Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest asks ‘are you kidding me?’ after hearing the value of Marvin Gaye’s passport (marketrealist.com)
Detroit Man Finds $20,000 Marvin Gaye Passport Tucked in a 50-Cent Record Album
A lucky Detroit man got the surprise of a lifetime on “Antiques Roadshow” when a piece of music history he’d stumbled upon turned out to be worth a small fortune. The man, a former employee of the Motown Museum, had picked up some albums and 45s at an estate sale for a musician. Upon returning home, he discovered something remarkable tucked inside one of the albums – Marvin Gaye’s passport.
The guest recounted the story to appraiser Laura Woolley, explaining how he’d worked for the museum and assisted families donating items after musicians passed away. He’d passed on taking any records from the initial donation, but later purchased a few at the estate sale. It was in one of these albums that he found the passport.
Woolley, clearly excited by the find, pointed out the passport’s excellent condition and the fact that it was issued in 1964, after Gaye added the “e” to his surname. She explained the significance of this addition, with theories ranging from differentiating himself from his father to emulating Sam Cooke.
She also highlighted Gaye’s burgeoning career at the time, noting his session work with Stevie Wonder and his growing success as a solo artist. Passports are highly sought-after by collectors, Woolley explained, as they offer a glimpse into an artist’s travels and contain a genuine signature.
When asked how much he’d paid for the album, the guest casually mentioned 50 cents. Woolley then delivered the stunning appraisal: $20,000.
The guest, understandably shocked, could only respond with, “Are you kidding me?” Woolley assured him she wasn’t, emphasizing the rarity of Gaye memorabilia.
The guest was left speechless, expressing his shock and gratitude for the unexpected windfall.