Memorabilia -> Entertainment-Memorabilia -> Music-Memorabilia

Bo Diddley is a legend, both for his guitar playing and his role as one of the first influences in modern rock ‘n roll. Born Ellas Othas Bates in Mississippi in 1928, he later became known as the “originator” because he was one of the first to move from playing the blues to playing rock ‘n roll. He started out playing violin and trombone in his church’s orchestra, but became captivated by the guitar and rhythmic gospel music.

Inspired by the music of John Lee Hooker, he started playing the music he loved with his friends, sometimes performing on street corners or for tips in night spots. He became a regular at the same club where Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker regularly performed in 1951 in Chicago. Then in 1954, he put together a band and made some demo recordings. One of those songs, Bo Diddley, became a #1 hit R & B single in 1955.

The Bo Diddley beat was a distinctive rhythm he often used in his music, a rumba-like beat he became known for. He was also recognized for his innovations with the guitar. His music often followed the same chord throughout the song, but had unusual rhythms and changes that made it dynamic. He often played an unusual looking guitar shaped like a box that he built himself in 1958. He also played the violin on some of his recordings. The songs he wrote were often witty takes or humorous versions of folk music.

When he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1955, Bo Diddley got himself banned from ever appearing again by going against the show’s wishes. He had been asked to sing a Merle Travis song, but instead sang his hit “Bo Diddley.” Despite Ed Sullivan’s anger and pronouncement that he wouldn’t last six months, Diddley had hit after hit through the 50s and 60s, and released 11 albums.

Bo Diddley wasn’t just a pioneer in musical styles or types of guitar, but in other areas, too. He was one of the first musicians to set up his own recording studio at his home. And he was also one of the first men to have women in his band. A woman led his band for the last 25 years he performed, in fact.

He went on to perform with well known acts, and receive numerous awards and distinctions from the musical community and from his fans. Bo Diddley appeared in a small part in the 1983 film Trading Places, and made commercials for Nike. His songs have been covered by a variety of acts over the years, and his birthplace has even been given a Mississippi Blues Trail historical marker to honor his contribution to the art form.

He’s only been gone since June, 2008, so his contributions to musical world continued until recently, even though he was less active in the months and years leading up to his death. eBay is a wonderful place to find Bo Diddley memorabilia like old vinyl albums and recordings.

Originally posted 2008-12-28 14:00:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Posters

Vintage pin-up posters represent a popular movie and magazine phase of US history. The ultimate pin-up girl was Marilyn Monroe, without whom no collection of vintage pin-ups would be complete. She was the pin-up queen of the 1950s, a sex symbol, and was considered one of the most beautiful and glamorous women of the time. Her comic performances were praised, and her dramatic turn in Bus Stop earned her critical acclaim. Marilyn won a Golden Globe for her performance in Some Like it Hot. But more than a model an actress, she was an icon of the time, and one of the most photographed women ever.

While Marilyn is probably the best known pin-up girl, a number of other models were among the most popular gracing posters and magazine covers. Betty Grable vintage pin-up posters represent the most popular pin-up of the World War II era. Even if you don’t know who she is, you’ve probably seen her famous bathing-suit pin-up where she’s standing with her back to the camera in high heels and a swimsuit, hands on hips, and looking over her shoulder to smile. Grable’s legs were considered the ideal proportion at the time, and were even insured by the movie studio for $1,000,000. Hugh Hefner cites Grable as his inspiration for starting the Playboy empire.

Celebrities who were thought of as sex symbols at the time like Monroe and Grable were often photographed for pin-ups, but artwork is another popular category of vintage pin-up posters. These were usually idealized images of feminine beauty. Many highly collectible pin-ups aren’t photographs at all, but artwork but some of the most well-known artists of the time. Original vintage prints are available in online auctions, and they’re surprisingly affordable, making them great for collectors of all means and budgets.

