I've acquired a good number of autographed albums over the years, many from having purchased directly from the artist and having them signed, and some as incredibly lucky finds while shopping secondhand. These are some of the more notable ones.
I bought the disc for the music, casual fan that I am. I paid no attention to the writing scribbled across the front until a day later when I actually took a good look at it, realizing to my surprise that it appeared to be an autograph. After researching and comparing my specimen with examples of her signature found online, it does appear that this one is legit.
This one was a total surprise. Having been a fan of the Cruisin' series of CDs which intersperse original songs of an era with period radio commercials, I took an interest in this collection when I found it among the used CDs at one of my favorite haunts. I didn't think anything of the signature at the top, assuming it to simply be part of the cover design. What I was more interested in was hearing the complete original broadcast, and the fact that groups that normally never appear on compilations due to licensing restrictions (like The Beatles) were included. When I got home with the collection and tried to look up information about it online, I found that it was apparently a promotional item distributed to radio stations in 1998. The photo of the cover art that I found included the Casey Kasem signature, but in a slightly different position compared to my copy. Looking very closely at mine and at the online example, the form and strokes appeared to have been made by the same hand, but different in the way one would expect from two handwritten signatures in that they would never be exactly the same despite having the same overall characteristics. Comparing my copy to a second example of the same compilation found online suggests that this is in fact a legitimate autograph, although I'm no handwriting expert. It would definitely be consistent with the way the collection was distributed.
I found this in a Half Price Books bargain bin. Either an employee didn't notice it, had never heard of the band, or simply didn't care, or perhaps someone figured that the somewhat tattered condition of the packaging didn't warrant a higher price than the $1 or $2 that I ended up paying for it. After researching and comparing these signatures with numerous examples I've found online, I think this is legit as well, especially given that the band hails from Tyler, TX, about 100 miles from Dallas.
I found this one at Half Price Books as well, and it likewise appears to be legitimate (as far as I can tell).
Admittedly, this is cheating, since this is a CD that I produced myself featuring artists I knew personally. But it is an actual (though niche) release that was available in a record store, and it is autographed.
A rare vinyl purchase of mine, purchased in tandem with the physical CD. This was picked up after a performance at Lola's Saloon in Fort Worth as part of a country show which also featured Fort Worth-based Summer Dean. Michaela Anne hails originally from Brooklyn, New York.
Mark is a performer I know from my days in the open mic scene, someone I had recorded previously as part of the Lost Art Open Mic. I purchased this the night of his CD release show at Opening Bell Coffee in Dallas, a night I remember most vividly for a jaw-droppingly amazing performance of Led Zeppelin's "The Rain Song" with cellist Brianne Sargent that left the audience thunderstruck.
Bought in 2016 from the artist after the "Party on the Porch" outdoor concert at Fort Worth's Amon Carter Museum of American Art. One of my favorite local country artists.
I once provided some photos of Cricket to a promoter for use in South America. She graciously signed this for me at the merch table following the CD release show at the Sons of Hermann Hall.
I've known Ellen for over a decade, meeting via the Mochalux Open Mic in Arlington, Texas, and continuing onward through her successes composing music that has been featured on hit television shows, commercials, and indie movie productions. I have also interviewed her twice.
Another performer I have a long history with, having first met her at the Mochalux Open Mic and later working with her via my own Lost Art Open Mic and other events. I interviewed her in 2011.
All of my Emmeline releases have been signed by the artist. This one is a bit extra special, as it was the first of two in which she thanked me (and Lost Art founder Alex Pogosov as well) in the liner notes.
Emmeline's first full-length release, purchased at the CD release party at Opening Bell Coffee.
This album was released in 1998. Today, drummer April Samuels is a music teacher and breast cancer survivor.
I don't remember if I bought this used at Half Price Books or if I picked it up for free at a show. Either way, it's autographed.
I've known lead guitarist Jason Gully (aka Teiwaz) for over twenty years, so it should be no surprise that my copy of this CD is signed.
