Record Rama

[Hardbopjazz]

I just watched a show on PBS about Record Rama, the man who has the world's largest record collection and ran the largest record store in Pittsburgh. http://recordrama.com/. Due to poor health he has been looking for a buyer for his collection. During the show he mentions that the Library of Congress when looking at his collection told him that only 17% of music that once was on records between 1944 and 1966 is available today. That's means 83% of recorded music between those years are either locked up in record companies' vaults or lost forever. The current asking price for the collection is 3 million.

If you can catch the program, watch it.

Edited August 7, 2011 by Hardbopjazz

[Jim R]

I think I saw this about a year ago. Not sure I saw the entire thing, but pretty sure I saw most of it. I haven't thought about it since, as I found it to be pretty dubious and silly. The melodramatic ending is kooky.

The film states that his collection is "estimated to be worth $50 million". But he'll sell for $3 million. No takers, for how many years now? And his attitude is "nobody gives a damn about music", because nobody will buy his collection. It seems unrealistic to expect anybody to cough up that kind of money for the privilege of being able to store a whole lot of crap (with some good stuff sprinkled in).

I don't understand the guy's viewpoint. Seems to think he's god's gift to music. It's not as if his records are all exclusive to his collection, and he talks as though his is the only source for all this stuff. The "lost forever" idea is absurd. Maybe out of print, but... "lost"? There are other people with huge record collections, and even if there weren't, the music isn't "lost".

The Library of Congress did a "study" on his collection? Uh, how about a LOC rep being interviewed for the film? How about anybody other than his wife backing up his claims? I also looked at his little video on the David Bowie story, where he claims to have saved Bowie's career. I don't really care one way or the other, but again, no evidence that he's not making it up.

From his website...

"I'm inviting you on a personal tour of the largest privately owned self-sufficient museum of music in the world. I have close to 2,500,000 recordings in the archive. It includes 45 RPM's, 78 RPM's, cassettes, and albums. I have created a database known as "MUSICMASTER" with close to 700,000 titles. I would consided your visit to the museum an honor. Please call and confirm the time and date of your visit at 412.367.7330.

If you would like to help support the survival of the archive before your visit, just send a check or money order to the address below. After 41 years, it's time to locate a new home for my life's work.

When you come to buy, your minimum commitment will be $5,000 for a full day. That will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You will send a $500 deposit to secure your date. A full credit will be issued with your archive confirmation by email. The cost of recordings you need will be:

45 RPM's Boxed Surplus Stock (New)

$5 each or 3 for $10

Archive 45 RPM's (New) Half Price

Albums Your Choice - Half Price

All terms are cash - no credit cards

Orders include shipping cartons

Each booking is for one day only

If you want more time, you must book it under the same terms."

Really?

[sonnymax]

In case anyone wants to watch this episode of POV online, here's the link: The Archive