Paul McCartney’s Best-Selling Lyrics Book & The Most Valuable Beatles Records
Paul McCartney’s newly expanded book of lyrics takes fans through his entire music history, so there’s no better time to dive into a list of the most sought-after Beatles records.
Paul McCartney has been approached numerous times over the years about writing an autobiography, but he has always declined. Instead, in 2021, he decided to let his lyrics do the talking and released The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present. The expansive book illuminates the lyrics of over 160 songs with intimate backstories, entertaining anecdotes, and details of McCartney’s songwriting process. Since he has never kept a diary and his songs span his entire life, McCartney felt that this was the best way to share his story.
In November 2023, an expanded paperback version of the New York Times best-seller was released, revealing even more about McCartney and the lyrics he wrote for The Beatles, Wings, and his solo material.
To go along with The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, Discogs presents a look back at The Beatles’ catalog and the releases that have become the most collectible. Below, you’ll find some of the Beatles’ most valuable releases, based on the highest prices paid for these items on Discogs.
#1
Love Me Do
The Beatles
1962
This rare promo version of the band’s debut single was limited to 250 copies and originally given to DJs, music journalists, and friends. Collectors view this release as a holy grail, especially because if Love Me Do hadn’t been successful, the Beatles may have never become the band they are today.
Sold for $14,062
#2
Please Please Me
The Beatles
1963
Even though multiple versions of Please Please Me appear on this list, this particular pressing is extra appealing for dedicated Beatles collectors. According to the database, it’s the first stereo pressing of the album and the last time Parlophone used gold text on their labels.
Sold for $9,782
#3
Please Please Me
The Beatles
1963
This pressing of Please Please Me is another sought-after stereo version of the Beatles’ debut studio album. It was released at the same time as the aforementioned version, but it features different publishing credits on its black and gold labels.
Sold for $7,064
#4
Introducing…The Beatles
The Beatles
1964
One of the rarest commercially released Beatles records in the US, this pressing of Introducing…The Beatles is so scarce that the total amount pressed remains unknown. According to a Discogs contributor, this version features a “column back” and as of now, only 18 copies have been verified as being authentic.
Sold for $5,000
#5
The Beatles & Frank Ifield On Stage
The Beatles
1964
In 1964, Vee Jay Records decided to cash in on some Beatles recordings before they lost the rights and threw together a reissue of a compilation that featured tracks from the band and Frank Ifield, a popular easy listening and country music singer. The original “old man” cover was replaced with a portrait of the Beatles, but very few made it into stores, making it quite the rare collectible.
Sold for $4,891
#6
Sold for $3,896
#7
Sold for $3,571
#8
Sold for $2,999
#9
Sold for $2,995
#10
Sold for $2,820
#11
Sold for $2,808
#13
Sold for $2,500
#14
Sold for $2,500
#15
Sold for $2,250
#16
Sold for $2,250
#17
Sold for $2,247
#18
Sold for $2,173
#19
Sold for $2,173
#21
Sold for $2,156
#23
Sold for $2,000
#24
Sold for $1,999
#25
Sold for $1,900
About the Most Expensive Items Sold on Discogs
This is a list of the most expensive releases sold features items that were purchased and paid for on Discogs. Although most people come to Discogs to buy new records from independent sellers around the world, some collectors are on the hunt for rarities that sell for high prices due to their scarcity.
Discogs is the world’s largest online music database and marketplace. Dedicated contributors catalog releases in the Database and sellers use this information to list items for sale in the Marketplace. On the right side of each release page, you’ll find useful statistics about the lowest, median, and highest price paid for the item you are viewing.
All prices have been converted to USD (United States Dollar). Some prices may fluctuate with the exchange rate; the prices on this list reflect the current exchange rate while the prices on the release pages reflect the exchange rate at the time of sale.
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