Music of Scotland ~ 1974
• Wilderness Trail ~ 1975

American Adventure Recording series:
• Cowboy Songs ~ 1976
• Songs of Rebels and Redcoats ~ 1976
• Steamboats A-Comin' ~ 1976
• Songs of the Civil War ~ 1976
• Wabash Canonball ~ 1977
• Westward Ho! ~ 1977
• Barbershop Days ~ 1977
• An American Christmas ~ 1977
• We Americans ~ 1978
• On Parade ~ 1978
• Cumberland Gap ~ 1978
• Dixieland Jazz ~ 1978
• Ramblin' Down Country Roads ~ 1979
• Moonlight Ragtime ~ 1979
• In the Good Old Summertime ~ 1979
• Portrait of America: Vol 1, Appalachian Spring // Rodeo ~ 1970

Photo album of the 25 covers here --->

http://ngscollectors.ning.com/photo/albums/lp-album-covers

[George Thomas Wilson]

Collecting National Geographic ephemera does seem to be a multimedia endeavor.   ;- )

[Scott T. Shier]

bien sur!

[Anthony J. Chesser]

I need to see this for myself!