Possibly the most kitsch assembled at Christie’s in a long time (save any given Jeff Koons collection), The James Brown Collection auction, taking place today (July 17), is estimated to earn his estate (which is still plagued by disputes among his relatives and business managers) approximately $2M.
What’s fascinating about the auction is the picture this collection of objects paints of the man. Included are letters entreating record labels to treat him better (another one here), a dear Jane letter, a love letter, a touching photo of him as a child, and a home-made, folk-art plaque (pictured) about how was not just the Godfather of Soul, but domestically, king of his house.
With registration, anyone can watch auctions at Christie’s take place in real time, in streaming online video. This auction so far apparently provided some entertaining moments, including Letterman bandleader Paul Shaffer getting in a bidding war with representatives of the Hard Rock Cafe over a medic alert bracelet worn by Brown that stated he was a diabetic and allergic to penicillin.
American Masters
For more about James Brown and his work, visit his American Masters page, where you’ll find video interviews from Chuck Brown, Little Richard and more, essays and a timeline.
SundayArts
For more about Christie’s auctions and the workings inside this venerable auction house, watch this story produced for SundayArts in June 2008.
