The Rise and Fall of Hit Pocket Records: A Look Into the Mini Record Format of the 1960s

🎶Hip pocket records were introduced in the US in 1967 by Philco Ford as a mini record format aimed at a younger audience.

💽Hip pocket records were flexi discs that measured just under four inches and had one hit song and one lesser-known track.

💰Hip pocket records originally cost 69 cents, the same price as a normal 45 single, but the price was later reduced to 39 cents to increase sales.

🎉The marketing of hip pocket records included promoting them as durable and appealing to a younger crowd.

📶Hip pocket records faced challenges due to limited compatibility with record players, as they couldn't be stacked or played on automatic return models.

What were hip pocket records?

—Hip pocket records were mini records introduced in the 1960s that measured just under four inches and had one hit song and one lesser-known track.

Who introduced hip pocket records?

—Hip pocket records were introduced by Philco Ford, the Ford Motor Company connection being due to Ford's acquisition of Philco.

How much did hip pocket records cost?

—Initially, hip pocket records cost 69 cents, but the price was later reduced to 39 cents in an attempt to increase sales.

What was the target audience for hip pocket records?

—Hip pocket records were aimed at a younger audience, with marketing emphasizing their durability and appeal to a younger crowd.

What challenges did hip pocket records face?

—Hip pocket records faced challenges due to their limited compatibility with record players, as they couldn't be stacked or played on automatic return models.

00:05In the 1960s, Philco Ford introduced hip pocket records, a mini record format aimed at a younger audience.

00:32Hip pocket records were flexi discs that measured just under four inches and had one hit song and one lesser-known track.

02:00Hip pocket records originally cost 69 cents, but the price was later reduced to 39 cents to increase sales.

02:28The marketing of hip pocket records included promoting them as durable and appealing to a younger crowd.

04:40Hip pocket records faced challenges due to limited compatibility with record players, as they couldn't be stacked or played on automatic return models.