The Inventor of the Album Sleeve?

[Mark Makin]

Speaking as a 60 year old (who spent his youth buried in 12" record albums!) and also a graphic designer, I noticed that Alex Steinweiss has died two days ago at the age of 94.

Alex was employed by Columbia records as their first Art Director/Graphic Designer. At the age of 23 in 1939, he couldn't understand why records were sold in drab buff or green paper sleeves.

So he invented the album sleeve! (supposedly!. Decca contest that they had illustrative covers around the same time)

Here is the first one he did

[Michael Messer]

This is a beautiful cover - he certainly nailed it!

Shine On
Michael

[DaveRed]

A great deal of the impact of album art was lost when we all moved to CD's. A pity really.

Dave

[Deleted]

good thing mini-discs went the way they did...
tt