

Marlene Dietrich and her turntable, 1956



Originally known as a phonograph (or gramophone), turntables have been around since 1877. I think it’s fair to say that many of us have fond memories of our first Fisher-Price record player, and that most of you who are reading this right now still probably own a turntable and a fat stack of records to boot.





Billie Holiday, her boxer Mister and her turntable, 1945



I’m sure you’ve probably seen many photos of your favorite rock stars or celebrities posing with their prized record collections, or spinning said vinyl on a sweet portable turntable in a hotel room. That said, I’m going to hedge a bet that the vast majority of the photos in this post will be new to your eyes.

From screen icons like Marlene Dietrich to musical chanteuse Billie Holiday, they all adored their turntables. And I’ve dug up photographic proof of this love affair that in some cases dates back all the way to 1925. I’ve done my best to attach dates to the images. The “good old days,” have never looked better. Enjoy!





Jean Harlow in a shot from The Girl from Missouri, 1934





Gloria Vanderbilt





Jill Melford





Rita Hayworth with her record player and Edith Piaf record, 1940





Ava Gardner and her record player, 1949





Bette Davis in a scene from the film, In This Our Life, 1942





Joan Collins and her record player, 1960s





Jayne Mansfield and Joan Collins on the set of the film, The Wayward Bus, 1957





Loretta Young, 1930s





Natalie Wood, 1960s





Audrey Hepburn, 1950s





Queen of the bobbed hairdo, Louise “Brooksie” Brooks, October 7th, 1925





Sofia Loren, 1950s





Mamie Van Doren





Marilyn Monroe





Connie Francis





Joanie Labine, the first DJ at The Whisky a Go-Go in LA, 1964

