World’s Most Valuable Motown Record Bought By Harborough Man

Lee with the record

A Market Harborough man has bought one of the world’s rarest records for what is believed to be a six figure sum.

The seven inch northern soul 45 ‘Do I Love You’ by Frank Wilson was originally rejected for release by legendary label Motown in the 1960s, and only a handful of copies were pressed, making it one of the most sought after globally.

It fetched just under £26,000 when it was last sold 11 years ago and although northern soul fan Lee Jeffries has bought it for an undisclosed sum, it was for far more than that.

Lee, a record label owner and drinks business entrepreneur, spoke to Hfm:

The record

The sale, brokered by rare vinyl dealer and auctioneer John Manship from Melton Mowbray.

He said: “In 2020 I was approached by Lee Jeffries asking if it would be possible for me to get in touch with the owner of the record and persuade him to sell it.

“After some negotiations, and an offer from Lee that couldn’t be refused, I’m delighted to announce that a deal has been struck.

“The seller was very satisfied with the return on his investment, and the price achieved underlines the fact that rare vinyl is not just an emotional or nostalgic purchase – it continues to be a solid commodity, even in these tumultuous times.”