I worked indirectly with singer Patty Wak as part of my brief stint with Girls Rock Dallas, and more directly volunteering for Kids Rock Dallas in 2018.
I purchased this CD all the way back in 2001, having stumbled across Pangman's music while searching for digital releases of 1930s singer Annette Hanshaw. At the time, both Pangman and Hanshaw were being distributed on Sensation Records. After listening to some music samples online, I ended up purchasing the album. Sadly, the Sensation Records label folded somewhere after 2002 without ever finishing the Hanshaw series, but I did get to meet Alex Pangman during a visit to Toronto's Reservoir Lounge jazz club in 2014.
This is my first of two copies of this album, purchased the night of the CD release at Trees. Unfortunately, my original copy turned into a coaster sometime between 2013 and 2020, the year in which I ripped and archived my entire CD collection onto a media server. Guitarist Skar admitted to me that this first run of discs had to be rushed to meet the release date, and that the work had been farmed out to an individual who did a poor job with the physical production. He provided me with a replacement copy of professional quality, but it's my original that bears the autographs of two band members, and that I've kept (alongside its replacement) despite it now being unplayable. As a side note, I was one of the individuals recognized within the liner notes for this album, an unexpected honor.
Another one I found in the Half Price Books bargain bin. As far as I can tell from researching this, the signatures appear to be legit.
I've known Steve Page for years, so I took the opportunity to have the band autograph this one for me at their CD release show.
I was given this CD by singer Andrea in 2020 when she learned I had never owned a copy of her former band's album. I only saw Screaming Red play one time, and it was the night that my original SLR camera malfunctioned and ended up having to be junked.
I purchased this from the band following a performance in 2015. Singer Cameron was a part of the local music scene for years, having previously handled vocals and frontman duties for LaME, one of the earliest bands I ever photographed.
I bought this one following the band's performance at the Liquid Lounge in Deep Ellum. The show which also featured my friend Roxi's band, and I pulled my 35mm SLR camera out of mothballs for a lark.
I honestly can't remember when I got this one, and whether I paid for it or it was given to me out of appreciation by the singer (who happens to be a friend of mine).
This was an awesome find for me, given my interactions with Cricket circa 2011 and the challenges involved in finding any of her earlier releases (even she didn't have a copy of this one, as I recall). Let Your Mama Drive was the last one I needed to complete my collection.
Purchased from the band following their performance at Reno's Chop Shop. Vocalist/guitarist Loz and his wife (the band's then-drummer Jaye Leigh) seemed to be very genuine and pleasantly warm people.
A bit of a cheat here, too, given my long professional and personal relationship with this band and singer Jessi Golden. Nevertheless, I eventually had a copy of this signed by all five performers, as well as by later bassist Eddie Thomaz, who doesn't appear on the album. This is my second or third copy of this CD, the first having been beaten up in a car stereo and eventually donated to Top Ten Records' local archives, and another having been given to a local musician I know whose copy had disappeared.
The Best of LaVern Baker
Bought at Half Price Books in 2021
I bought the disc for the music, casual fan that I am. I paid no attention to the writing scribbled across the front until a day later when I actually took a good look at it, realizing to my surprise that it appeared to be an autograph. After researching and comparing my specimen with examples of her signature found online, it does appear that this one is legit.
American Top 40 with Casey Kasem: Debut Show, July 4, 1970
Bought for $12.99 at Josey Records in March 2023
This one was a total surprise. Having been a fan of the Cruisin' series of CDs which intersperse original songs of an era with period radio commercials, I took an interest in this collection when I found it among the used CDs at one of my favorite haunts. I didn't think anything of the signature at the top, assuming it to simply be part of the cover design. What I was more interested in was hearing the complete original broadcast, and the fact that groups that normally never appear on compilations due to licensing restrictions (like The Beatles) were included. When I got home with the collection and tried to look up information about it online, I found that it was apparently a promotional item distributed to radio stations in 1998. The photo of the cover art that I found included the Casey Kasem signature, but in a slightly different position compared to my copy. Looking very closely at mine and at the online example, the form and strokes appeared to have been made by the same hand, but different in the way one would expect from two handwritten signatures in that they would never be exactly the same despite having the same overall characteristics. Comparing my copy to a second example of the same compilation found online suggests that this is in fact a legitimate autograph, although I'm no handwriting expert. It would definitely be consistent with the way the collection was distributed.
