There are a few Beatles books that I was never able to obtain a signed edition of the book while the author was still alive. For obvious reasons, when the author passes away the task of finding a signed edition of their work can become very difficult. Gareth Pawlowski passed away at the relatively young age of 55 in 1995 and I never was able to obtain a signed edition of his wonderful Beatles book shown below. That circumstance changed recently when I was looking through signed editions of books at ABE Books search service and I was able to find one Gareth signed book and it was the one that I wanted.
I love collecting signed editions of Beatles books because they are the creators of the work in question and even if they are no longer here, it is special to me to have their signature in the book that they were inspired to create. In a way it is a means for them to live on, inspiring and educating future generations. One of my longtime favorite Beatles book titles was by Gareth Pawlowski as it featured many unpublished photos of the early Beatles including John Lennon asking UK singer Billy Fury for his autograph. I loved this book because up to its release so many photos featured in the book were new to the reader. Even though the book was not inscribed to me, I will always hold the book titles that I have admired so much over the years, that are signed, in a special place and I thank those departed individuals for their great contributions to the preservation of history and the educational legacy they have left behind!
The book’s cover:
Published by E.P. Dutton in 1989:
Note: If you do not have this Beatles book in your collection, you need to seek out a copy! It is one of my all-time favorite Beatles books!
How They Became The Beatles
An ad for the book:
How They Became The Beatles
The original person that this book was dedicated to has been blocked out:
This picture had one of the biggest impacts on me when I first purchased the title many years ago. It features the perceived self-confident and very proud John Lennon asking singer Billy Fury for his autograph. Billy Fury was to die prematurely in his 40s from heart trouble!
Gary Pawlowski’s introduction to John Lennon asking Billy Fury for his autograph at the Beatles Larry Parnes at the Ble Angel Club!
John Lennon asking Billy Fury for his autograph
My Billy Fury signature:
Billy Fury’s Autograph
NOTE: THIS BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION WAS THE RESULT OF A COPILOT SEARCH
Biography of Gareth Lee Pawlowski (1939–1995)
Gareth Lee Pawlowski was born on September 11, 1939 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA He served in the United States Navy as a YNSN (Yeoman, Senior Grade), a role typically involving administrative and clerical duties His military service was part of his early life before he pursued a career in historical research and authorship.
Pawlowski became a historical researcher and published author, known for two notable works:
Flat-Tops and Fledglings: A History of American Aircraft Carriers (1971), a detailed account of the development and operations of U.S. aircraft carriers, illustrated with over 400 images
How They Became the Beatles: A Definitive History of the Early Years 1960–1964 (1989), which chronicles the rise of the world’s most influential rock band, using rare documents and photographs
His writing often combined meticulous research with rich visual material, making his works valuable resources for both military history and music history enthusiasts.
Pawlowski passed away on February 22, 1995, at the age of 55 . He was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California, in Section 47, Site 699
In summary, Gareth Lee Pawlowski was a U.S. Navy veteran whose later life was dedicated to preserving and presenting detailed histories of significant cultural and military subjects through his well-researched, illustrated books.
It is a rare occurrence that I ever come across a Beatles collector and fan whose collection I can say that I truly envy. (In a good way). Thanks to blog administrator, David Bedford, I have been introduced to a 2nd generation Beatles fan that has truly impressed me with the signatures and Beatles-related artifacts that he has acquired for his personal collection in a 20-year time frame. I jokingly told Matt, that our collections combined could form quite the impressive Beatles museum. Many Beatles collectors have a sense of community about their collections. They help their fellow collectors to track rarities down that other collectors may be looking for.
Sometimes the pendulum swings the other way as some collectors can also feel very possessive about the items that they have accumulated during their lifetimes. However, part of the thrill of collecting is the ability to share the thrill of finding something both rare and historical with others that share that common interest. After exchanging a few emails with Attorney Matt, I am pleased to announce that we will be presenting with Matt’s consent some of the rarities in his personal collection as a series of blog posts. I know that you will be as pleased, fascinated, and entertained by these special items as much as I have!
The magic of the Beatles is just as powerful with some 2nd generation fans like Matt
A profile of Matt on a visit to the Beatles birthplace of Liverpool, England along the River Mersey!
Beatles Fan and Collector Matt
Background info:
Matt is an attorney from New England. He is a second-generation Beatles fan but is just barely old enough to have been alive when all four Beatles still were. Matt’s dad, Alex, gave him his love for The Beatles. Alex had seen The Beatles in concert twice and met both Ringo and George in London in 1970. Matt has been collecting and selling Beatles memorabilia for over 20 years now. Focusing entirely on autographs of The Beatles and those who were part of their story and artifacts from places associated with the band. Matt’s collection began unexpectedly and for free. In early 2006, Matt mailed Ringo a copy of a published opinion piece about John Lennon that Matt wrote.
Fast forward a few months later and Matt receives a photo signed by Ringo with a note from his assistant. The first autograph was obtained. A couple of months later, Matt made his first visit to Liverpool, England. While visiting St. Peter’s Church Hall, where John met Paul, the Verger Graham Paisley raffled off an original floorboard from the Hall. Matt didn’t win the floorboard, but before he left the Hall, Verger Paisley gave him a plastic bag with another original floorboard. Verger Paisley told Matt that he could tell that Matt was a true fan and he wanted to gift the floorboard. The first artifact was obtained. Matt decided to begin collecting both artifacts from places associated with The Beatles, and autographs from them and those who were part of their story. This journey has resulted in him meeting and corresponding with many people associated with The Beatles.
Over the years, Matt has been a respected buyer and seller on eBay and has done business with major auction houses throughout the world. Most recently, Matt’s memorabilia company consigned to auction, the original sketches used in the creation of both drumheads used for the Sgt. Pepper album cover photo shoot, Dougie Millings’ original hand drawn and signed patterns for the suits he made for The Beatles to wear in concerts and movies. Matt’s favorite autograph in his collection is from Ivan Vaughan, who introduced Paul to John. That day was the big bang in Beatles history, and it’s always been important to Matt and its effect in shaping his collection.
Ivan didn’t sign many autographs, so anything signed by him is rare. Matt’s favorite artifact is a large piece of the original Cavern Club stage that The Beatles performed on 292 times. When people think of The Beatles and Liverpool, their birth city, they think of the Cavern Club. It’s iconic and legendary and there is just something about holding a piece of that stage that The Beatles performed on. Matt enjoys the thrill of the hunt for artifacts and autographs he is looking for. Meeting and sharing stories about Fab acquisitions with other fans and collectors is a big part of what this 20-year-old journey has been all about. Matt is grateful for the love and support of his family as he’s pursued his collecting passion.
The floorboard from St. Peter’s Church:
NOTE:
Matt has consented to provide us with photographs of select items from his large distinct and unique personal Beatles collection. He has also provided the descriptions of the items presented. We sincerely thank him for his kindness in sharing these with us!
Some of the Beatles-related signatures in Matt’s collection:The first autograph – Sir Richard Starkey
In the first installment about Matt’s Beatles collection, we are going to present some of the background and photos of some select autographs that Matt has acquired in his 20 years of Beatles collecting!
Matt’s collection began unexpectedly and for free. In early 2006, Matt mailed Ringo a copy of a published opinion piece about John Lennon that Matt wrote. Fast forward a few months later and Matt receives a photo signed by Ringo with a note from his assistant.
Woolton Village Fete Flyer signed by all of the Quarrymen that backed John Lennon that historic day &by Sally Wright, the 1957 crowned Rose Queen:
Matt’s signed flyer from the 40th anniversary of the original Woolton Village Fete in July of 1957 when John Lennon met Paul McCartney. All 5 Quarrymen that appeared with John on that day in 1957 signed this wonderful flyer. When I saw this item in Matt’s collection, I knew we shared a very serious passion as I also have a similar signed document in my own collection which will be presented in a future post. It is fabulous that this document was also signed by Sally Wright, the Rose Queen crowned at the 1957 Fete.
Flyer signed by Pete Shotton, Geoff Rhind, Len Garry, Colin Hanton Rod Davis Eric Griffiths and the Rose Queen from 1957 – Sally Wright!
From Quarrymen reunion in 1997
Pics of Matt’s George Martin signed letter. Matt sent Sir George that same article about Lennon that he sent to Ringo. In return, Sir George mailed Matt this signed letter with the article he sent him enclosed. If you look closely, you can see the imprint of the article in the letter from where the ink ran off. Hand signed letters by George Martin are rare but the content makes this letter even more special. Sir George mentions John Lennon, his work with The Beatles, and his work on the music for The Beatles Love show in Las Vegas.
