In late November 2018, novelty items from the Beatles sold for millions at Sotheby’s auction house in New York City. Among those sold was a copy of the Beatles’ 1968 self-titled album, commonly known as the “White Album,” which went for a record-breaking $790,000.
The “White Album” has become a cultural icon, spawning numerous covers, remixes and remastered quotes in modern music. By the time of its release the Beatles had been performing for eight years, and was arguably the biggest band in the world. The “White Album” was initially issued in a boxed set of two LPs (vinyl) and contained 30 songs, including chart toppers like “Back in the USSR” and “Helter Skelter.”
Experts in Beatles memorabilia have unanimously cited the rarity of this particular album as the main reason why it sold for such a hefty price. The record was one of only 50 editions sent to celebrities and dignitaries as promotional gifts in 1968. Each of the 50 editions were numbered and stamped in gold ink. The copy that sold at auction was numbered A0000001, and was stamped “The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton,” among others.
Naturally, this has made it one of the most sought-after items for collectors around the world, with the value of the record steadily increasing over the years. Record collector and music expert Ryan Burke suggests that the album is likely to increase in value even further. “Considering the demand and its provenance, the value of this album is almost sure to rise even further in the future,” Burke speculated.
Affordable copies of the original print of the album can be found on sites like eBay. Typical listings will start at around 100 US dollars, depending on the boxing and condition of the record. The newer CD and digital re-issues, 25th and 50th anniversary editions, will cost more. However, these cannot be seen as investment pieces as they are not the originals. For an investment piece, collectors will need to look for the original British version of the album, which is much harder to achieve.
Value Based On Quality
But it’s not just rarity that drives up the value of a record like the “White Album.” Experts have stated that the quality of the album is a major contributive factor. Mark Tinley, CEO of the entertainment technology company Audiocorp, says that music fans turn to The Beatles’ catalogue for two reasons. “Firstly, the catalog of recordings they made from 1962 to 1970 is second to none. Secondly, they produced their albums on an analogue format that has been virtually untouched since their final recording in 1970,” he explains.
Therefore, in comparison to current popular music platforms, the original vinyl may sound better. “When released, the album was pressed on high-grade vinyl, and as we know, the more high-grade vinyl, the better the sound quality,” Tinley says. According to him, it is the sound quality of the vinyl that sets it apart, and this has certainly boosted its value.
What’s the Limit?
As with every item of collectible value, there is a limit to how much people are willing to pay for the item. Music expert and collector Chris Montano believes a collector might be willing to pay up to a million dollars, but even he states that he doesn’t think it’s likely to happen anytime soon. “I think that anything above the $800,000 mark is getting a bit too rich for most people. People are willing to spend a lot on the White Album, but not an excessive amount,” he adds.
Ultimately, due to the rarity and quality of the Beatles’ White Album, its value is likely to remain at the high end of the price spectrum. Even with that said, one can only speculate as to how many more millions the album will command in future auctions.
Regional Impact
Unlike first editions of books by Shakespeare, or First Folio editions, which are exclusive to one country, the Beatles’ White Album is one of the first global pieces of collectible memorabilia. Television host and memorabilia expert Jay Magee suggests that “this is the first global piece of memorabilia. It isn’t just limited to the UK or the US, but it’s something that is recognized around the world, and its value is reflected in that.”
The album is so famous that it has reached European countries and African countries like Nigeria. Magee also notes that the album has a range of different appeal, ranging from “die-hard fans who really appreciate the album” to the more casual fans who “just want something associated with the group.”
This means that people in different countries are willing to pay high prices for a piece of history. Languages may differ, but the music remains the same. For this reason, the Beatles’ White Album will remain timeless and will continue to be collected in the future.
Boosting Music Sales
The influence of the White Album is far-reaching and it can even be argued that it has had a positive effect on the sale of music albums in general. The album has attracted music fans of all ages, making it an even bigger part of popular culture. Driven by the quality of the sound and the sophistication of the Beatles’ talent, the album has become a marker for future musicians to prove that they can make timeless recordings.
For this reason, the album has become a driving force for the artist, record labels, and music publishers. As more people buy the album, more money goes directly to the artists. This increases their revenue and encourages them to keep making music. The influence of the album has thus contributed to the vitality of the music landscape.
Setting The Standard
The Beatles’ White Album has set the standard for future releases. This influential record has become the benchmark for quality music. Anybody hoping to create music of real quality will aspire to the same level of excellence that the Beatles achieved with their self-titled album.
The influence of the album is also evident in modern music production methods. For instance, the styles used to record the album are still seen in current music sessions. Recording in “multi-track” was a pioneering technique used by the Beatles, and this has come to define modern music production.
The album has also set the benchmark for musicians, particularly on the live stage. The Beatles were the pioneers of live performances, setting trends and styles that have been followed since. Capturing the attention of an audience through music is no small feat, but it is something that the Beatles did with seeming ease. It is their skill behind the microphone that has informed live performance styles ever since.
A Monumental Moment
The White Album’s influence has become embedded in popular culture and serves as a momentous moment in music history. Within the outer sleeve of the UK version of the album are the words “90139” written in white lettering. This references the catalogue number of the record and was a quasi-title of the album. It demonstrates the first steps into mainstream record labels.
At the time of its release, the album was a success, gaining the attention of millions worldwide. The ultimate success of the album just over half a century on, however, has kept its aura alive and changed the traditional perception of recorded music. The White Album’s status has epitomized what a legacy an album can hold.
