NOV 5-12, 1998
Gold and Platinum: Music History Resides in IndyWhen David Francis began collecting music memorabilia ten years ago, he started out with albums in the 1970's. So what's the big deal, you may be asking, sounds like everyone I know. Well, during the decadent Eighties, David's collection expanded into an area that music lovers both covet and dismiss, but all recognize the rarity involved - the gold, platinum, autographed and white matte symbols of achievement awarded to only a select handful of musical artists from year to year. While David's collection remains a passionate "hobby" in his eyes, after a recent visit to his newly founded website displaying his treasures, it is a collection truly worthy of its unique global status and propels David willingly into a very select group of musical history harbingers. "I only know of ten private individuals in the world who have over 100 awards in their collections. Many of the others are dealers."David's first major acquisition was actually two separate awards, a custom design Gold and Platinum LP award for Kenny G and one of Tom Petty's Gold albums. In his own words "not historical stuff, but you have to start somewhere. I traded them long ago." But those two awards would prove to be a jumping off point for David to take his collection to another level, allowing him to trade and sell these awards and allow his collection to grow to its current status. "It just continued to grow and now I have over 150 awards and autographed items. I just set up a website (www.Worldwide Memorabilia.com), so I am getting e-mail messages from around the world. I just received a note from Germany for someone that wants to sell a Frank Zappa award." Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects about collecting materials from the musical genre, is society's general "fickleness" involving trends and the staying power of contemporary "classics". Because of this movement among musical trends, David frequently experiences requests for different types of music based on the explosive cyclical nature within popular music, but finds his hobby to remain fairly steady given the history behind some of these awards. "Time is kind to deceased rock stars...there will always be a market for Beatles, Elvis, Doors and Hendrix. I just sold a Nirvana award to a friend and he is still a big fan. I like Nirvana too, but I prefer older stuff due to their investment value. Like other types of collectibles, "one hit wonders" are usually not as collectible unless there is a resurgence in the type of music. I would not recommend a "Chumbawamba" award to anyone unless that is your favorite band. As with all types of music, it is all subjective as to what you like. I like all music, I just prefer some types of music more than others...Someone asked me for a "Big Band" award the other day, since there has been a resurgence in that type of music. These type of awards are uncommon since record awards were not manufactured until the 1960's." For any serious collector, there is always a decision to make on whether or not to trade or sell something of particular historical or personal value. I asked David if he ever found it difficult to put awards or any other special memorabilia on the auction block. "Some of my awards are 'keepers' and I will not sell them at any price. I do not even list them on my site. Many of these awards are difficult to part with, since there are such a limited number of them in the world. Many times you only have a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase some of them, it is hard to pass on purchasing some of them, because you may never see them again. 'White matte' awards are the rarest awards and very difficult to purchase at any price. I saw a Beatles 'Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' presented to the Beatles sell last year for over $20,000...Many collectors are reluctant to sell any white matte awards after they acquire them. Especially classics like Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Pink Floyd or Elvis." For a music lover, David's collection is a fantastic amalgamation of current chart-toppers and some of the greatest historical influences in contemporary music today. But his outlook on his "hobby" is simple and he offers sound advice for anyone interested in collecting or starting up their own business based upon their hobbies. "If you want to start collecting anything, research the hobby so that you make good informed decisions. Subscribe to collecting magazines and contact people that are knowledgeable and trustworthy. Pick an artist that you like and look for those items first. You will see other items as you continue to look. It should be fun for you... Collect what you enjoy. If it is profitable, it may turn into more than a hobby." For a look at David's collection, log onto www.WorldwideMemorabilia.com and find your favorite artist or band immortalized for their achievements.
Original Source Page: Bloomington Independant http://www.indepen.com/1998/nov1298/Antiques/Gold.html 
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