Letter from George Martin
George Martin’s letter to Matt:
Letter from George Martin
Here are the pics of Matt’s Lee Eastman signed letter, and his Allen Klein signed check. These items took him a long time to find. He found them both on eBay a few years ago. The Lee Eastman letter comes with the original envelope. It was signed on Ringo’s 30th birthday and it references Linda and her daughter Heather. Matt paid a hefty sum for the Allen Klein signed check. It’s nearly impossible to find anything by Klein outside of a contract, so he felt compelled to buy it. What’s great about this check is that he made it out to the Apple Scruffs. Matt said he would love to know the story behind this check!
Lee Eastman’s Signature
Matt’s signature of the late Lee Eastman. Paul’s former father-in-law and was the head of the legal firm that was representing Paul McCartney ‘s interests when the Beatles were splitting up and afterwards:
Matt’s signature of the most notorious figures in Beatles history, Allen Klein, on a check he wrote to the Apple Scruffs for One Dollar in 1971:
Signature of Allen Klein
Here are pics of Matt’s items signed by John’s aunt Mimi Smith and Ringo’s daughter Lee Starkey. Beatles’ family members’ autographs run the range of easy to find to nearly impossible to obtain. According to Matt, Zak Starkey is easy to find, but Lee Starkey is very difficult. He found the Lee Starkey autograph from a collector who met her at a Ringo related event. The Mimi Smith autograph is a fun piece that he found many years ago on eBay. Matt, has it displayed with an original hymn book used at St. Peter’s church in the ’40s and ’50s when John and Mimi attended church there with John singing in the choir.
Matt’s signature of John’s Aunt Mimi along with a hymn book from St. Peter’s Church:
Matt’s rare signature of Lee Starkey, one of Ringo’s three children. Jason and Zak Starkey are Lee’s brothers:
Here are pics of Matt’s Prudence Farrow and Francie Schwartz autographs. Both are difficult autographs to find. Matt met Prudence at a Fest for Beatles fans in NY in February 2014. He attended her lecture on Transcendental Meditation and then met her afterwards. She graciously signed this note for him. Francie’s signature is very hard to find. He got this personalized one very recently on eBay. The framing company Matt works with had to work some magic with the matting for this.
Matt’s signature of Francie Schwarz, Paul’s girlfriend during the White Album sessions after he had a permanent falling out with his former girlfriend Jane Asher. Paul was to find his first wife soon when he began to date Linda Eastman!
Here are Matt’s photos of his Alan Civil and Ronnie Scott autographs. Finding anything signed by either of these brass legends is tough. One thing Matt discovered as a collector is that if you know what specific autographs, you’re looking for, you can eventually find them with a bit of patience and repeated internet searches. There are reputable historical (not necessarily pop culture) autograph dealers out there and inventory is always changing. That’s how these two autographs were obtained. Matt states that he probably never would’ve found the Alan Civil signature on eBay. That’s a needle in the haystack!
Matt’s wonderful signature of the horn player on the Beatles great track entitled “For No One”. Alan Civil passed away in 1989 :
Here are pics of Matt’s Bill Smith, Horst Fascher, and Johnny Hutchinson autographs. The Smith and Hutchinson autographs were obtained from a reputable UK based autograph dealer that Matt regularly buys from. The Fascher autograph is great because he’s pictured with The Beatles. Most signed items from him are on convention programs without any such picture!
It has been reported that Bill Smith actually coined the name for the “Quarrymen.” Bill’s tenure with the Quarrymen was a relatively short one:
Matt’s signature of Horst Fascher, the Beatles favorite bouncer who occasionally sang with the Beatles on stage:
Johnny Hutchinson – a substitute drummer at the Blue Angel for the Beatles at the Larry Parnes audition. This is Matt’s signed photo of that occasion. Johnny Hutchinson was considered to be a very tough guy in Liverpool who actually intimidated the so-called tough guy, John Lennon. He was the drummer at one time for the very popular Liverpool group, The Big Three:Look to the right of this framed piece as it also has the signature of Johnny Gentle from the Beatles early sojourn to Scotland!
Here are pics of Matt’s Eddie Kramer, Sir Joseph Lockwood, and Robert Fraser autographs. The Fraser and Lockwood autographs were both purchased from a UK based autograph dealer. The Eddie Kramer autograph was removed from a book about Jimi Hendrix that he signed and inscribed.
