Collecting Picture Discs: Shapes, Colors, and Rarity In a world where music is often reduced to digital files and streaming playlists, there’s something delightfully tactile, nostalgic, and visually captivating about collecting picture discs. These unique records—pressed with colorful images, artist/band photos, logos, or conceptual artwork—represent more than just sound. They’re miniature canvases, time capsules, and love letters to music fans who value both the aesthetic and the emotional connection to the music they adore. Collecting picture...

This Week In Music History Jul 14-27 The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! JUL 22: Sad day here- Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at age 76. Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, the legendary figure in rock and heavy metal music first rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, a band often credited with pioneering heavy metal in the early 1970s. With dark, heavy riffs and occult-themed lyrics, songs lik...

This Week In Music History Aug 11-24 The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! AUG 19: Happy birthday to John Deacon! Born August 19, 1951, in Leicester, England, Deacon is best known as the quiet yet essential bassist for the legendary rock band Queen. Joining the group in 1971, he completed the classic lineup alongside Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor. Though often reserved on stage and in interviews, Deacon’s musical contributions w...

This Week In Music History Jun 30-Jul 13 The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! JULY 1: Happy birthday to Debbie Harry! Deborah Harry, born July 1, 1945 in Miami, Florida, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and actress best known as the frontwoman of Blondie. Raised in New Jersey, Harry initially worked as a secretary, go-go dancer, and Playboy Bunny before finding her true calling in music. In 1974, she co-founded Blondie with guitarist Chr...

This Week In Music History Jun 16-29 The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! JUN 18: Happy birthday to Paul McCartney! Born June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England, McCartney is one of the most influential figures in music history. As co-lead vocalist and bassist for The Beatles, McCartney helped revolutionize popular music in the 1960s with groundbreaking songwriting alongside John Lennon. His melodic bass lines, versatile vocals, and knack for cr...

Fantastic Collection Of Artist-Presented RIAA White Matte Awards: Updated 10/1/25 Note: This article has been updated to indicate sold items as of 10-1-25 MusicGoldmine recently acquired a stellar collection of rare RIAA "white matte" record awards. For those not familiar, this type of RIAA awards are the rarest and most valuable of all RIAA awards. They were made from 1964 through 1974 in quite limited numbers for each title by only one company, the New York Frame & Picture Co. Also worth noting is that artist-presented awards are always the most valuable*...

This Week In Music History Jul 28-Aug 10 The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! JUL 26: Happy birthday to Roger Taylor! Born July 26, 1949, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, Taylor is best known as the dynamic drummer and vocalist for the legendary rock band Queen. With his powerful playing style, distinctive high harmonies, and songwriting contributions, Taylor played a vital role in shaping Queen’s sound and global success. Taylor began his musi...

40 Years Ago: How “We Are The World” Came Together Forty years ago in 1985, the music world witnessed an unprecedented moment of unity when dozens of the biggest stars of the era gathered to record “We Are The World.” On its 40th anniversary, here’s a look at why and how the famed charity single came together, along with its impact and legacy. Released in 1985 under the banner of USA For Africa, the track became not only a cultural milestone but also a humanitarian triumph. It raised millions for famine relief in Africa and showcased the abil...

Live Aid Turns 41: Revisiting the Day Music Tried to Save the World Can you believe it’s been 41 years since Live Aid? On July 13, 1985, the world witnessed a global jukebox like no other. Broadcast to nearly two billion people across 150 countries, this monumental charity concert didn’t just change music history — it tried to change the world. Now, four decades later, we’re still recalling with awe Queen’s electrifying set and marveling at how rock stars briefly became superheroes. The Day The World Tuned In Back in the mid-80s, famine ravaged Ethiopia. BBC...

11 Of The Most Valuable Records Ever Sold (And the Stories Behind Them) Vinyl records aren’t just for audiophiles anymore—they’re serious business for collectors, investors, and music historians. Some records, because of their extreme rarity, cultural significance, or unique backstories, have fetched jaw-dropping prices at auctions and private sales. Here are eleven of the most valuable records ever sold, each with a fascinating story to match its price tag (these are in no particular order): The Beatles The Beatles (The White Album) No. 0000001 💰 Sold for: $790,...

This Week In Music History Apr 21-May 4 The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! APR 21: Happy birthday to Robert Smith! The iconic frontman, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the British band The Cure was born on April 21, 1959, in Blackpool, England. Smith is known for his distinctive look—wild hair, smudged red lipstick, and pale complexion—which became emblematic of the gothic rock movement. He formed The Cure in 1976, and the band rose to pr...

This Week In Music History May 19-Jun 1 The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! MAY 26: Happy birthday Stevie Nicks! The singer-songwriter renowned for her work with Fleetwood Mac and her solo career was born Stephanie Nicks on May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona. She discovered music and poetry early in life. In 1971, she formed Buckingham Nicks with Lindsey Buckingham. Although their 1973 album failed commercially, Mick Fleetwood recruited both for...