One of the most well-known pin-up artists is Alberto Vargas from Peru, who was probably the most prolific glamor artist of them all. He started out as an illustrator for Butterick Patterns and the Adelson Hat Company. In 1919, he was discovered by the Ziegfeld Follies while painting a store window. That lead to work painting in the Amsterdam theater and introduced him to the Follies’ stars, all of whom he painted over the next 12 years. Later he worked for Paramount, Warner Bros and MGM. His first calendar of American girls was put out by Esquire under the name Varga in 1940, at Esquire’s insistence, but after they split in 1946 he resorted to using his full name. He put out his own calendar, took lots of commercial work, and did over 150 paintings for Playboy, including two covers.

Many vintage pin-up posters are referred to as “Vargas” or “Vargas girls” when in fact they were created by other artists of the era. When purchasing any pin-up, be sure the description makes it clear that it’s an original vintage item and not a reproduction.

Photo Credits: Foxtongue

Originally posted 2008-10-11 14:00:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Rock, Pop-> The Beatles

Out of all of the rock groups that rose to prominence in the 1960’s, none took the world by storm quite like The Beatles and since then, Beatles memorabilia has been a hot commodity. There are fans that have built up incredible collections throughout the years and when something does come up for auction, the reaction is usually incredible. If you are just getting into collecting Beatles memorabilia, there are quite a few different things that you can collect.

First, there are the limited edition LP’s, or the rare ones that still have all of their original covers and artwork. These are a rare piece of Beatles memorabilia that are still affordable for most collectors. If you do find an LP, it’s best to keep it safe and not to play it, since it can reduce the overall value. Look for an LP that is not scratched if at possible, and ideally, it would have never been used. The cover should be easy to read and in very good shape as well. If you can find this kind of Beatles memorabilia, you’re really in for a treat.

Next up, you can find Beatles memorabilia in the form of rare recording, both audio and video. These are a lot of fun to collect and many people have found that their private selection of audio tapes or even old videos are worth quite a bit of money. From pieces that were actually filmed by fans to old studio copies that are worth a mint, this is a great type of Beatles memorabilia that is very popular.

The 1960’s also brought in the advent of merchandising and Beatles memorabilia is no stranger to this. You can find literally thousands of different types of merchandising collectibles, from lunch boxes, to maps, posters, thermoses and everything else under the sun. These are generally worth less money that the usual audios or LP’s, but every once in awhile you can come across a great find. Look for merchandising collectibles that are either still in their original packaging, or those that are in very good shape.

Last but not least, autographs and photos are probably the most popular and valuable type of Beatles memorabilia. If you are just interested in getting an autograph for your own personal collection, they are not that hard to maintain and some may not be that expensive. However, for the true collector, it can take years to find the right Beatles memorabilia and autographs, especially if you are trying to build up a collection of all four, or even one that may include the legendary “fifth Beatle.”

The Beatles touched the hearts and minds of many generations and there are few groups that could lay claim to such a worldwide phenomenon. Whether you were a fan back then, or you’ve become a fan now, collecting Beatles memorabilia is a great way to express that appreciation of a group that changed the face of the music industry as we knew it.

Originally posted 2008-08-30 14:00:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Memorabilia -> Entertainment-Memorabilia -> Movie-Memorabilia

While many of us recognize Looney Tunes cartoons from their run on television, they actually ran in movie theaters for 39 years, from 1930 to 1969. They were Warner Bros.’s first theatrical animated series. The term Looney Tunes also refers to the animated cast of characters in Warner Bros. Cartoons. The term is often spelled Looney “Toons.”

The original purpose of Looney Tunes cartoons was to showcase musical “tunes” for the movie-going audience. Early characters had short adventures set to a musical score. Later characters became hugely popular, like the ones that are still popular today even though they’ve been around for decades. Even small children, born long after the heyday of Looney Tunes and that type of cartoon in general recognize the likes of Elmer Fudd and his constant foil, Bugs Bunny. Sylvester and his hard-to-catch snack, Tweety Bird are Looney Tunes characters as are the stuttering Porky Pig, lisping Daffy Duck, and the Tasmanian Devil, who in recent years has gained new popularity and now goes by the shortened nickname, Taz.

