This post represents a mixed bag of Beatles-related signature signed books and photographs. Some of these you may have seen on previous posts. Others are brand new:
Let’s begin with the man who engineered two of Ringo’s most successful albums in the 70s, “Ringo” and “Goodnight Vienna.” His name is Bill Schnee and Ringo was so pleased with his work on the “Ringo” album that he mentions Bill Schnee’s name in the song “You and Me, Babe” which was co-written by George Harrison and Beatles associate, Mal Evans.
The back cover of the LP:
The Goodnight Vienna LP
ENGINEER-BILL SCHNEE
The engineer who has quite the resume, wrote a book detailing his recording experiences of a very exciting time in music history. The book can be found at Amazon and also on Ebay and other book search services. I was very happy to acquire a copy of this wonderful book.
Back cover of the book:
The artists that Bill had engineered over his career is semmingly endless.
Bill took the time to inscribe a copy of his book for me and he was very kind in doing so!
Here are a couple samples from YouTube of Bill Schnee’s work
Ringo Starr-Ringo You And Me (Babe) – YouTube
Ringo Starr-Goodnight Vienna Goodnight Vienna – YouTube
And a story from Bill as well:
The Beatles Reunion that Almost Happened – Bill Schnee Interview – YouTube
When you ask of a song to help define a decade, there are many Beatles songs that could fit that bill. However, few tunes could match the definition of 1967 better than Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale” with that haunting melody. The lead singer was the late Gary Brooker.
GARY BROOKER
Here is a signed Gary Brooker photo which I acquired from a prominent author.
Here are a few fascinating videos of Gary’s work over the years:
PROCOL HARUM – A Whiter Shade Of Pale – promo film #1 (Official Video) – YouTube
At the Royal Albert Hall Gary performed Old Brown Shoe to honor his late friend:
Old Brown Shoe (With Lyrics) – Concert For George HD – YouTube
There was controversy that surrounded the authorship of the song Whiter Shade of Pale. Some of that is discussed in this piece:
Gary Brooker (Procol Harum) – How I feel about ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ – YouTube
Touted on YouTube as being Gary Brooker’s final interview before his passing:
Gary Brooker, His Final Interview – YouTube
THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS
The Smother Brothers had a strong Beatles-related history. They helped to premiere the Hey Jude and Revolution promo videos on their network show. They also had a surprise guest appearance by George Harrison on a separate program.
Years later they were to perform the “No No Song” on their show with RIngo Starr. Tommy Smothers was also at the Bed-In for Peace of John and Yoko where he was enlisted to play guitar along with John on the recording of “Give Peace a Chance.” John Lennon was once thrown out of a Smother Brothers performance at the Troubador as John and Harry Nilsson heckled the duo with no mercy being shown. They were both shown the door. When they recovered from their drunken display, Lennon and Nilsson sent their apologies to the comedy duo!
An autographed photo of the famous duo: Unfortunately, Tommy Smothers was to pass away from lung cancer in 2023 at the age of 86.
Here are a few YouTube videos that demonstrate a few of the interactions between a member of the Beatles and the Smothers Brothers:
Ringo Starr | No No Song | The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour – YouTube
George Harrison on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (November 17th, 1968, Restored) – YouTube
The Beatles – Revolution (Smothers Brothers Promo) – YouTube
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – Plastic Ono Band (official music video HD) – YouTube
Who is Harry Nilsson – The Smothers Brothers Show – YouTube
Tommy Smothers on the infamous Lennon Troubadour incident
Late night talk-show host Dick Cavett has had many interactions with the solo Beatles and here are a few: John Lennon appeared twice on the Cavett show and performed in the 2nd appearance. George Harrison appeared once on the show and performed the song Two-Faced Man with Gary Wright.
Two Faced Man – Gary Wright and the Wonder Wheel featuring George Harrison – YouTube
DICK CAVETT
John Lennon Opens Up On WHY The Beatles Broke Up | The Dick Cavett Show
Cavett makes a cameo in the Nobody Told Me video put together after John Lennon’s passing
NOBODY TOLD ME. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon (official music video HD) – YouTube
Flashback: John Lennon Wins His Battle To Stay In America | Vermilion County First
Cavett’s signature on a photograph:
LEGS LARRY SMITH
The Beatles loved the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. One of their prominent members was ‘Legs” Larry Smith, their drummer.
