Record Retailer
August 1959 marked the birth of Record Retailer, a monthly newspaper created by Roy Parker. This publication served both record labels and retail dealers across the United Kingdom. It stood alone as the only trade paper for the industry during those early years. Parker established the title to provide essential information to professionals in the music business. The format remained simple and focused on the needs of dealers and manufacturers alike.
The issue dated the 10th of March 1960 transformed the magazine into a weekly publication. That same week introduced a chart listing the top 50 records based on sales figures. These listings became the de facto national chart until February 1969. The Official Charts Company now recognizes these specific compilations as representing the official national chart for that era. Weekly updates allowed retailers to track trends with greater precision than before.
Roy Parker served as the founding editor from August 1959 until his death on the 27th of December 1964. Shortly after launch, the title expanded to include Record Retailer and Music Industry News. On the 5th of October 1967, the name reverted back to simply Record Retailer. Parker's leadership defined the publication's direction through its first eight years. Subsequent changes reflected shifting priorities within the British record market.
February 1969 brought a major shift when the British Market Research Bureau took over chart management. This collaboration established a standardized UK chart to replace the previous listings compiled by Record Retailer. The transition aimed to create more reliable data for industry professionals. Prior to this date, the magazine's own charts held official recognition. The new system sought consistency across different retail outlets and reporting methods.
January 1971 saw the publication renamed Record & Tape Retailer to reflect changing formats in music distribution. The final relaunch occurred on the 18th of March 1972 under the title Music Week. This transformation marked the end of an era that began thirteen years earlier. The original monthly newspaper had evolved into a weekly trade journal before becoming Music Week. The history of Record Retailer concluded with this final conversion in March 1972.
Up Next
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When was Record Retailer first published?
Record Retailer was first published in August 1959. Roy Parker created the monthly newspaper to serve record labels and retail dealers across the United Kingdom.
Who founded Record Retailer and when did he die?
Roy Parker founded Record Retailer and served as its editor from August 1959 until his death on the 27th of December 1964. His leadership defined the publication's direction through its first eight years.
What date did Record Retailer become a weekly publication with a top 50 chart?
The issue dated the 10th of March 1960 transformed Record Retailer into a weekly publication. That same week introduced a chart listing the top 50 records based on sales figures which became the de facto national chart until February 1969.
When did Record Retailer change its name to Music Week?
Record Retailer underwent its final relaunch on the 18th of March 1972 under the title Music Week. This transformation marked the end of an era that began thirteen years earlier.
Which organization took over chart management for Record Retailer in 1969?
The British Market Research Bureau took over chart management in February 1969. This collaboration established a standardized UK chart to replace the previous listings compiled by Record Retailer.