Walking On Sunshine

Eddy Grant – Walking On Sunshine Epic JE 36244 | U.S. First Pressing | Sterling 1A/1A Promo Variant Classification: Promotional First Pressing – Sterling Mastered – 1A/1A Lacquer Overview Recorded and copyrighted in 1978 (© 1978 CBS Inc.) and commercially released in early 1979, Walking On Sunshine marked Eddy Grant’s breakthrough as a politically conscious reggae-funk innovator in the U.S. market. Distributed by Epic Records under CBS Inc., the album emerged during a period of strong crossover between Caribbean roots music and late-1970s disco-funk audiences. This release predates Grant’s later mainstream success with “Electric Avenue” and represents his most roots-oriented and politically direct era. Promotional copies such as this were issued to radio stations prior to or concurrent with early retail distribution, making first lacquer Sterling-mastered 1A/1A variants among the most desirable U.S. configurations. The © 1978 designation reflects the completion and copyright registration of the master recording, while 1979 reflects its commercial release and market distribution. First lacquer cuts from Sterling Sound are particularly sought after for their dynamic clarity, strong low-end presence, and minimal generational loss. Label & Catalog Information Artist: Eddy Grant Title: Walking On Sunshine Label: Epic Records Catalog Number: JE 36244 Format: Vinyl LP, Stereo Country: United States Release Year: 1979 Record Company: CBS Inc. Manufactured By: Epic Records Mastered At: Sterling Sound, New York Label Design: Epic “ICE” blue gradient label (late 1970s design) Promo Designation: Rear cover stamped “For Promotion Only – Ownership Reserved By CBS – Sale Is Unlawful” Track Listing Side A A1 Walking On Sunshine – 5:20 A2 Living On The Front Line – 5:57 A3 The Front Line Symphony – 7:22 Side B B1 My Love, My Love – 4:33 B2 Just Imagine I’m Loving You – 6:34 B3 Dancing In Guyana – 3:20 B4 Say I Love You – 3:53 B5 We Are – 4:33 Pressing & Manufacturing Details Matrix / Runout (Side A): AL 36244-1A STERLING Matrix / Runout (Side B): BL 36244-1A STERLING Runout Characteristics: • “STERLING” machine stamped • AL / BL 36244-1A hand-etched Lacquer Information: 1A / 1A – First lacquer cut on both sides Pressing Plant: Columbia Records contract pressing (likely Pitman, NJ configuration; no visible plant code present) Vinyl Weight: Approx. 120g (standard CBS late-70s weight) Inner Sleeve: Original Epic printed sleeve (if present) Historical & Production Context Produced and written by Eddy Grant, this album bridges Caribbean political commentary with late-70s disco rhythm structures. “Living On The Front Line” became an underground staple, while the title track later achieved renewed recognition through cover versions. Sterling Sound mastering during this period was known for preserving low-frequency depth and transient clarity, making early lacquer cuts preferable to later recuts. The JE prefix confirms original 1979 pricing code, preceding the early-1980s PE prefix transition. Variant Identification This copy is identified as: U.S. First Pressing JE Prefix 1A / 1A Lacquer Sterling Sound Mastering Stock Label Promo Jacket Variant Not a white label promo. Promo status indicated by rear jacket stamp only. This distinguishes it from: • Later 1B / 1C cuts • Non-Sterling recuts • PE prefix repressings • Columbia House club editions Condition & Grading Summary Vinyl (Visual): Appears VG+ based on photographic review; light surface sleeve marks visible under strong light. No deep gouges observed. Playback Grade: Pending confirmation (recommended for final listing). Jacket: VG to VG+; minor corner wear; promo stamp intact and legible. Overall Presentation: Strong collector copy with desirable first lacquer characteristics. Discogs Identification & Market Reference Matching Discogs Configuration: Epic – JE 36244 LP, Album, Promo Matrix: AL 36244-1A / BL 36244-1A STERLING stamped This 1A/1A Sterling configuration represents the earliest documented U.S. lacquer cut. Recent Discogs Market Observations (2024–2025): Standard U.S. pressings (non-Sterling): $8–18 Sterling 1A variants: $20–40 Promo + 1A/1A Sterling examples: $35–75 depending on condition True Near Mint examples may command premium among reggae / roots collectors. Collector Notes First lacquer Sterling cuts are often sonically superior due to minimal generational degradation. Promo jacket copies from CBS/Epic in 1979 are scarcer than commercial retail stock. This pressing represents Eddy Grant’s pre-mainstream crossover era and is considered an important transitional album between roots reggae and commercial funk-reggae. Desirable Attributes: • 1A / 1A matrices • Sterling Sound mastering • JE original catalog prefix • Promo designation Archival Summary & Valuation Title: Walking On Sunshine Artist: Eddy Grant Year: 1979 Label: Epic Catalog: JE 36244 Pressing: U.S. First Pressing Mastering: Sterling Sound Lacquer: 1A / 1A Variant: Stock Label Promo Jacket Estimated Collector Value (2025): VG+ Copy: $30–45 Near Mint: $50–75 Audiophile-grade playback copy: Potentially higher This example represents the strongest standard U.S. pressing configuration outside of rare white-label promo variants. Appendix A – Runout Documentation Side A: AL 36244-1A STERLING Side B: BL 36244-1A STERLING “STERLING” machine stamped; remaining characters hand-etched. James J. Corbett — Private Collection | Huntington Beach, CA / Wilmington, NC © 1978 CBS Inc.