Other Looney Tunes cartoons featured characters like Marvin the Martian, who always seemed to want to blow up the earth, Wile E. Coyote and his would-be-dinner, the Road Runner, Foghorn Leghorn, suave but smelly Pepe Le Pew, rootin’ tootin’ Yosemite Sam, Speedy Gonzales and a long list of popular and smaller characters that children and even adults love to watch.

Originally, Looney Tunes cartoons were produced and own by Leon Schlesinger Productions, but were sold to Warner Bros. In 1944. They were most popular animated features in theaters through their run in 1969, with the last theater short being one featuring the character Cool Cat called “Injun Trouble.” Merrie Melodies was another popular animated series, but Looney Tunes used the same characters over and over, where Merrie Melodies typically did not.

The most famous character featured in Looney Tunes cartoons is Bugs Bunny, even though he wasn’t the first. Bugs appeared for the first time in 1940. When the theater shorts were shown on television in the 1950s, Looney Tunes became even more popular. Because Looney Tunes featured scenes that contained mild sexual innuendos, phrases and actions that were being viewed as racist, and violence, the cartoons shows on television in the 1970s were typically edited with this kind of content removed.

Looney Tunes cartoons weren’t produced for the theater going audience from 1969 until 1987, when new cartons were made for theatrical release. None have been made since 2004, but old and new ones alike can be seen regularly on television. Several Looney Tunes characters have appeared in movies now, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Space Jam and Looney Tunes: Back in Action.

For collectors, acquiring a complete collection is a fun challenge, but the earliest Looney Tunes cartoons and those aired during WWII are the hardest to find. These are no longer sold or aired because of the way that Germans, Asians, Jews and African-Americans are racially stereotyped in the cartoons.

Originally posted 2008-11-20 05:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Memorabilia -> Entertainment-Memorabilia -> Movie-Memorabilia

The Three Stooges, years after they made their last film together, are still wildly popular with both adults and children alike. Their films are available on DVD and appear on television, they’re referenced in pop culture, and even have music dedicated to them, like the popular song The Curly Shuffle. The last surviving Stooge, Curly Joe DeRita, died in 1993.

Curly Joe was also the last Stooge to join the act that that began with Moe Howard and his brother Shemp, and performer Larry Fine, in 1925. The three performed as part of a vaudeville act called “Ted Healy and His Stooges.” They weren’t called the Three Stooges until they broke out on their own, years later. They played Healy’s bumbling assistants who were abused each time they interrupted Healy’s performances, which was the point of the act.

In 1930, the three Stooges appeared in their first film, Soup to Nuts. Though the film wasn’t a commercial success, the trio was offered a contract without Healy. Healy complained, stating that they were his employees so the contract offer was withdrawn. The three left Healy once they learned what he had done, and went off to form their own traveling act. Later, Moe and Healy came to an agreement and were booked together again, but Shemp reportedly didn’t like Healey’s methods, so he left the act.

Moe suggested another brother to fill Shemp’s shoes, the youngest of the 5 Howard brothers, Jerry, who would become Curly. In 1933, Healy and the boys were given a contract by MGM where they appeared in shorts and films. In 1934, they split with Healy for the same reasons Shemp had left the act to find work on his own a year before. It was 1934 when the name The Three Stooges stuck. They performed in short subjects for Columbia, a total of 190 in all, and 5 feature films.

Curly’s health took a turn for the worse in 1945, thanks to overeating and heavy drinking, and in 1946 he suffered from a stroke that forced him to retire. Shemp came back as part of The Three Stooges, and his third film actually featured a cameo from Curly. Hold That Lion! became the only film to feature the four original Stooges, because of that brief appearance. Shemp was supposed to return only temporarily, but in 1952, Curly died at the age of 48.

