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All shook up over Elvis item
Elvis enthusiast Pete Rodgers, of Mexborough, has a signed recording contract in his vast collection of Elvis memorabilia, and is hoping to get it authenticated. Picture: Liz Mockler S0918LM
ELVIS fan Pete Rodgers was all shook up when he checked through his collection of the superstar’s memorabilia.
For he came across what is believed to be the first recording contract the superstar signed in 1954!
The 73-year-old is convinced the item could sell big at auction and is now trying to get it authenticated.
Pete, of Elm Road, Mexborough, said: “It could be worth thousands. I’m going to try and and get an expert to confirm it is the real thing.”
The former army corporal paid £1000 for a stack of Elvis memorabilia from a friend in 1975.
This included scrapbooks containing pictures of the superstar in concert, and nearly 80 rare vinyl records of his biggest hits, such as Jailhouse Rock and Heartbreak Hotel.
But it was only a couple of years later when Elvis died in 1977 that he had a proper look through and noticed the contract.
The agreement was signed on July 12, 1954, by Elvis, his parents Vernon and Gladys, and the singer’s guitarist Winfield Scotty Moore III.
It says: “W.S. Moore III is a band leader and booking agent, and Elvis Presley, a minor, age 19 years, is a singer of reputation and renown, and possesses bright promises of large success.
“It is the desire of both parties to enter into this personal agreement for the best interests of both parties.”
Pete kept the contract in a plastic wallet for years as his time was taken up travelling the World in the Royal Army Service Corps.
But he has recently taken up the task again of trying to get the document authenticated.
He said: “I’m going to try and contact his estate in Graceland, there’s also a big Elvis Fan Club in America.
“I’ve been to see a valuer and he said it could be worth a lot of money so long as I can prove it is real.
“I really don’t believe it’s a photocopy.
“I’ve had it nearly 40 years and it looks authentic.
“If I can get the right certificates for it then I’ll look at selling it off. It could be worth a fortune.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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tnhoney
Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 01:42 AMi was online looking for information on elvis when i saw this story. i know just how mr rodgers felt as a few weeks ago i also found the same contract, it was in a record album with the record and some small books about elvis.i felt i had won the lottery,my day had come at last! now i dont know what to think. does anyone know how this could happen? bonnie.foster12@comcast.net
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