Sunday, October 26, 2008

Last Sunday it was Jackson Browne and today it was another music legend.

I met up with Graham Nash at 3:40 p.m. as he departed the Hilton Hotel in Springfield, Illinois, to board his tour bus and travel to his sold out Crosby-Nash concert at Sangamon Auditorium on the campus of the University of Illinois-Springfield. As he exited the elevator, Nash walked over to our group, said hello, and told us he'd sign one autograph per person. He placed a beautiful silver signature on a single shot from the current tour. Nash has a very long, free-flowing signature and it stretched across the top of the 8 x 10. After signing, he gladly posed for this photograph before grabbing his rolling luggage to head out the door.

I wasn't so fortunate with David Crosby. However, it wasn't much of a surprise. He's one of the toughest autographs in the music business and today was no exception. A few minutes after Nash left, Crosby arrived in the lobby accompanied by his tour manager. Without missing a step, he quickly said, "thanks, guys," and made his way out the front door. At least it was a better escounter than another collector experienced in Washington, D.C., recently when he was doused by Crosby's coffee as he attempted to get a signature.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

I finally got to meet one of pop music's most gifted singer/songwriters this afternoon in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jackson Browne, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, stopped to take this photograph and chat about autographs as he departed the Westin Hotel at 3:30 p.m. for his concert tonight at the Fox Theater. Browne was more than happy to pose for the camera, however, he said he just doesn't sign autographs anymore. He said too much ends up on Ebay and in other places. Jackson told a story about a recent visit to New York for promotion work on his new compact disk. He was met by the same collectors in all four places he stopped one morning. He was polite and understanding in his discussion with some other autograph collectors today, but stuck to his guns when it came to not signing. I was just tickled that he stopped to take a photo and chat. I actually think he would have chatted longer if not for having to talk about autographs.

Earlier in the day, comedian Steven Wright stopped to take a picture with me as he departed Lambert St. Louis International Airport. I almost didn't recognize Steven with his beard, bushy hair, and Emerson College cap.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Renowned French chef Jacques Pepin was in University City, Missouri, (St. Louis suburb) last night to sign copies of his newest book, Jacques Pepin: More Fast Food My Way. The signing took place at COCA and followed a one hour talk about all things food. In addition to books, Pepin signed a couple of 8 x 10 promotional shots for me and a magazine article from last month's edition of Men's Vogue. He hadn't seen the article in print and enjoyed looking at the layout and photos. He made sure to tell me about his dog, Paco, who was sitting patiently in the photo while he prepared some wild bird.

About 20 minutes and just three blocks away, I scored this signed album from rock and roll legend Chuck Berry. Berry performs (including his famous "duck walk") monthly at Blueberry Hill in U City.
He signed for me and three others just after he parked his car in the venue's tiny parking lot. While Berry does not take photos with fans (he'll stop signing if he sees a camera), he does sign at least one item for everyone waiting. And, if he really likes the item you have, he'll add a "smiley face" to his signature.