Shemp appeared with The Three Stooges in 73 short films and a comedy, then in 1955 Shemp died of a sudden heart attack at age 60, only 3 years after Curly’s death. Joe Besser replaced Shemp for two years, but didn’t want to travel, so the last Stooge, Curly Joe DeRita joined Moe and Larry in 1959 to continue the act. Once Larry suffered a stroke in 1970, the Stooges never performed again.

Three Stooges movies, especially some of their less-aired shorts, are great Stooge collectibles that can be found on eBay, as well as candid shots of the original Howard brothers and longtime Stooge Larry Fine.

Originally posted 2008-12-25 14:00:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Different people have different interests when it comes to collecting memorabilia and other collectibles. For example, some people collect law enforcement badges and other law enforcement memorabilia. The reasons for such a collection may stem from having a history working with law enforcement or possibly having an ancestor that was part of the law enforcement. No matter what drives you to be interested in collecting law enforcement badges and other law enforcement memorabilia, know that there are plenty of law enforcement memorabilia items that you can find and collect in order to grow your unique collection.

- * Law Enforcement Badges: Some examples of law enforcement badges that you can collect include federal agency badges, military police badges and foreign police badges. You may also collect city police badges, county sheriff badges, state police badges and highway patrol badges. Different law enforcement agencies have different law enforcement badges that they use to identify themselves, and so there are plenty of unique law enforcement badges that you can collect.

- * Law Enforcement Patches: Another popular memorabilia collectible that you may consider adding to your collection is law enforcement patches. You may consider collecting state police patches, highway patrol patches, federal agency patches, foreign police patches and military police patches for example, depending on what type of law enforcement memorabilia you enjoy collecting. Different law enforcement agencies have different types of patches that are sewn onto their uniforms, so there are plenty of unique law enforcement patches that you can collect.

- * Other Law Enforcement Memorabilia: There are a number of other law enforcement collectibles and memorabilia items that you can collect if you are interested in law enforcement. Some of these law enforcement collectibles that you may want to purchase and add to your collection include miniature police vehicles, billy clubs, license plates, night sticks, uniforms, restraints, caps, books and other paper items, call boxes, periodicals, photographs and other miscellaneous collectibles as well. There are a wide variety of different items that symbolize and signify law enforcement, and so the sky is the limit when it comes to your law enforcement memorabilia collection.

Different pieces of law enforcement memorabilia can have completely different values based on condition, age and rarity or demand. A ball and chain from the prisons of days old could easily be worth hundreds of dollars. A Texas Ranger badge from the past could be worth thousands of dollars to the right law enforcement memorabilia collector. If you are interested in law enforcement collectibles and memorabilia, know that there are many options out there for you to pursue. Whether you are interested in law enforcement badges, patches or other law enforcement collectibles, there are a variety of resources out there for you to pursue the collectibles that you seek.

Photo Credits: larryzou@

Originally posted 2009-09-13 03:31:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Collectibles -> Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia

Bruce Lee is a revered name in the martial arts community, and Bruce Lee movies are classics among action and martial arts fans. Lee was more than actor, he actually developed a martial art form called Jeet Kune Do, and popularized the sport in various films and television appearances in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in California in 1940 in both the Year of the Dragon and the hour of the dragon, according the Chinese Zodiac, Lee ended up being raised in Hong Kong when the family moved back to China when Lee was 3 months old. But Bruce was sent back to the United States when he was 18 because he’d recently been in trouble after getting into a fight. He held two small boxing championships at the time. He met his wife at the University of Washington and married her in 1964.

They had two children, Brandon born in 1965 and Shannon born in 1969. Both became actors like their father. Shannon retired from acting after some low-budget film appearances in the mid 90s, and Brandon Lee, perhaps at the peak of his popularity, died during the filming of his film The Crow at the age of only 28. The parallels between his death and his father were a source of interest and speculation at the time, because Bruce Lee died young as well, at age 33. And of all the Bruce Lee movies, the final one was completed after his death, just as Brandon’s movie, The Crow, had to be finished.

The first Bruce Lee movies were actually black-and-white short films he appeared in while very young. By age 18, he’d appeared in 20 films. His early introduction to the world of acting and films was thanks to his father, Hoi-Cheun, who was a famous opera star in China.

