Music Memorabilia With A Paycheck: SongVest to auction royalties for 80’s smash hits “We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off” and “Miss You Like Crazy”

SongVest has announced its next major online auction will take place August 15-22 at songvest.com and will include Billboard Top 40 hits “We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off” performed by Jermaine Stewart, “Miss You Like Crazy” performed by Natalie Cole, and the international hit “Clothes Off!” performed by Gym Class Heroes.

SongVest has partnered with writer Preston Glass to offer bidders 25% of his Writer’s Share for each of the songs. In addition to sharing in the royalty stream the songs generate, the high bidders will also receive one-of-a-kind platinum album awards featuring handwritten and signed lyrics.

“As a songwriter, sharing my songs with people is always a great thrill. But I can think of no deeper fan connection than sharing the benefits of ownership as well. It’s a mutually rewarding opportunity,” commented Mr. Glass.

Since 2007, SongVest has offered music fans, collectors, and investors the unique opportunity to share the royalties with the writers of their favorite music. Past auctions have included the rights to songs recorded by Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Ringo Starr, Ozzy Osbourne, and The Monkees.

The auction will begin at 3PM EST on Saturday, August 15 and end at 3PM EST on Saturday, August 22. Fans can register now at http://www.songvest.com to learn more about the revenue history for each song and get a glimpse behind the scenes at how and why the songs were written.

http://www.songvest.com

John Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Gong Update

As cited here earlier, Bonzo’s gong went on the block at a Bonhams & Butterfields’ Entertainment Memorabilia auction in June. The original estimate was $120,000 – but it did not sell. It’s been reported an anonymous buyer shelled out $64,000 for it after the auction closed.

Allman Brothers Band House To Become Museum

“The Big House” – the Macon, GA destination where Allman fans have flocked for decades to soak up a little southern rock mojo – will become a museum with the help of dedicated fans who have spent years collecting their memorabilia.

The three-story Tudor house where the band got its start and wrote songs like "Ramblin' Man", "Blue Sky", and "Midnight Rider" has is being renovated and will feature more than 300,000 pieces of Allman-related memorabilia collected by Kirk West, the band's longtime photographer and tour manager. Items will include Duane Allman's jacket, which was draped over a guitar case next to his coffin at his funeral, one of Gregg Allman’s Hammond Organs, original posters, photographs, and rare live recordings.

The museum is scheduled to open in December.

Music Memorabilia: "Takin’ Care of Business" Elvis Style

TCB.

Elvis’ obsession with “Takin’ Care of Business” was never more apparent than in the necklace he wore and presented to those who became part of his very exclusive inner circle. Few were awarded – fewer have made it to the collector market. Of those that have made it out, most are simply made of gold. A diamond encrusted version was sold last week for $117,000. And not just any one – this one was owned by “Dr. Nick.”

Google Elvis’ personal physician “Dr. Nick” if you’re not familiar…

Michael Jackson Memorabilia (be careful)

If you want a piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia – I beg of you to stay away from eBay. The sharks are out… and without any authenticity oversight, there’s just no guarantee you’re getting what you think you’re getting. In fact, odds are great that you won’t.

On the flip side, the reputable memorabilia players have had nice items of late obtained directly from the source to ensure authenticity. Julien’s did very well last week moving 21 Jackson items for a total of $230K. A couple of notable pieces:

A copy of the Motown Records LP produced to coincide with the Jackson 5's hour-long 'Goin' Back to Indiana' prime time ABC-TV special in September of 1971. The album is signed in black permanent pen by Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Michael, and Jermaine, who are all featured on the cover of the album. The album is additionally signed by Randy Jackson who officially joined the band when he replaced Jermaine in the late 1970s. ($34K)

A Michael Jackson Victory Tour costume shirt. A custom sheer long-sleeve shirt with white spandex lining and covered in small pearls on one side and a combination of pearls and Swarovski crystal loch rosen on the other. ($52K)

Both items came from the personal collection of David Gest (producer and one-time Liza Minnelli husband).