Matt’s Eddie Kramer signature:
Kramer engineered two Beatles songs that appeared as a single and on Magical Mystery Tour—”All You Need Is Love” and “Baby, You’re a Rich Man.”
Sir Joesph Lockwood: Matt’s rare signature of the EMI executive. He was heavily involved with many Beatles activities including banning John Lennon’s Two Virgins album from his record label!
Matt’s signature of art dealer and impressario, Robert Fraser:
Some info about Robert Fraser from Wikipedia:
Fraser art-directed the cover for the Beatles’ 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – he dissuaded the group from using the original design, a psychedelic artwork created by the design collective The Fool, instead suggesting the pop artists Peter Blake and Jann Haworth, who created the famous collage cover design for which they each won a Grammy Award.
It was through Fraser that Richard Hamilton was selected to design the poster for the White Album. His gallery also hosted “You Are Here”, Lennon’s own foray into avant garde art during 1968.
Engineering some great records:
A lovely photograph of Matt’s, of several engineers that worked on the respective Beatles albums shown below:
Eddie Kramer worked on a few tracks on Magical Mystery Tour; Ken Scott worked on some tracks on the White Album; Alan Parsons worked on Abbey Road and Glyn Johns worked on the Let It Be Album!
Closing remarks:
I know that you are all as thrilled as I am to be able to share some of Matt’s wonderful treasures with everyone on the blog. Matt has been very kind to consent to do more of these blogs to share his wonderful collection with all of us. Very few collectors who are not first-generation Beatles fans have impressed me with their collections. Matt’s collection made my jaw drop to the floor and that is the reason “I can say no more…until NEXT TIME!!!
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
A special surprise came in the mail, the NEW BOOK!!!
I have helped promote the work of author Martin Orkin since I first purchased his first book entitled, Rivals of the Beatles.I have never had any problems in promoting people that I believe in because of the inherent quality evident in their work. When I was first starting out on this blog, Martin was one of the first authors that worked with me to help make the blog very successful. That is the type of man he is. I have enjoyed every one of his titles and I KNOW this book will not be an exception to that standard…
If you have not yet ordered your copy here is the site where you can purchase your copy…Martin’s prices for Hit Singles Parts 1 & 2 are due to go up on or about 1st October, after his special introductory offer ends on 30th September – so Beatle fans should get in quick before they rise! (His books will still be very good value after that – GBP £15 per book, or £25 for both.) But at present he is selling Part 2 for £9.99 and both for only £20! All plus P&P.)
I have already enjoyed reading Hit Singles Part 1 (1962-1965), to which this new book is the sequel. If you have one volume you will certainly want to own the complete set!
Not only is Martin Orkin a wonderful author about music, but he is also a good and kind man as well. So proud, appreciative, and grateful for his kindness since I first began corresponding with him a few years ago when I purchased his first book, Rivals of the Beatles. I sincerely wish him the best. His books are never over-priced, and he is always sensitive to absorb and consider his customers suggestions! Despite never having met him, I consider him a good friend!Finally, his books are well-written and well-researched and are entertaining and informative to Beatles fans of all levels of knowledge
In 1958, Paul McCartney invited his school friend John Duff Lowe to play piano with the Quarrymen. That same year, Duff played on the first record made by the Quarrymen, consisting of himself, Colin Hanton, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. That alone would be enough to secure Duff’s place in musical history, but it’s only the beginning of the fascinating tale of the mysterious missing Quarryman.
In 1964, The Beatles had their biggest reception ever, with 300 000 people lining the streets of Adelaide to see the band (minus Ringo). Adelaide and South Australia also had other (sometimes surprising) connections to The Beatles, many of which have never been written about before this book. One Dream Ago‘s striking cover artwork was created by Klaus Voormann.
THE SIGNATURE OF THE FORMER PIANO PLAYER FOR THE QUARRYMEN – JOHN DUFF LOWE ON A BLUE PLAQUE PHOTO COMMEMORATING THE GROUP:
I communicated with John Duff Lowe on Instant Messenger when I ran a Facebook page several years ago. He was a very kind man, and I purchased a signed cd from him of a Quarrymen album he helped to instigate entitled Open for Engagements. He will be missed but he had the satisfaction of knowing that he was a part of history and we all can take stock in that wonderful achievement! Enjoy John Duff Lowe’s story and the wonderful book that preserves it for posterity.