After a demonstration in a Karate Tournament in 1964, he impressed the other martial artists and ended up landing small roles on television in shows like Batman. He went on to appear in films and television shows, even pitching his own show called The Warrior which many, including Lee, believed was later changed to become the popular series Kung Fu with David Carradine. Lee even auditioned for the lead role, but the studios didn’t believe that the viewing public would be won over by a Chinese lead actor. Upset at his treatment in the US, the first Bruce Lee movies were made in Hong Kong.

Bruce Lee went back to Hong Kong and became a box office sensation, going on to write, direct and choreograph. He gave Chuck Norris his start in films by casting him in Way of the Dragon and fighting him a legendary martial arts sequence. Bruce Lee movies and his martial arts philosophies went on to change the way Kung Fu and all of China were viewed in the west. His movies are available on DVD and still enjoyed today, and he is still seen as one of the most amazing martial artists that ever lived.

Originally posted 2008-11-16 05:00:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Props-> Posters

Movies touch our hearts, inspire our souls and transport us on an incredible journey. It’s no wonder that movie memorabilia has become so incredibly popular throughout the years. You’ll find numerous different types of movie memorabilia that range from simple posters, to theater cards, as well as special set pieces, props, wardrobe and other collectible items from specific productions.

Whenever you are shopping for movie memorabilia, there are a few things to keep in mind. Due to the overwhelming popularity for these kinds of collectibles there is unfortunately a big market for counterfeiters and those that are less than honest. Whether you are collecting movie memorabilia for your own personal enjoyment, or as a serious collector, it pays to have the facts you need on hand to make sure that you are getting an authentic piece of movie history. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Can you trust the seller?

Movie studios will often work with certain sellers on a regular basis when they need to get rid of movie memorabilia. These sellers are usually very trustworthy and have a long history of providing quality collectibles that are authentic and in good condition. If you are really concerned over whether or not you’ll end up with a good piece, it’s probably best to do your shopping with one of these sellers.

However, there are also many small companies or private collectors that have unique pieces or entire collections. They can also have some great authentic movie memorabilia, but you may need to do a little extra legwork to authenticate the pieces. You can find some terrific collectibles through private sales, but you do need to exercise a little caution to make sure that you are getting a good deal.

2. High Ticket items should always be appraised.

It goes without saying that if you are dealing with a high ticket piece of movie memorabilia, it will need to be appraised. This is a smart choice that can save you thousands of dollars. If you are buying your movie memorabilia online, you can actually get an online appraisal in a few hours or days that is generally reliable and will help you determine the actual value of the piece you are looking at.

3. Is the autograph a reprint or is the poster a reprint?

The easy availability of wide format printers, scanners and digital software capable of reproducing old images has meant that there are quite a few reproductions on the movie memorabilia market. If the price for a poster, autographed reprint or something similar is too low, be cautious. Also, you may want to check listings for identical items to see just how many of them are out there. This is a great technique with online auctions that can save you a bundle.

You can easily start collecting movie memorabilia by deciding what type you are interested in, and what movies touched you. From there, you should be able to build up quite a collection of movie memorabilia.

Originally posted 2008-08-31 14:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Memorabilia -> Theater Memorabilia -> Playbills

For fans of Broadway, musicals, specific plays or actors, or entertainment in general, Broadway souvenir programs are a great collectible item. We’ve all been to a play or concert, maybe a production filled with school kids, where programs are handed out at the door. They list the names of the songs to be played or sung, or a little information about the play or musical, and all the names of the musicians, dancers and actors to appear. Broadway souvenir programs, however, are sold as you’re entering a show, rather than handed out for free.

Lots of souvenirs can be found for sale at every Broadway show. T-shirts, maybe even soundtracks for long-running shows, pictures of the cast, calendars, mugs, hats—you name it, it’s there for sale. But especially for people who attend a lot of shows and love the souvenirs, Broadway souvenir programs don’t take up much space, they’re light, and they encapsulate the entire entertainment experience in one small book.

