Event Details
Julien’s Auctions is pleased to announce the upcoming Music Icons 2017 auction which will feature an album cover sketch of the Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album cover, an outstanding archive of Beach Boys documents and manuscripts, a rare Django Reinhardt guitar, Elvis Presley’s very first piano, George Michael’s suit, Woodstock, Pete Townshend’s 1964 guitar and hundreds of other iconic items of music memorabilia.
John Lennon once occupied a home with his wife Cynthia known as Kenwood in Surrey. It was here that he also wrote some of the most famous Beatles songs including “Ticket to Ride” and “I Feel Fine.” Found in a sketchbook left behind at the home and recovered by the new owners was an extraordinary ink on paper sketch of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album cover, released in 1967. Lennon wrote much of the album before leaving the home in 1969.
The astonishing sketch includes John Lennon’s handwriting of the album’s title on the central bass drum in the image. This sketch is one of the most significant and historically important pieces of Beatles memorabilia ever to be recovered. Ultimately, all of the Beatles had a hand in the final design of the album art. The John Lennon album cover sketch is estimated at $40,000-$60,000.
The Beach Boys, the consummate rock/pop band of the 60’s, invented California rock with their signature pop sound. Recognizable as any group in rock history, The Beach Boys will be represented through an archive of vintage musical treasures and precious remnants. During an era that defined the California dream and “Good Vibrations,” The Beach Boys became the most popular surfing band in the nation. Their harmonies were a force and their genius rivaled even that of the Beatles. For the first time ever, Julien’s Auctions will offer a collection of rare documents, manuscripts, photographs, handwritten notes and lyrics, lead sheets and band contracts all documenting one of the most celebrated bands in music history.
Other highlights include Jimi Hendrix’s handwritten and signed hotel documents, Paul McCartney studio hired Gibson J-160E guitar; a shoe worn by Madonna in “Desperately Seeking Susan”, Michael Jackson “In the Closet” video worn ensemble, Prince’s handwritten lyrics and notes, the bright red London phone booth used on the cover of One Direction’s “Take Me Home”, and Elvis Presley’s personalized sunglasses. Also included are a collection of items from the personal and professional lives of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Johnny Cash, Liberace, Cher, Whitney Houston and more complete the auction.