Special thanks are extended to author and punster, Michael Savvas in Australia. I respect and admire your quality work!
In 1958, Paul McCartney invited his school friend John Duff Lowe to play piano with the Quarrymen. That same year, Duff played on the first record made by the Quarrymen, consisting of himself, Colin Hanton, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. That alone would be enough to secure Duff’s place in musical history, but it’s only the beginning of the fascinating tale of the mysterious missing Quarryman.
I like Dhani Harrison as an artist. He is committed to chart his own course in the music world and has done a great job thus far with his releases. This new album was co-written with noted producer, Nigel Godrich who is also the producer of this LP. You may also know Nigel from his role as producer of the Paul McCartney, Chaos and Creation album!
This new album is called Dragonflies, and I just received my special signed copy in the mail. Here are a few photos from the signed limited edition of the LP that I purchasedfrom Rough Trade Records in the UK.
The pensive writer and producer along with the writer/musician (staring upward (at the stars?)This is featured on the inner sleeveof the LP!
Credits page on the sleeve containing the LP
The hand-signed insert of this edition of the album featuring Dhani Harrison’s signature in the upper right-hand corner and Nigel Godrich’s signature just below the title of the album!
Nigel Godrich produced Paul McCartney’s 2005 solo album Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. George Martin recommended the producer to Paul for the LP
From what I see from Amazon the physical media appears to be only available in the UK:
Please note the following links to the contents of the LP are not the signed edition of the LP which I obtained at another source which was called Rough Trade:
1967 – The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles by Gary Kemp (Author), Simon Halfon (Author)
Publisher HarperCollins Publication date 13 Oct. 2026
October 2026 will be a bountiful month for Beatles fans. There are many book titles coming out that month and the Rubber Soul boxset will be released! Now thanks to Gary Kemp and Simon Halfon, we can experience some of the excitement of swinging London and the UK in the 60s!
YOU KNOW MY NAME, LOOK UP THE NUMBER!
The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles
AMAZON UK BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“A little peep behind the net curtain of swinging London. Meet the people that made the 60s tick.” Noel Gallagher
When I first saw Brian Epstein’s black Twinlock binder, I was struck by how small and unassuming it was – just 160 by 100 millimetres, the kind of thing you could slip into a coat pocket. But inside, it held a universe. The book felt alive, buzzing, ready and waiting to be explored. So I dug deeper.
1967 – The World of Brian Epstein and the Beatles is a remarkable fusion of biography and detective story, offering a vivid portrait of The Beatles’ inner circle and the cultural energy of the 1960s. This engaging work delves into the extraordinary cast of characters – from Mick Jagger to David Bailey – a dazzling mix of celebrities, musicians, icons, power players and the occasional shady character. Everyone who was anyone in the 1960s found their way into its pages.
When Gary first acquired the book, he was seized by an irresistible curiosity. Who was Brian Epstein, really? And who were all these fascinating names? This project offers an intimate and unprecedented exploration of the connections he forged and the figures who helped define a generation.
More than just an address book, it is a time capsule of one of the most electrifying years in modern culture: 1967.
Perfect for Beatles fans, music historians, and anyone curious about the electric culture and untold stories of the 1960s.
“A little peep behind the net curtain of swinging London. Meet the people that made the 60s tick.” Noel Gallagher
“This incredibly clever book is like an alternative history of Swinging London, a pop cultural detective story that sheds new light on a period which continues to fascinate all of us. I loved it.” Dylan Jones
“This is an Encyclopedia of a time and a place that makes you jealous you weren’t there and appreciate how close we are to it. This book’s pleasures are vast and delicious. Captures The Beatles and what London must have really felt like at the time: The center of the world.” Paul Thomas Anderson
Please note:
Please note that while the Amazon links are provided here for the book as a convenience to you, the listing of Amazon does not reflect a recommendation that you should buy the book at this source. It is up to you to select the site you find most comfortable in making your book choices & purchases. You can also find most books at Barnes and Noble, for example or at Abe Books and many other books search sources. The motivation for providing the Amazon listing is simply to provide a commonly known convenient place to order book titles. Buy or acquire the books wherever you feel most comfortable in doing so!
This new book seems like it is approaching the subject from a unique and distinct style. I will be very interested in how the authors have written the narrative to this new title! The only disappointment I have is the differing release dates between the US and the UK. In the UK the book comes out in October of 2026. In the US the book is not issued until January, 2027!