Right at your fingertips you’ll have full color pictures from the production, a cast list with some information about each actor, information about the show itself and more. It’s a great way to remember a great performance for years to come. And if you can catch actors at the stage door, or maybe find your way to an official signing, you can have your Broadway souvenir programs autographed, giving them even more significance to you and value as part of a Broadway collection.

Some people, however, might not be interested in the Broadway show, or it might be a show that’s been closed for years, but they want Broadway souvenir programs from the productions as collector items. Whether they were a fan of the show or just an actor in it, or they’re collecting programs from the Broadway shows available during a certain period of time, the programs must be purchased from dealers or other collectors. Another option is to look for different versions of the same Broadway souvenir programs. Many long-running shows constantly update their programs, making the discovery of older versions a fun challenge for avid collectors.

For most current and recent Broadway souvenir programs, Playbill, the exclusive Broadway magazine, offers many official Broadway programs for sale online. This is a great source for those currently running or recently closed programs you’d like to add to your collection. Online auctions, as usual, are a great place to find vintage Broadway souvenir programs, with or without autographs. For those that are autographed, compare the photo of the signature carefully to one that you know is authentic.

Also, note the seller’s other inventory. Do they look suspicious because they have 40 Boy from Oz Broadway souvenir programs all supposedly signed by Hugh Jackman? Have they sold the same item before, or is the one you’re considering the only one available? What is the likelihood that one person or company has 10 programs signed by Liza Minelli? Use your good judgment when purchasing these items online.

Photo Credits: yumiang

Originally posted 2008-10-20 14:00:06. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Memorabilia -> G -> Grateful Dead

Grateful Dead fans, often called Dead Heads, and music memorabilia collectors can pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for items like handbills and Grateful Dead posters. Anyone not familiar with the band or the unique style of images and posters used during the band’s run might be surprised at the value of some of the items, but it comes as little surprise to collectors. While not everyone might enjoy Grateful Dead music or memorabilia, almost everyone has heard of them. And fans are particularly loyal, even though the Grateful Dead was never a popular “mainstream” band and never quite achieved the fame of many of the same bands around during its heyday.

The Grateful Dead’s lead guitarist Jerry Garcia became a well-known name in music because of his talents and his outspokenness. The group formed in San Francisco in 1964 with their original name, The Warlocks, and continued on until Garcia’s death in 1995. Grateful dead posters from their early period, particularly concert posters from the 60s and 70s, are the most rare and valuable posters available from the band.

They drew their following because of their unique type of music, which combined several different styles, and their psychedelic leanings. Drug use in the 60s among those who went to see San Francisco bands was the rule, not the exception, and because some of the bands openly used drugs, it became a sort of culture among bands and fans, and a symbol for the counterculture of the time. The Grateful Dead embraced that psychedelic stoned attitude, and became popular among those who felt the same.

Grateful Dead posters are a visual delight for fans of the 60s counterculture and all things psychedelic. Often the concert posters are dominated by the large vintage lettering, and others often feature skeletons symbolizing, “The Dead,” as the band was often called by its fans. Some of the more valuable posters feature skeletons and roses, and one features a multi-colored skull wearing a top hat—a poster that can bring from $250 to $500 at an auction.

The band came out of the same area, and was part of the collective group of bands that became popular called the San Francisco Sound, with groups like the then Jefferson Airplane (later known as Jefferson Starship, and then just Starship) and Santana. One of their most widely known songs is probably “Touch of Gray.” Fans delighted in the way the band would play for the sheer love of it “jamming” like few other bands at the time did. Grateful Dead posters from those early concerts are harder to find because the focus was so much more on the music than memorabilia at the time, not many people worried about getting them or saving them.

If you want to find vintage Grateful Dead posters online, then auctions like eBay are an excellent source. Even posters with tiny tears around the edges and minor damage can be valuable, so don’t overlook those as collector pieces.

Originally posted 2008-11-12 14:00:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter