Matchcovers & Music
A Matchbox from the infamous Cavern Club, where the Beatles (formerly the Quarrymen) first became popular
What is the Connection?
Over the past number of months, I have been busy working on a new blues instructional program for fretted instruments. One of the songs incorporated in my lesson plan is “Matchbox Blues”, which was written and recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson in 1927. Many of you may not know who Blind Lemon Jefferson was but everybody from Carl Perkins, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johnny Cash and more have recorded a similar version of his song (although in some cases titled “Matchbox”).
A Beatles Matchcover from Liverpool
I am fascinated with the history of music and how it was promoted and advertised, long before today’s media extravaganza. Which leads me to the point of this Blog and another one of my interests and hobbies; Matchcover Collecting.
Most people have picked up a pack of matches at a restaurant or tavern which they have visited. I did so myself throughout the years and threw them in a bag. Years later I learned just how interesting older covers can be when I acquired a collection from a friend who’s father (a matchcover collector) died. It was then, that I became a true matchcover collector.
A matchcover collector is known as a “phillumenist”. Each collector has preferred categories such as World War II navy ships, pin up girls (referred to as girlies), railroads, cars and transportation, disney, soda or beers, featured covers with printing on the matches, hotels, to name just a few. The time frame of “old” does not mean the 1960s or 1970s but as early as the 1930s and if you are lucky, covers dating even earlier than 1930.
Fretmentor.com has a gallery of music related matchcovers, with more to be added in the future. You can take a look at these covers by clicking this link:
Do You Wish To Participate?
John Lennon Memorial Matchcover
I am looking forward to adding more music related covers from not only my personal collection but from other collectors and non-collectors as well. I not only encourage, but invite you to send me any scans of music-related matchcovers to david (insert @ symbol) fretmentor.com. I will add your cover or covers to this digital collection. You can also share your story of the cover in the comment section below.
If you want to learn more about this wonderful hobby which combines history with collecting, you can follow one of the following clubs or resources:
1. Rathkamp Matchcover Collector Society
