Sotheby's
A TRIBUTE TO
THE MAN IN BLACK
Perhaps the Johnny and June Carter Cash's most prized possessions were their instruments, and the sale features more than 50 examples that were owned and played by both Country Music stars Johnny and June Carter Cash. Among them the piano from the Cash's Hendersonville, Tennessee home that was featured in the 2002 "Hurt" video, a 1997 Martin black D-42JC custom guitar designed for Johnny Cash and used in 1999 recording sessions in Nashville, as well as numerous other important guitars and banjos and harmonicas used in their Country Music career..
The sale features more than 30 lots of such handwritten song lyrics, including such early Memphis Tennessee Sun Record hits as "Cry, Cry, Cry," "Get Rhythm," and "I Get So Doggone Lonesome". Other highlights include unpublished lyrics encompassing such diverse topics as love, humor, faith and the battle with addiction.
Over the course of his life in Country Music, Johnny Cash won 13 Grammy Awards, and seven are featured in the sale. Among them are the 1968 Best Male Vocal award for "Folsom Prison Blues" and the 1997 Best Country Music Album for "Unchained." Johnny Cash was also honored with many Country Music Association Awards over the years and four are included.
In 1996, Johnny Cash was awarded with the Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award and offered in the sale is the award. Also included are numerous Gold and Platinum Records for such Country Music albums as "A Boy Named Sue", "Ring of Fire" and "I Walk the Line"
Johnny Cash's inimitable Country Music style is well represented in the auction including numerous pieces of clothing, both personal attire and stage-worn costumes, many of which were custom-made by noted Nashville country music tailor Manuel. Just a few of the items include a Manuel black suede fringe coat worn in the 2002 "Hurt" video and a Manuel black leather and vintage Indian blanket long coat made especially for Johnny Cash's personal use. Also included are several pairs of boots, hats, shirts and dusters, fur coats and outfits worn by June Carter Cash.
Johnny and June Carter Cash amassed a personal collection of fine art, furniture and jewelry that reflected their lifestyle. Highlighting the selection are two bronzes by Frederic Remington: The Bronco Buster and The Outlaw,. The sale also features a lovely group of silver pieces including a pair of silver dessert stands by Tiffany & Co., as well as a Belgian Baroque style carved walnut buffet.
Also included are a myriad of Nashville Country Music related photographs, concert posters, letters, and personal items such as binoculars, canes, passports, driver's licenses and Johnny Cash's collection of honorary sheriffs' badges.
