RAY SHARKEY STEVE ALLEN Signed LP HEART BEAT ('80) Rare

Attention fans of John Byrum's underrated 1980 biographical drama about Jack Kerouac and the Cassadys, HEART BEAT!  Here's a scarce and very appealing collectible that's signed by two the stars of the film - one who led a tragic life and the other a much-missed television pioneer!

This is the original 1980 Capitol Records soundtrack LP album to HEART BEAT, featuring Jack Nitzsche's jazzy and evocative score.  The standard 12-1/4" x 12-1/4" cover features a large color photo of John Heard, Sissy Spacek and Nick Nolte laughing and cuddling in bed, against a mostly off-white background. The back cover has credits cleverly presented as though on a crumpled sheet of typing paper that's been tacked to the cover.

The front cover has been boldly signed by the following pertinent personages in black felt-tip pen against light areas of the background, making for an overall good contrast:

RAY SHARKEY (1952-1993) (Ira) - Television viewers probably remember him best as Sonny Steelgrave on the crime drama WISEGUY, but his film work includes such titles as THE LORDS OF FLATBUSH, WHO'LL STOP THE RAIN, PARADISE ALLEY, WISE GUYS, NO MERCY, SCENES FROM THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN BEVERLY HILLS, WIRED and CAGED FEAR.  In this film, he played Ira - a thinly (very) veiled portrayal of beat poet Allen Ginsberg.  Sadly, after many rough years involving car wrecks and addiction to cocaine and heroin, Ray Sharkey died of AIDS in 1993 - at the age of 40.

STEVE ALLEN (1921-2000) (Himself) - This versatile Renaissance Man of comedy and entertainment was a prolific comedian, composer, musician, write, and television host.  He was the original host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, starred in various incarnations of THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW, and did a splendid job in the title role of the film THE BENNY GOODMAN STORY. In this film, he plays Steve Allen (and very convincingly), in a scene where Jack Kerouac (John Heard) reads from On The Road as a guest on the The Steve Allen Show.

A scarce soundtrack LP in nice shape, with two equally scarce autographs.

Is there a Steve Allen or Ray Sharkey fan on your holiday gift list?

A note about these albums: Many - if not most - of the vinyl records themselves appear to be in excellent - probably unplayed - condition, but since I do not have a working turntable, I cannot vouch for the audio quality.  These should be thought of as signed album covers (that happen to have the original records still inside). The covers are extremely appealing because of their size and colors. Younger fans may not remember when soundtrack LPs were issued for most films, with nice, big graphics and photos from the film, usually on the back.  As a rule, autographed soundtrack albums are markedly scarcer than signed photos, and they display equally as well, if not better. Almost all of these albums have been reissued on CD, so if you want to hear the music or dialogue, I would recommend getting the CD as a supplement to the LP.

All of the autographs on these LPs were obtained in person over a number of years.

The family of a longtime autograph collector (now deceased) have put his astonishing collection up for auction, on consignment. This man was so dedicated to "staking out" the stars - beginning in the 1920s! - that he puts latter-day paparazzi to shame (which, come to think of it, doesn't take all that much). If he knew that a certain star was going to be in a play, at a screening, making a live appearance, or otherwise attending an event, he was there and ready with a photo, a book, a record album, a 3 x 5 card - in short, this man was prepared!

In addition to being a fan, he became personal friends with the likes of Igor Stravinsky, Thomas Mann, and Alma Mahler. He truly led a remarkable life and, in his many decades of collecting, amassed a jaw-dropping collection that ranges from inarguably legendary luminaries to supporting actors to singers, composers, sports figures, and sit-com stars.

Over time, I will be offering items from this amazing collection, and I try to add four or five new ones each day.

Please note that there is No Reserve on this particular item, although the starting bid should be thought of as a "jumping off" point, rather than a reflection of the full value of the signed album.

The overall condition is VERY GOOD, unfaded, a hole punch and sticker residue in the upper right corner, with virtually no ring or edge wear. Neither the color cover nor the signatures have faded or smeared. The album is protected by a new, acid-free plastic record sleeve.

Please note: Any blotchy or streaky colors are the fault of my scanner.  In reality, the colors are sharp, clear and lifelike.

With regard to authenticity: I have no reason to doubt the authenticity of any of these signed pieces, collected over so many years. But if for some reason (other than simple buyer's remorse, of course), you decide that this piece is not "as advertised," you may return it within two weeks for a full refund (minus shipping).

I'm often asked about Certificates of Authenticity. I do not issue them, but I will include a copy of the signed letter that this longtime collector wrote about how he amassed his vast collection, written several years before he died.  As a caution to autograph collectors: I have never seen a forged autograph that did not come with a Certificate of Authenticity! Knowledge is power. Compare items you see up for sale with other known examples of the signature. Deal with sellers who have a solid reputation. Do your homework; don't put all your faith in Certificates of Authenticity.

I prefer PayPal.

I ship USPS worldwide and delivery confirmation is included in U.S. Media Mail shipping, and I'm happy to combine shipping to save you some money.

Winning bidder: Please make payment arrangements within one week of the auction's closing.

Please email me before the auction closes (for obvious reasons) if you have any questions.

Feel free to check out my other interesting offerings!

Thanks and best of luck to all you fans of RAY SHARKEY, STEVE ALLEN and HEART BEAT!