Laughing City by Eisley
Found at Half Price Books in 2015
I found this in a Half Price Books bargain bin. Either an employee didn't notice it, had never heard of the band, or simply didn't care, or perhaps someone figured that the somewhat tattered condition of the packaging didn't warrant a higher price than the $1 or $2 that I ended up paying for it. After researching and comparing these signatures with numerous examples I've found online, I think this is legit as well, especially given that the band hails from Tyler, TX, about 100 miles from Dallas.
Easy by Kelly Willis
Bought at Half Price Books
I found this one at Half Price Books as well, and it likewise appears to be legitimate (as far as I can tell).
Live at Lost Art Open Mic
Self produced and released in 2010
Admittedly, this is cheating, since this is a CD that I produced myself featuring artists I knew personally. But it is an actual (though niche) release that was available in a record store, and it is autographed.
Bright Lights and Fame by Michaela Anne
Purchased from the artist in 2016
A rare vinyl purchase of mine, purchased in tandem with the physical CD. This was picked up after a performance at Lola's Saloon in Fort Worth as part of a country show which also featured Fort Worth-based Summer Dean. Michaela Anne hails originally from Brooklyn, New York.
Daybreak by Mark Brandt
Purchased from the artist in 2012
Mark is a performer I know from my days in the open mic scene, someone I had recorded previously as part of the Lost Art Open Mic. I purchased this the night of his CD release show at Opening Bell Coffee in Dallas, a night I remember most vividly for a jaw-droppingly amazing performance of Led Zeppelin's "The Rain Song" with cellist Brianne Sargent that left the audience thunderstruck.
Unladylike by Summer Dean
Purchased from the artist in 2016
Bought in 2016 from the artist after the "Party on the Porch" outdoor concert at Fort Worth's Amon Carter Museum of American Art. One of my favorite local country artists.
Dirty by The Electro-Magnetics
Gift from Cricket Taylor in 2011
I once provided some photos of Cricket to a promoter for use in South America. She graciously signed this for me at the merch table following the CD release show at the Sons of Hermann Hall.
Love Myself by Ellen Once Again
Gift from Ellen Hinton in 2016
I've known Ellen for over a decade, meeting via the Mochalux Open Mic in Arlington, Texas, and continuing onward through her successes composing music that has been featured on hit television shows, commercials, and indie movie productions. I have also interviewed her twice.
Beautiful Scars by Emmeline
Purchased from the artist in 2013
Another performer I have a long history with, having first met her at the Mochalux Open Mic and later working with her via my own Lost Art Open Mic and other events. I interviewed her in 2011.
Early Morning Hours by Emmeline
Purchased from the artist in 2010 or 2011
All of my Emmeline releases have been signed by the artist. This one is a bit extra special, as it was the first of two in which she thanked me (and Lost Art founder Alex Pogosov as well) in the liner notes.
Rise by Emmeline
Purchased from the artist in November 2018
Emmeline's first full-length release, purchased at the CD release party at Opening Bell Coffee.
Welcome to Frognot by Frognot
Bought at Half Price Books for $1
This album was released in 1998. Today, drummer April Samuels is a music teacher and breast cancer survivor.
The Incurable Want by The Hope Trust
I don't remember if I bought this used at Half Price Books or if I picked it up for free at a show. Either way, it's autographed.
Tears for Lost Ages by Kin of Ettins
Purchased from the artists
I've known lead guitarist Jason Gully (aka Teiwaz) for over twenty years, so it should be no surprise that my copy of this CD is signed.
