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Now on eBay: 6 Million Songs for Just $50M

World's greatest music collection is looking for a home, again

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 19, 2008 11:20 AM CST

(Newser) – Record collector supreme Paul Mawhinney has put his collection of over 6 million songs on eBay, but with its value estimated at $50 million and a $3 million starting bid, bidders could be rarer than some of the jewels in the collection, the Idolator writes. "It's the history of music," Mawhinney says of the colossal music archive he spent over 40 years building. "It's my life's work."

A couple of previous deals to sell the collection—3 million records and 300,000 CDs—have fallen through. The Library of Congress found the price too high, although an expert says Mawhinney's assessment of its value is "pretty darn close." Mawhinney, who ran the Pittsburgh-area shop Record-Rama, wants to keep the collection intact and hopes a museum or library will buy it.

The History of American music belongs in a museum or a library; a place where people who love music and have an interest in history and popular American culture can look, listen, touch, read and appreciate this legacy for future generations, Mawhinney writes.
"The History of American music belongs in a museum or a library; a place where people who love music and have an interest in history and popular American culture can look, listen, touch, read and appreciate...   ((c) D'Arcy Norman)
There are over three million record albums and 300,000 CDs in Paul Mawhinney's record collection. It's a record collector's fantasy, but there will be few who can afford the millions Mawhinney wants for it.
There are over three million record albums and 300,000 CDs in Paul Mawhinney's record collection. It's a record collector's fantasy, but there will be few who can afford the millions Mawhinney wants for...   (Shutter Stock)
A rare original copy of Phil Spector's album A Christmas Gift for You featuring Darlene Love, The Crystals and The Ronettes is among the many prize items in Paul Mawhinney's giant record collection.
A rare original copy of Phil Spector's album "A Christmas Gift for You" featuring Darlene Love, The Crystals and The Ronettes is among the many prize items in Paul Mawhinney's giant record collection.   ((c) toughkidcst)
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