Background of the musician:
Larry Smith (musician) – Wikipedia
George Harrison wrote a song for Legs Larry that appears on the Extra Texture album
His Name Is Legs (Ladies and Gentleman) – YouTube
His Name Is Legs (Ladies and Gentleman) · George Harrison Extra Texture-credits list ℗ 2014 G.H. Estate Limited under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management (US) LLC Released on: 1975-09-22 Guitar, Piano, Producer: George Harrison Horns: Chuck Findley Horns: Tom Scott Keyboards: David Foster Sound Engineer: George Peckham Piano: Billy Preston Sound Engineer: Norman Kinney Sound Engineer: Phil McDonald Vocals: Legs Larry Smith Composer: George Harrison
Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band drummer “Legs” Larry Smith – YouTube
Mr. Paul McCartney was involved in the production of this number: He produced it under the name Apollo C. Vermouth. The track was composed by Neil Innes.
I’m the Urban Spaceman (2007 Remaster) – YouTube
Saw this obscurity on YouTube
The signature of George’s friend, Legs Larry which I recently acquired from a good friend:
PRODUCER RICHARD PERRY
A great producer, the late Richard Perry who passed away in 2024.
Some basic background:
The book Perry published of his memoirs a couple of years before his passing. Even the title of the book has a solo-Beatle association being the same name as a hit George Harrison album
Some YouTube examples of Perry’s work with the solo Beatles and other very prominent artists like Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand and Harry Nilsson
Who can forget Klaus Voormann’s unforgettable bass guitar introduction to Carly Simon’s memorable song
Carly Simon – You’re So Vain – YouTube
Love these 2 Streisand covers of John Lennon songs from his JL POB album
What can you say about this audio classic produced by Perry other than “Wow.”
Harry Nilsson – Without You (Audio) – YouTube
The bookplate that I created for the Cloud Nine book bearing the signature of Richard Perry. Acquired the signature from someone I have exchanged emails with for a long time and who has helped me increase my signature collection significantly!
LEW GRADE
The TV advertisement of the ABC special designed to honor ATV mogul, Lew Grade! This man because of his involvement in purchasing the Lennon McCartney songwriting publishing rights from Dick James led to many troublesome times between Lennon and McCartney and Grade. Grade was later to dispose of the catalog and it ended up in the hands of Michael Jackson.
This is the TV advertisement of the Tribute to Sir Lew Grade (who later became a Lord) on the ABC television network in America. To this day I do not understand the real reason that John performed at this tribute because it is apparent from many of his public statements that he resented and/or despised the man!
One of the signatures that I have acquired of the man the Beatles resented:
A recent book title that I acquired that deals with some of the business activities of the man:
Publishing information:
ROBERT RODRIGUEZ AND JERRY HAMMACK
Two Beatles-book authors that I respect and admire very much, Robert Rodriguez and Jerry Hammack. Their books are very informative and well-researched. Recently I acquired a signed copy of this book which is the 1st volume of a two book series which tells the Beatles story in a historical context, neatly tying the Beatles music into the cultural events going on simultaneously.
The back cover of the book:
The bookplate signature of the 2 wonderful authors in my copy of the book: Acquired the signed title from the Fest For Beatles Fans Signed Books & Collectables : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans
In a marketing move the authors also produced a black and white edition at a lower price.
DAVID BEDFORD – ANDREW PHILLIPS
Can’t help but rave about the efforts of authors David Bedford and Andrew Phillips on this title which explores the many “what if” situations that the Beatles encountered on their rise to the top of the mountaintop. Was it fate or was it pure chance that they made it so big? With this book you get the chance to make your own evaluation…
Back cover of the book:
The last numbered copy of the 500 copy harback edition of the book:
DAVID SHEFF
The man who did the famous Playboy interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono has now written the biography of Yoko Ono
This is front cover of the book:
The back cover of the book:
A signed David Sheff Yoko book that appeared on Ebay. Hoping that the Fest for Beatles Fans can acquire some signed copies of the book as I would love to purchase one…
A few samples of David Sheff being interviewed about his book on YouTube:
Yoko Ono with Author David Sheff on Reading Is Funktamental Podcast – YouTube
David Sheff with Nic Sheff – Yoko: A Biography | Conversations with Authors-this interview begins about 16 and 1/2 minutes into the video
Another serious David Sheff book project was:
The best selling book by David Sheff about his relationship with his son who had a problem with substance abuse.
It is interesting that David chose the title of John Lennon’s lullably to his 2nd born son as the title of the book,”Beautiful Boy.”
‘Beautiful Boy’ real life father and son talk about the movie and coping with drug addiction
Neil Innes was Ron Nasty in the Rutles, was active in the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, had a strong association with Monty Python and was an immensely talented musician and comedian. Neil Innes passed away in 2019
Neil’s wife, Yvonne, was dedicated to writing this history and tribute to her late husband as a form of closure to this wonderfully talented man’s life.
