<p>I am looking to buy something autographed by a particular country singer for a friend of mine, for whom this singer will have great meaning. This singer (a female) is pretty much a classic in country music and has been around for 30+ years but is still releasing new music and touring.</p>
<p>I know nothing about buying autographs. I googled her name and “autograph” and e-bay and amazon sites popped up. How do I know certificates of authenticity are, indeed, authentic? Some sites showed video of the person signing as proof of authenticity; is that ok? Any collectors who might have any advice?</p>
<p>Also, any thoughts on the possibility of getting this singer to sign a personalized autograph for my friend (I’d pay for this) … How does one go about doing that? Through a management company? Or is that just silly unless I have a connection, which I don’t?</p>
<p>Edited to add: I think I would spend up to $200 - $250 on this at most. Not interested in a guitar or other piece of memorabilia (though I wouldn’t turn it down) - an autographed album, CD, or picture would be fine. Ideally of a certain song, but I won’t get picky right now.</p>
<p>Some stars have personal websites and you can send in items to be autographed. And some don’t. You should check, if you haven’t already, her personal website for instructions.</p>
<p>Years ago I wrote a letter to New Yorker cartoonist George Booth ( I sent it c/o the New Yorker). In it I wrote of how my dad was a huge fan of his cartoons, especially the ones with the dogs in them and the single light bulb hanging from the ceiling and connected to all the other appliances via extension cords. </p>
<p>I asked him to send me a birthday greeting note from him that I could give to my dad who was having a big birthday (I included a self addressed stamped envelope). Imagine my surprise when in the mail I received an original cartoon (complete with dog and light bulb) and where the caption goes he wrote a happy birthday message to my Dad! It was a most incredibly special and touching gesture, I really didn’t expect to hear anything back from him. We of course had it framed and it hangs on the wall not 3 feet from my dad’s easy chair.</p>
<p>I share this story only to encourage you to find ways to directly contact this artist (facebook message, email to recording label, etc.) It could be she will be touched and will be happy to write something special to your friend.</p>
<p>That’s really sweet! This person is a pretty big star within the world of country music, so I’m doubtful (and her website didn’t have any real leads). Unless someone has some great contacts in that world!!</p>
<p>There’s a place in Seattle that sells the autographed items, photos, screenplays, etc. They authenticate everything. It’s called Golden Age Collectables and you would need to call them. They don’t list the items online. The website is [Golden</a> Age Collectables in Seattle comics, manga, toys and games, pictures of stars and scripts from their movies](<a href=“http://www.goldenagecollectables.com/]Golden”>http://www.goldenagecollectables.com/)</p>
<p>I’ve bought things from them even before I lived here and they were very professional and helpful. </p>
<p>I know that some celebrities will sign things for a fee at various “cons” but haven’t ever done this myself. Sometimes you can write the official fan club and get a signed photo or the like but they’re the mass-produced kind I think.</p>