Rock and Roll’s Most Valuable Autographs

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Vintage rock ‘n’ roll fans love their autographs. Here are seven legendary rockers whose autographed material can bring big bucks in today’s marketplace.

1. The Beatles

Ladies and gentlemen, the Beatles! John Lennon (1940-1980), Paul McCartney, George Harrison (1943-2001) and Ringo Starr comprised the legendary Fab Four. Originally known as the Quarrymen, the Beatles (the name change came in 1960) went on to “revolutionize” the music world, recording such hits as “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963), “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964), “Paperback Writer” (1966) and “Lady Madonna” (1968).

The Beatles broke up in 1970, but Beatlemania still thrives today. That includes an almost insatiable demand for genuine Beatles autographs, which can be worth thousands of dollars. Items autographed by the entire Fab Four after 1963 are difficult to find.

Auction results:

• Autographed group photo inscribed to radio and TV personality George Klein: $13,145
• 1962 Top Rank Sunday Dancing Club membership card signed by all four Beatles: $3,883.75
• Beatles logo silk screened shirt signed by John, Paul, Ringo and George: $11,352.50
• John Lennon-signed 1968 “Glass Onion” music publishing agreement: $3,107
• George Harrison 1971 signed canceled check: $1,135.25
• Paul McCartney autographed 8×10 b/w vintage photo: $836.50
• Ringo Starr 1974 signed canceled check as “R. Starkey” (his real name): $717

2. Elvis Presley (1935-1977)

Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. A larger-than-life figure, Elvis starred in 31 movies and recorded a slew of hits, including such rock ‘n’ roll classics as “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956), “Don’t” (1958), “Stuck on You” (1960), “Good Luck Charm” (1962) and “Suspicious Minds” (1969).  

The 42-year-old Elvis Presley died of a heart attack in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 16, 1977. Presley’s beloved Graceland – the site of his demise – continues to attract loyal fans from around the world.

Although Elvis was a generous signer during his lifetime, genuine autographs from the vaunted “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” are always in great demand, driving up values.

Auction results:

• 1969 8×10 color promotional photo signed by both Elvis and Priscilla Presley: $1,314.50
• Elvis-signed 1953 The Herald yearbook from Humes High School, Memphis, Tennessee: $5,975
• Autographed 1960 restaurant place mat: $1,434
• 1963 merchandising agreement signed by both Elvis and his manager Colonel Tom Parker: $3,585

3. Buddy Holly (1936-1959)

Charles Hardin “Buddy” Holley (the “e” in his last name was later dropped) was born in Lubbock, Texas, on September 7, 1936. Along with his band the Crickets, Holly vaulted to the top of the rock ‘n’ roll world in the mid to late 1950s, scoring such hits as “That’ll Be the Day” (1956), “Peggy Sue” (1957), “Maybe Baby” (1957) and “Rave On” (1957).