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The original handwritten lyrics of “Hey Jude,” a hit song by the phenomenal English band The Beatles, fetched almost a million dollars at an auction.
The sheet of paper with the lyrics scribbled by Paul McCartney himself was sold at a Beatles-themed auction put up by Julien’s Auctions. The high-profile California-based auction house hosted the event to mark the 50th anniversary of the band’s breakup. The item was originally priced at $160,000, but it was sold for $910,000.
“Hey Jude,” which was written for John Lennon’s son Julian, instantly became a hit single when it was released in 1968. The Rolling Stone music charts list it as the eighth-best song of all time.
The band’s ex-bassist and co-vocalist wrote the song during a recording session. According to Julien’s Auctions president, Darren Julien, the lyrics sheet is one of a kind because there are rare photos and footage of McCartney using it while recording the song. The sheet was sold along with one of these photos.
The handwritten lyrics became the event’s topseller. Aside from this item, the auction also sold other Beatles memorabilia at high prices.
The next highest-selling item was Ringo Starr’s drum head, which was used during The Beatles’ first US tour in 1964. The drum head that featured the band’s iconic logo was estimated to be worth $50,000, but it sold for $200,000. The stage used in The Beatles’ debut in 1960 was also auctioned off at over $25,000.
Other items sold include a black-and-white photo with all the members’ autographs, John Lennon’s handwritten notes, and some of McCartney’s artwork.