Lee Mendelson Film Productions Celebrates Vince Guaraldi’s Legacy with Record Store Day 2026 “Baseball & Glove” Soundtrack Release

After the remarkable chart success of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown—which reached #3 on Billboard’s Indie Album Sales Chart, #6 on the Traditional Jazz Chart, #10 on the Vinyl Chart, and #12 on the Kids Chart for the second consecutive year—Lee Mendelson Film Productions is continuing the celebration of Vince Guaraldi’s enduring musical legacy.

Marking 75 years of Vince Guaraldi’s music, the company is releasing an exclusive Record Store Day 2026 collectible featuring the soundtracks from two classic Peanuts® television specials:

IT’S ARBOR DAY, CHARLIE BROWN
and
CHARLIE BROWN’S ALL STARS!

Record Store Day 2026: “Baseball & Glove” Editions

Wide release (vinyl, CD, and digital): March 20, 2026
Record Store Day exclusive: April 18, 2026 at participating stores

This limited collector’s edition presents two specially designed 45 RPM records packaged together in a unique PVC gatefold sleeve:

• 10” Clear “Baseball” 45 RPM LP – It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown
• 12” Brown Die-Cut “Glove-Shaped” 45 RPM LP – Charlie Brown’s All Stars!

Celebrating Two Beloved Peanuts® Specials

The release commemorates the 50th anniversary of It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown and the 60th anniversary of Charlie Brown’s All Stars!—two scores that beautifully frame the early era of Peanuts® television specials.

It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown also carries historical significance: the recordings represent the final sessions of jazz legend Vince Guaraldi, captured on February 6, 1976, the day he passed away in Menlo Park, California at the age of 47.

Both specials were written by Charles M. Schulz and produced by Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez.
Arbor Day was directed by Phil Roman and Bill Melendez, while All Stars! was directed by Bill Melendez.

Charlie Brown’s All Stars! (1966)

The second primetime Peanuts® special—following A Charlie Brown Christmas—first aired June 8, 1966 on CBS.

Performed by the Vince Guaraldi Sextet:

• Vince Guaraldi – piano
• Eugene “Puzzy” Firth – bass
• Eddie Duran – guitar
• John Coppola – trumpet
• Frank Snow – trumpet
• Lee Charlton – drums

The restored soundtrack includes seven tracks, carefully mixed from original session elements, with selections recovered from 35mm negative soundtrack tape.

It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown (1976)

The 15th and final Peanuts® special scored by Guaraldi premiered March 16, 1976 on CBS.

Performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio:

• Vince Guaraldi – piano
• Seward McCain – bass
• Jim Zimmerman – drums

The 10” “baseball” LP features 14 tracks, including:

• “Young Man’s Fancy”
• “Jay Sterling Morton Jazz”
• “Sprinkle Your Bird”
• “Rain, Rain, Go Away (Rain, Gentle Rain)”
• “Happy Arbor Day, Charlie Brown”

The single “Sprinkle Your Bird” is now available worldwide.

Audiophile Restoration & Production

The project has been meticulously restored and produced by a team dedicated to preserving Guaraldi’s timeless sound:

• Mixed by Clark Germain (WonderWorld Studio)
• Restoration and mastering by Vinson Hudson
• Produced by Sean Mendelson and Jason Mendelson
• Liner notes by Sean Mendelson, Jason Mendelson, and Derrick Bang (author of Vince Guaraldi at the Piano)

The Record Store Day edition also includes a six-page tri-fold insert featuring artwork from the original specials.

Sustainable Pressing with a Purpose

The vinyl records are manufactured using bio-attributed materials, reducing the carbon footprint by approximately 90% compared to standard vinyl production. The packaging incorporates sustainably sourced paper, a PVC gatefold jacket, and recycled materials.

In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Lee Mendelson Film Productions will plant one tree for every copy sold in 2026, with a minimum commitment of 12,000 trees planted.
(Purchases are not tax deductible.)

About Peanuts®

Since debuting in 1950 in seven newspapers, Peanuts® has grown into one of the most recognizable cultural brands in the world. Today the brand is owned by Peanuts Worldwide, a partnership between WildBrain Ltd. (41%), Sony Music Entertainment Japan (39%), and the Schulz family (20%).

Fans continue to enjoy classic specials on Apple TV+, along with thousands of licensed products around the globe. In 2018, Peanuts® partnered with NASA to inspire student interest in space exploration and STEM education.

About Lee Mendelson Film Productions

Founded in 1963, Lee Mendelson Film Productions has produced more than 50 Peanuts® television specials, including:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

The company’s work has earned 11 Emmy Awards (with 45 nominations), four Peabody Awards, and numerous Grammy® and Academy Award nominations.

Release Information

Wide Release (Vinyl, CD, Digital): March 20, 2026
Record Store Day Exclusive: April 18, 2026
Distributed by MVD Entertainment Group

More information:
https://www.mendelsonproductions.com

Vince Guaraldi – It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown / Charlie Brown’s All Stars!
(Original Soundtrack Recordings – 50th Extended & 60th Anniversary Editions)

A special release celebrating 75 years of Vince Guaraldi’s musical legacy, honoring the timeless sound that continues to define the world of Peanuts®.