Rare original Apple Records Sterling Sound "Master Reference" album for The Concert for Bangladesh, produced by Phil Spector. This original studio Master Reference includes the matching reference record featuring Bob Dylan's performances of "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry," "Blowin' in the Wind," "Mr. Tambourine Man," and "Just Like a Woman" on Side Five, with George Harrison's "Something" and "Bangla Desh" on Side Six. The plain white reference sleeve retains its original Sterling Sound "Master Reference" label, handwritten track listings, and production notations, including "This side on tape in control room," identifying it as a working studio reference used during the mastering process. Measuring approximately 12" x 12". In very good condition, with scattered wear, staining, and wear to the corners and edges. Organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, The Concert for Bangladesh was held at Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971, and is widely regarded as the first major all-star benefit concert in rock history. Featuring performances by George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, and others, the landmark event raised awareness and funds for the Bangladesh humanitarian crisis while establishing the blueprint for future large-scale charity concerts. Produced in extremely limited quantities for use during the mastering and quality control process, Sterling Sound Master Reference albums were never intended for commercial release. Complete examples retaining both the original reference sleeve and matching Master Reference record are seldom encountered. The original handwritten track listings and studio production notations preserved on this example provide a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of one of the most historically significant live albums of the rock era. Provenance: From the personal collection of music industry executive Chip Rachlin.

Provenance
Charles "Chip" Rachlin (1949–2023) built a distinguished career in the music and entertainment industry spanning more than five decades. His passion for live music began as a teenager promoting concerts while attending Summit High School before joining legendary concert promoter Bill Graham at the Fillmore East. Mentored by industry executive Herb Spar, Rachlin later joined ICM in Los Angeles, where he became Billy Joel's first booking agent while also representing artists including the Eagles, the Beach Boys, America, and many others. Rachlin later managed The Kinks before reuniting with Bill Graham as tour administrator for the Rolling Stones' landmark 1981 and 1982 tours. During the early years of MTV, he served as Director of Acquisitions before founding his own production company, Screenlink, where he continued consulting for and managing artists throughout the entertainment industry. Drawn from Chip Rachlin's personal archive, this collection reflects a lifetime spent at the center of the music business. Featured throughout are vintage concert T-shirts, music industry sales awards, vintage concert posters—including several original Bill Graham concert posters—behind-the-scenes photographs, original documents, and other artifacts accumulated over decades in the industry. Offering direct provenance from one of the industry's most respected executives, the Chip Rachlin Collection presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire material assembled and preserved over a lifetime in music.