MEMPHIS MEMORABILIA

Since 1990, Memphis Memorabilia has specialized in appraisals, acquisitions, sales of artwork and collectibles; intellectual property issues —rights and clearances, brand development, marketing and artist relations.   

 

James Jaworowicz is an internationally known curator, appraiser and specialist responsible for researching, authenticating and cataloging collectibles and determining the best course of action. He has worked as a consultant providing technical support for museum directors, curators, in house counsel that are responsible for risk assessment and management, insurance companies, private collectors, galleries and government agencies who oversee public museums.

 

Experience in the development of brands from concept to completion with architects, designers and the trades. Began career as a curator and music producer for Isaac Tigrett the founder of the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas, TX in 1986. It was the first Hard Rock Cafe to feature live music. Over 100 successful shows were produced from 1987-1989. After Tigrett sold the Hard Rock he started his own company and moved to Memphis to start a 2 year project with Graceland helping them acquire the Col. Tom Parker Collection.

 

He was approached by B.B. King's business partners to help with the opening of B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale street and to consult on their club in Hollywood at City Walk at Universal Studios. 

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He was asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the Blues Foundation in 1990. Helps produce 3 awards shows and a private reception for ZZ Top at the Peabody Hotel. 

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Personal friends the Memphis Horns introduced him to the Stax Volt Records. He co-produced The Memphis Horns 25th anniversary show with The Doobie Bros., Robert Cray, Boz Scaggs, Johnny Rivers, Rufus and Carla Thomas at the Pyramid in Memphis. He also co-produced Booker T. & The MG's Memphis Homecoming a series of 6 sold out shows at BB King's Blues Club with The Memphis Horns, Eddie Floyd and Sam Moore (Sam & Dave.)

 

Worked again with Tigrett from 1992-97 helping him start the House of Blues-working on publishing, artist relations, creative development, intellectual property projects; as its first art curator organizing its folk art collection; worked in Boston, New Orleans, Hollywood, Atlanta, Chicago Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay and curated an art exhibit: I Will Turn Your Money Green; helped conceptualize the restoration of the Muddy Waters Cabin and its exhibit at the ‘96 Chicago Blues Festival & ‘96 Atlanta Summer Olympics.

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Appraised the contents of the Hard Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 2003-2004. The appraisal consisted of  650 rooms 45 exhibits, back of house storage and a facility in LA. Set up in house database to manage the collection. Acquired additional property for their collection.  

 

Continues to consult with museums organizing exhibits, filmmakers, book editors, appraising and establishing permanent collections.   

Co-produced a CD and with Malaco Music Group for the Kellogg Foundation & The National Trust for The State of Arkansas titled "Sounds From The Soil and Soul. A Journey Through The Arkansas Delta. 

 

 In 2010 worked with Beatles artist Alan Aldridge, editor of The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics to  curate his retrospective exhibition at the London Design Museum.

 

In  2012-13 was retained by The Old State House Museum in Little Rock to establish a permanent collection on cinema and helped curate an exhibit and  facilitate rights and clearances for a short film "Lights, Camera Arkansas", an exhibit on actors, actresses, directors, writers from the state and films shot on location. It opened on June ,7 2013.

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Since 2010 has worked on behalf of R.L. Burnside Estate and the Seale Law Firm; working with music rights management entities: BMI, BMG and other record labels helping facilitate quarterly royalty disbursements. 

 

In 2014 he worked with Sam Philips sons Knox and Jerry, organizing their collection for an exhibit on Sam Philips at The Country Music Hal of Fame (Flying Saucers Rock and Roll- The Cosmic Genius of Sam Phillips) that opened in August of 2015. In 2017 helped design and curate a Sam Philips exhibit (Mystery Train) at Graceland that opened 2017. In 2018 helped curate photos for the Ken Burns film Country Music and organized a private screening with Ken Burns at Sam Phillips Studio for 100 including the Mayor of Memphis and members of the media. Contributed photos to the HBO film on Stax Records that was released in 2024.  

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Education                

B.S.                                     University of Memphis                            1983

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