Major Issues
Gift from singer Patty Wak
I worked indirectly with singer Patty Wak as part of my brief stint with Girls Rock Dallas, and more directly volunteering for Kids Rock Dallas in 2018.
Can't Stop Me from Dreaming by Alex Pangman
Bought online in 2001, signed in 2014
I purchased this CD all the way back in 2001, having stumbled across Pangman's music while searching for digital releases of 1930s singer Annette Hanshaw. At the time, both Pangman and Hanshaw were being distributed on Sensation Records. After listening to some music samples online, I ended up purchasing the album. Sadly, the Sensation Records label folded somewhere after 2002 without ever finishing the Hanshaw series, but I did get to meet Alex Pangman during a visit to Toronto's Reservoir Lounge jazz club in 2014.
A Name for Evil by The Razorblade Dolls
Original copy purchased from the band in 2013
This is my first of two copies of this album, purchased the night of the CD release at Trees. Unfortunately, my original copy turned into a coaster sometime between 2013 and 2020, the year in which I ripped and archived my entire CD collection onto a media server. Guitarist Skar admitted to me that this first run of discs had to be rushed to meet the release date, and that the work had been farmed out to an individual who did a poor job with the physical production. He provided me with a replacement copy of professional quality, but it's my original that bears the autographs of two band members, and that I've kept (alongside its replacement) despite it now being unplayable. As a side note, I was one of the individuals recognized within the liner notes for this album, an unexpected honor.
"Pennsylvania Avenue" by Reckless Kelly
Bought at Half Price Books in late 2015 or very early 2016
Another one I found in the Half Price Books bargain bin. As far as I can tell from researching this, the signatures appear to be legit.
Fix Our Enemy by Rivethead
Purchased from the band in 2017
I've known Steve Page for years, so I took the opportunity to have the band autograph this one for me at their CD release show.
Kick in tha Face by Screaming Red
Gift from singer Andrea Larue
I was given this CD by singer Andrea in 2020 when she learned I had never owned a copy of her former band's album. I only saw Screaming Red play one time, and it was the night that my original SLR camera malfunctioned and ended up having to be junked.
Your Ghost by Secret of Boris
Purchased from the band in 2015
I purchased this from the band following a performance in 2015. Singer Cameron was a part of the local music scene for years, having previously handled vocals and frontman duties for LaME, one of the earliest bands I ever photographed.
A Part of Me by Nancy Silva Project
Purchased from the artist in December 2015
I bought this one following the band's performance at the Liquid Lounge in Deep Ellum. The show which also featured my friend Roxi's band, and I pulled my 35mm SLR camera out of mothballs for a lark.
Treasures of Gomorrah by Silver Loves Mercury
Released in 2010, acquired sometime afterward
I honestly can't remember when I got this one, and whether I paid for it or it was given to me out of appreciation by the singer (who happens to be a friend of mine).
Let Your Mama Drive by Cricket Taylor
Found at Half Price Books for $2
This was an awesome find for me, given my interactions with Cricket circa 2011 and the challenges involved in finding any of her earlier releases (even she didn't have a copy of this one, as I recall). Let Your Mama Drive was the last one I needed to complete my collection.
"Metal Machines" by Torque Order
Purchased from the band in 2016
Purchased from the band following their performance at Reno's Chop Shop. Vocalist/guitarist Loz and his wife (the band's then-drummer Jaye Leigh) seemed to be very genuine and pleasantly warm people.
The Science of Loss by With These Words
Originally purchased in 2008 from the band
A bit of a cheat here, too, given my long professional and personal relationship with this band and singer Jessi Golden. Nevertheless, I eventually had a copy of this signed by all five performers, as well as by later bassist Eddie Thomaz, who doesn't appear on the album. This is my second or third copy of this CD, the first having been beaten up in a car stereo and eventually donated to Top Ten Records' local archives, and another having been given to a local musician I know whose copy had disappeared.