It has become a fact of modern life; every time a media icon dies, their possessions are raffled off and collectors scramble to snap up the memorabilia. The auction of items owned by Johnny and June Carter Cash is no exception to the rule. A three-day auction at Sotheby’s managed to haul in an impressive $3.98 million dollars. Over 1,000 bidders eagerly picked up items ranging from guitars to dresses worn by Cash’s mother Maybelle Carter.
Some big items included a 1986 Grammy that went for $187,200 and a Grammer acoustic guitar which went for $131,200. The United States flag that flew over the White House on July 4, 1976, when Johnny and June were invited to perform sold for $25,200. Estimated to sell for $800/1,200, the flag was a gift from President Ford. Most of the big-ticket items were music-related but the Cash’s also owned a wide variety of fine art and collectibles. A pair of Tiffany centerpieces went for $42,000. Approximately one-third of the estate was furniture, art and other valuables.
The majority of items went over prices that were far over the expected prices. The total auction was expected to only bring in about $1.5 million. But a vibrant bidding environment soon jacked up prices. Cash’s fame as a music icon means that his belongings have added value. Like Elvis mementos, things from the Cash estate serve as relics of a music legend. The famous “Man in Black” was one of the top country music performers. He also reached a whole new audience when he recorded a version of the Nine Inch Nails song “Hurt” in 2002 and found himself back in the media spotlight. The Manuel black fringed coat he wore in the 'Hurt' video sold for $27,600.
'This is, by far, the most extensive auction ever of a country music performer and one of the most important sales of an entertainer, period. Johnny and June's influence in the music world transcended country, and that was clearly evident in our salesroom this week with intense interest spanning both generations and geography,' commented Leila Dunbar, Director of Sotheby's Collectibles Department in a press release.
According to Reuters, the Cashes had talked to Sotheby’s in 2000 about auctioning off some of their things. After their deaths, the Cash family finalized plans for the auction. The proceeds will go to the Cash estate.
