The Story Of The Rarest Beatles Record You Never Heard Of Before

In the 1960s, Beatles merchandise flooded the market, captivating fans with pins, record racks, wigs, and even locks of the Fab Four’s hair. While their first recording remains highly valuable, there exists a Beatles record that surpasses it in rarity. However, this unique item may never surface again, leaving it shrouded in mystery. The record in question is none other than Frank Sinatra’s song for Ringo Starr’s wife, making it potentially the rarest Beatles record to date.

Frank Sinatra’s Unexpected Contribution

Before their meteoric rise in the United States, The Beatles had already conquered the British music scene. However, not everyone embraced their success. Kenny Lynch, a versatile singer and actor, once referred to Paul McCartney and John Lennon as “idiots” due to their struggle to finish a song. Yet, recognizing their immense talent, Lynch became the first artist to cover a Beatles song. Even Frank Sinatra, an icon of the old guard, secretly wished for The Beatles’ downfall.

Sinatra’s skepticism quickly evaporated when The Beatles triumphed in the late 1960s. Hence, when Ringo Starr discreetly approached him, requesting a song for his wife Maureen’s 22nd birthday in 1968, Sinatra willingly obliged. He playfully modified the lyrics of “The Lady Is a Tramp,” incorporating references to Ringo and Paul McCartney. However, this song, titled “Maureen Is a Champ,” was a one-of-a-kind creation, possibly making it the rarest Beatles record that may never resurface.

The Vanishing Masterpiece

According to author Craig Brown, renowned for “150 Glimpses of The Beatles,” the master recording of “Maureen Is a Champ” was destroyed. Consequently, only one copy of the record existed, and its current whereabouts remain unknown. Maureen Starkey, a devoted Sinatra fan, might have safeguarded this extraordinary piece, but her passing in 1994 complicates the search. If she still possessed the sole copy, it might have been handed down to her husband at the time or their children, or it could have been misplaced, stolen, or inadvertently abandoned. Its delicate vinyl nature also raises concerns about potential damage, rendering it unplayable.

The Elusive Rarity and Close Contenders

As the quest for the lost Sinatra song continues, it remains the holy grail of Beatles memorabilia. However, other Fab Four collectibles come close in terms of rarity and value. For instance, an auction house estimated the worth of John Lennon’s copy of the album “Yesterday and Today,” featuring the controversial butcher cover, at over $100,000. While this copy bore Lennon’s signature, additional copies with similar covers exist. Similarly, Ringo Starr’s personal copy of the first White Album ever produced fetched a staggering sum of nearly $800,000 at auction, according to NME.