NEIL INNES BOOK – WRITTEN BY HIS WIFE YVONNE
Back cover of the Innes book:
A wonderful inscribed inscription from Neil Innes’ wife, Yvonne:
The book is available at the Fest For Beatles Fans and at Amazon. Copies are also available at Ebay and other book search services!
A few YouTube samples of Neil’s association with the Beatles. Interesting to watch at your leisure!
Things We Said Today #263 – Neil Innes! – YouTube featuring host Ken Michaels
neil innes on john lennons death – YouTube
Neil Innes Performing at The Fest For Beatles Fans – YouTube
TONY KING
Tony King became an Apple executive and his work ethic was admired by the solo Beatles. In the last couple of years, Faber & Faber have published his book”The Tastemaker Tony King” My Life with the Legends and Geniuses of Rock Music
The cover of King’s book:
Back Cover of the book:
A rare signature, indeed. For some strange reason you do not see many signed copies of the Tony King book. I was so fortunate to be able to find one for the collection on Abe Books.
This is a rare Tony King letter written on Apple stationary
JACKIE LOMAX
A guitar player who the Beatles knew back in the Cavern days. Jackie Lomax was a member of the Undertakers group.
Years later George Harrison signed him to Apple records. Beatles tour expert and author, Charles Rosenay!!!, was able to secure a copy of Jackie’s signature on this Beatles booklet by Peter Dicks.
Jackie passed away in 2013.
jackie lomax george harrison bbc interview – YouTube
Some background info about Jackie that appears in the booklet:
This is the signature page of the booklet- signed in 2009
LAURENCE OLIVIER– AND SEVERAL OF HIS CONNECTIONS TO THE BEATLES!
Acquired this signed photo of one of the greatest actors of all-time, Laurence Olivier. This photo was from the only acting collaboration Mr. Olivier performed with Hartford Connecticut native, the legendary Katherine Hepburn. It is from the ABC television movie, “Love Among the Ruins” when at the end of the film, Olivier quotes from the Robert Browning poem that inspired John Lennon to write the beautiful song, “Grow Old With Me.” He expresses his love for Ms. Hepburn’s character by quoting a line from the famous Browning poem to her.
Olivier had other connections to the Beatles.
Photo of Laurence Olivier with the Beatles:
TB237 : The Beatles & Sir Laurence Olivier – Iconic Images
Victor Spinetti collaborated with Lord Laurence Olivier in a 1968 stage adaptation of a John Lennon work, The Lennon Play: In His Own Write, for the National Theatre!!!
Olivier’s signature on a photo taken for the ABC television presentation of “Love Among the Ruins.”
6 June 1968: BBC interview with John Lennon and Victor Spinetti | The Beatles Bible
The book of “The Lennon Play” signed by one of the collaborators , actor and Beatles friend, Victor Spinetti. It was Spinetti who negotiated with Laurence Olivier to back John’s play. The National Theatre’s stage version of John Lennon’s book In His Own Write, directed by Victor Spinetti, had its 1968 debut at the Old Vic Theatre on London’s Waterloo Road.
Adrienne Kennedy also shares her memories of working with and meeting a Beatle in the following title co-authored with her son Adam!
Mom, How Did You Meet the Beatles by Adrienne Kennedy and Adam P. Kennedy
Publisher
Samuel French, Inc.
Publish Date
November 08, 2010
Spinetti’s signature which I acquired at a Fest for Beatles Fans in New Jersey
ANTHONY FAWCETT – ONE OF THE RAREST SIGNED BEATLES BOOKS THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND
Anthony Fawcett-John and Yoko’s personal assistant’s book, “One Day At A Time”, one of the most difficult Beatles-related books to find signed. Took me more than 30 years to find a signed copy of this book. Patience is a virtue that I do not have, yet one did turn up recently on the Abe Books site. I quickly snapped it up. I do not understand why there ae not many signed copies of this book? Regardless, I am very appreciative and happy that I was able to find one!
A rare signed copy of the Anthony Fawcett Lennon book! This is the copy I was recently able to acquire.
YOKO ONO
When Yoko began her Starpeace Tour throughout Eastern Europe she signed a few copies of the program. Here is one I acquired mnay years ago…
The tour itinerary on the back cover of the program:
PETER NOONE
Received this signed inscribed album from Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits
A few YouTube postings dealing with Peter’s association with the Beatles
Peter Noone’s tribute to John Lennon
“I Can’t Imagine (A Tribute to John Lennon)” by Peter Noone – YouTube
In My Life: Peter Noone’s Tribute To John Lennon – YouTube
peter noone discussing john lennon memories at beatlefest 2013 – YouTube
HELEN ANDERSON
Helen Anderson is a kind and congenial artist that I have correponded with by email for several years now. She was John and Cynthia Lennon’s classmate at Liverpool Art College. Acquired this inscribed print from Helen a while back portraying John Lennon at his easel at the college. I love this sketch very much!
