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The Increasing Value Of Celebrity ArchivesThe Increasing Value Of Celebrity Archives

The whole is worth more than the sum of the parts.

Alan Breus

March 21, 2022

7 Min Read
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Recently, we’ve seen many news articles on the sale of celebrity archives for significant amounts of money.1 Archives are a particular asset consisting of a compilation of music, writings or other artistic expressions. Bruce Springsteen’s recent half a billion dollar catalog sale was only the latest mega-transaction in 2021, a year in which many prominent artists’ catalogs were sold, garnering astounding prices. Other notable musicians sold their archives for large amounts (for example Bob Dylan for $300 million, and Elvis, Paul Simon, Neil Young and Tina Turner each for mega-millions). Charles Schulz, the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip, is consistently one of the highest earning deceased celebrities. In a typical year, his heirs h...

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About the Author

Alan Breus

Alan’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from The New School, New York City, studies in Appraisal and Analysis at New York University and advanced studies in Life Underwriting and Estate and Financial Planning. Alan’s membership in the Appraiser’s Association of America requires he sustain an expertise in: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising, IRS Legal Guidelines in Valuation, Research methodology in Appraisal and complete familiarity with The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). His professional experience includes the appraisal of, documentary film, rare books and documents,  fine art, life insurance policies and collectibles for universities, hospitals, various non-profits  and estate planning and private accounting professionals. Alan is a sought after speaker and has been a sponsor at many national and regional planned giving conferences.

Alan’s speaking engagements include: The upcoming 2012  Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, The Chesapeake Bay Planned Giving Council, The Greater Bay Area Planned Giving Council, The San Joaquin Planned Giving Council, The Valley Public TV Estate Planning Forum, The Northwestern University Planned Giving Seminar, April, 2010, DePaul University Planned Giving Seminar, April, 2010, Greater Bay Area Conference on Planned Giving,  Greater San Diego Planned Giving Seminar, Partnership for Philanthropic Planning 2011 National Conference,  Chicago Council on Planned Giving, 2011 Masters Seminar

Alan’s sponsorships include: 2008 National Conference on Planned Giving, and 2009 National Conference on Planned Givingand the 2010National Conference on Planned Giving, and the 2012National Conference on Planned Giving, The Bay Area Jewish Community Endowment Fund's 13th Annual Tax and Estate Planning Seminar.

Alan has served on:

Board of Advisors, Business Division, Jewish National Fund, New York City, Board of Advisors – Hillel of Silicon Valley, Board of Advisors, Red Cross, Southwest Area Division