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Music Collecting Stories - continued
I eventually got into eBay and scored some great buys off the site. My best purchase was a Bob Marley & The Wailers "Exodus" US promo 12'' in excellent condition. I knew someone who paid $100 for a copy. I scored it with shipping costs that came up to less than $20. I also got a Pet Shop Boys Philippines pressing of "Opportunities" which is very rare and valued in the hundreds for $80.
My big obsession has been 12'' singles. Especially rock and pop tunes on 12''. I am proud of my Aretha Franklin 12'' of "Respect" and my 2 US promo 12'' copies I acquired of the Bee Gees "Staying Alive."
I eventually ended up in the music business working for PolyGram Records. My collection just shot through the roof. The amount of vinyl I would take home was just overwhelming! I had more CDs that I knew what to do with them. I was always sending packages to friends and family. I would also send CDs to friends at various record companies and they would in turn trade with me. While departing PolyGram, I took all my promo CDs with me. I still have sealed discs that have yet to be heard.
Now in 2006 I have loads of CDs and still own a lot of vinyl. I was married briefly and my ex-wife was not a music person like me. She tried to hold my collection ransom, but I was not having that. I have relocated and my collection is with me. It has earned me money and props over the years.
My Uncle Tony who was a serious jazz lover and audiophile passed away and he left me his entire record collection and the high end audio pieces he owned.
He had a lot of rare jazz LPs and CDs. A lot of rare Jamaican pressed 7'' singles were in the collection. Even a UK 10'' with a song by Nat King Cole that I was looking for.
I still collect as there are a few key pieces that I am looking for. Mostly 12'' singles and some reggae 7''s. I think in total I have 5,000 12'' singles, 300 LPs, 350 7'' singles and countless CDs.
Ray Wilson
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