GARY U.S. BONDS School Is Out Vinyl Record 7 Inch Top Rank 1961 Signed 45 Single JAR-581 Original

Gary U.S. Bonds - School Is Out
(Original UK 1st Pressing with Red/White Top Rank International Label. 4-Pronged Label Design. Housed in Red/White/Black Top Rank Company Sleeve. The record label has been signed by Gary U.S. Bonds. OT Tax Code embossed on side 1 label. 1N/1N Matrix)

Format: Vinyl Record - 7 Inch Single (45 rpm)
Country: UK
Year: 1961
Label: Top Rank International
Catalogue No. JAR-581

Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout, stamped): 45 KR 1131-1N ET1 G
Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout, stamped): 45 KR 1132-1N ET1 G

Condition: VG/EX (Sleeve has some creasing and wear. The vinyl is in excellent clean condition)

Side A: School Is Out
Side B: One Million Tears

An incredible opportunity arises to acquire a highly unique original 1961 UK first pressing of the hit seven-inch single, School Is Out, by the iconic American rhythm and blues performer Gary U.S. Bonds. Released on the celebrated Top Rank International label under catalogue number JAR-581, this vintage 45 rpm record captures the energetic transition between 1950s rock 'n' roll and the early sixties dance craze. The disc features the authentic red and white international layout boasting a fully intact 4-pronged centre. Elevating this specific item to investment-grade status is an autograph from Gary U.S. Bonds himself, penned directly across the face of the record label. Archivists will also note the crisp OT tax code embossed onto the side one label, alongside the definitive stamped earliest 1N/1N matrix endings in the runout grooves.

Musically, the A-side features the blistering, party-atmosphere anthem "School Is Out", complete with its famous raucous crowd noises and driving saxophone hooks. Flipping the platter over exposes the equally compelling, soulful B-side track "One Million Tears". Both cuts deliver the signature, compressed mono studio sound of the era, engineered to sound incredibly punchy on home record players.

The physical presentation across this archival item maps out to a strong VG/EX condition tier. The classic red, white, and black Top Rank company sleeve remains structurally sound but shows a collection of vintage handling creases and some wear from long-term storage. Conversely, the vinyl itself is in excellent, clean condition, retaining a brilliant mirror-like gloss with a few light surface marks. For discerning collectors looking to anchor their archive with a signed piece of early sixties rock history, this uniquely autographed Top Rank issue is a spectacular choice.