Jared Says for February

I hope that you have been enjoying the Ken Burns' JAZZ series on PBS. I sure have have. It's given me a greater appreciation for the talents of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Charlie Parker.  I've always been a big Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald fan. A value of musical appreciation is to appreciate and understand the lessons that Wynton Marsalis is giving. He is an excellent commentator.

Music has always had a strong following among their devotees.

My experiences with music collectibles has been that the major items in demand have been in the categories of pre-1960 blues, country, rock n' roll(do-wop) and jazz. The types of items that have generated major interest have records, sheet music and autographs and more specifically instruments.

The early '78 records are difficult to find in decent condition. They easily break and are difficult to find. I have yet to find an early "Race" record (these were records that were labeled RACE records to distinguish them from white artists). The smaller '45s are more common, but the most desirable are ones with picture sleeves.

Sheet music valuation is determined by the artist on the cover, the composer (especially Irving Berlin), or a particular event or scene; i.e. baseball, W.W.I, ships, trains, etc.

Autographs and instruments are areas that I've not had many dealings with.

I didn't mention classical music. I've not had any requests or seen much activity for collectable classical paper or items. This is not to say that some may have value.

Popular music and recordings is another area of history that is fun to collect.

Have a good month!

    Jared