Helen was also responsible for designing John’s cap which became famous during the “Help” era. You can see it here at her website:
Buy John Lennon’s iconic leather cap – Helen Anderson Designs
Best wishes to you Helen, always! We are proud to have you as a subscribing member of this blog!
P.J. PROBY
P.J was an American singer who was very popular in England and in Europe. He was given an early Beatles number by Paul that the Beatles did not release their own version of until the Beatles Anthology project!
P.J. Proby’s Wikipedia bio:
Acquired this signed P.J Proby item from a fellow collector. Proby portrayed Elvis Presley in this London musical in 1996.
MICHAEL BRAUN
Loved finding this rarity on Abe Books, a signed book of one of the best early biographies regarding the Beatles. John Lennon said it was the most honest portrayal of the “real” Beatles. See the fascinating story below of who Michael Braun had inscribed the book to:
Obituary: Michael Braun | The Independent | The Independent
A MYSTERIOUS BOOK
When I received this mysterious book from Ebay, I could not find the author’s name. This is your Life( The Beatles) Hardcover – August 12, 2018. Only learned the author’s name from Amazon when doing a search. Since very little is known about this book and what the motivation of the author was, so the book is clouded in mystery. Was the book done this way to avoid possible legal issues regarding the use of Beatles photographs? I do not know, I can only speculate. However the mystery surrounding the title was sufficient for me to seek out a copy for my collection.
This is your Life (The Beatles) Hardcover – August 12, 2018
by Tom Power (Author) 36 page hardcover Published by Blurb
Amazon’s description:
This books looks at the life of the Beatles great photos and facts and news about the Beatles. All time greatest pop band ever
This is your Life( The Beatles): tom, power: 9780464952787: Amazon.com: Books
When I saw this book advertised on Ebay several years ago it was commanding huge prices. Also saw the listing a couple of times on Abe Books. It is a very small book, not only in size but in the number of pages.
The ISBN # which appears on the back cover:
Notice there is no photograph that appears on the front and back covers, nor is there an author’s name
A sample page froom the book. There is not much text in the title as it is predominantly photos
ALAN LORD–A 30 Copy Rarity
This book deals with people who have covered the songs of Lennon and McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. At 522 pages, it looks at CDs, albums, and singles from virtually every corner of the world. What makes this book especially attractive for collectors is that at the present time, there are only 30 known current copies of the book in existence.
Privately Published Beatles Book
A fascinating aspect of collecting Beatles print-related material is the many privately published books that are lurking out there for the discerning collector. There are many treasures that are not well-known by the public as they are not affiliated with a major publisher and are published privately by the author. As a collector, these books have many special collector attributes. Because they are privately published, often the number of these books issued is severely restricted or limited because of the high cost of printing a large volume of the title. Would like to highlight one of these privately published books that I was able to acquire recently on eBay, thanks to being alerted by a fellow collector, Seamus Hayes.
If you have questions about the book, the author has provided his email
alanlorduk@yahoo.co.uk
HELP! I NEED SOMEBODY
NOW IF ONLY SOMEONE CAN HELP ME FIND THE SIGNATURE/ AUTOGRAPH OF THE LATE DECCA RECORDS EXECUTIVE, DICK ROWE. THEN I CAN CLOSE THE BOOK!!! LOL! UNLESS THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION ARISES OF ACQUIRING THE SIGNATURES OF MAGIC ALEX AND THE MAHARISHI!
Buzz
GET YOUR COPY OF THE FEATURED BOOK – THE BEATLES: WHAT IF?
The Beatles What If? Limited Edition Hardback
How different would the world have been without The Beatles?
This book explores the many times The Beatles story could have turned out so differently. What if it didn’t happen the way it did?
Order here for the UK and Europe
ORDER IN THE US VIA GOLDENAGEMUSICCOLLECTIBLES
The first concert of Yoko Ono Starpeace tour is missing in the tour programme. Noticed it when I bought it. Was in Brussels when leaving the hall it was snowing and we heard that Olaf Palme had been assassinated. During Give Peace a Chance some people rushed on stage but they were thrown off by security.
Thank you for the info, Dirk! What was your opinion of Yoko’s performance at the show?
Thanks again Buzz for sharing information and wonderful photos of your fab and gear collection. You often give me great ideas on what to look for to read next. I especially enjoy the books with Beatles-related face to face encounters. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the comments, Jennifer! I am very happy that you enjoy the site!