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Michael Jackson’s Life and Career: The Auction

Jackson’s Life and Career: The Auction

After the untimely passing of Michael Jackson, public interest in the King of Pop’s life, legacy and music were reignited to levels not seen in decades. Prior to his death and to much fanfare, Jackson had planned both a series of concerts and even , reportedly in order to ., the auction house which planned to conduct the original auction of Jackson’s personal assets – a sale which was eventually cancelled due to Jackson’s personal wishes – has put together a new auction of unique Jackson memorab
Photo: AP/CNBC.com

Public interest in Michael Jackson's life, legacy and music were reignited after his untimely death in June. Prior to his death — and to much fanfare — Jackson had planned both a series of concerts and even an auction of his personal belongings, reportedly in order to cover his mounting debts.

Juliens Auctions, the auction house that planned to conduct the original auction (which was eventually cancelled due to Jackson’s personal wishes) has put together a new auction of unique Jackson memorabilia, gifted by the "King of Pop" over the years to his friends and family. The auction is set to take place on Nov. 21 at Hard Rock Café in New York’s Times Square.

What are some highlights from this one-of-a-kind auction and how much are they expected to sell for? Click ahead to find out!

By Paul Toscano
Posted 12 Aug 2009

White Shirt and Forearm Brace from Apollo Theater

Estimated Value: $1,000 - $1,500These pieces were worn together during Jackson’s performance of the song “Black Or White” with rock guitarist Dave Navarro, at the Apollo Theater.  Jackson performed three songs there on April 24, 2002 for “A Night At The Apollo” a Democratic National Fundraiser which reportedly raised $2.5 million dollars for a national voter registration drive.  Jackson was introduced to the stage that night by President Clinton.  Jackson gave the items to the fiancé of a collea
Photo: Juliens Auctions - KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images via Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $1,000 - $1,500

These pieces were worn together during Jackson’s performance of the song “Black Or White” with rock guitarist Dave Navarro, at the Apollo Theater. Jackson performed three songs there on April 24, 2002, for “A Night At The Apollo” a Democratic National Fundraiser which reportedly raised $2.5 million dollars for a national voter registration drive. 

Jackson was introduced to the stage that night by President Bill Clinton and gave the items to the fiancé of a colleague backstage. This was Jackson’s last public performance in the United States.

RIAA Platinum Record Award For “Bad”

Estimated Value: $700 - $900  This is the RIAA platinum record award presented to Michael Jackson to commemorate the sale of more than 1,000,000 copies of the Epic Records album and cassette “Bad”.  The framed display is signed in black sharpie marker “All My Love Michael Jackson 1998” with Jackson’s signature three 0’s over an arrow design. Jackson signed and donated this record award to recording industry executive Tony Martell, who auctioned a large collection of items off in this sale to ben
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $700 - $900 

This is the RIAA platinum record award presented to Michael Jackson to commemorate the sale of more than 1 million copies of the Epic Records album and cassette “Bad.”  The framed display is signed in black sharpie marker “All My Love Michael Jackson 1998” with Jackson’s signature of three 0s over an arrow design.

Jackson signed and donated this record award to recording industry executive Tony Martell, who auctioned a large collection of items off in this sale to benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research.

White Glove From Motown 25 Performance

Estimated Value: $40,000 - $60,000Michael Jackson’s glove from his 1983 performance of "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25 television special where he performed the Moonwalk for the first time.  This glove is different from the other gloves Jackson wore during this period.  It is made using a cream leather, off-the-rack golf glove with an interior label reading “Made In Korea.”  The glove does not feature the more characteristic hand sewn crystals, but uses instead a mesh web of faceted rhinestones,
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $40,000 - $60,000

Michael Jackson’s glove from his 1983 performance of "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25 television special where he performed the Moonwalk for the first time. This glove is different from the other gloves Jackson wore during this period. It is made using a cream leather, off-the-rack golf glove with an interior label reading “Made In Korea.” 

The glove comes from Walter “Clyde” Orange, one of the founding members of the Commodores. Orange has written a letter to accompany this item explaining the circumstances under which Jackson gave him this glove after his historic performance.

Jackson Painting of Charlie Chaplin

Estimated Value: $2,000 - $3,000Paint medium on paper, signed by Michael Jackson in the lower right corner. This painting was created by Michael when he was 9 years-old.  Chaplin was influential to Jackson and their lives had many similarities.  Chaplin is quoted as saying his childhood ended at age 7 when he began performing.  Both became international celebrities and experienced life under the watchful eye of the public – so watchful and critical it nearly ended both of their careers. While in
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $2,000 - $3,000

Paint medium on paper, signed by Michael Jackson in the lower right corner. This painting was created by Michael when he was nine years old. Chaplin was influential to Jackson and their lives had many similarities. 

Chaplin is quoted as saying his childhood ended at age seven when he began performing.  Both became international celebrities and experienced life under the watchful eye of the public — so watchful and critical it nearly ended both of their careers.

Jackson called Chaplin his "inspiration." Jackson recorded a version of Chaplin's signature song, "Smile" in 1997. The cover showed Jackson again dressed as Chaplin.

30 by 15 inches

1995 MTV Music Awards Fedora Hat

Estimated Value: $6,000 - $8,000This is the black felt fedora hat worn by Michael Jackson during his opening performance at the 1995 MTV Music Awards. The hat features Jackson’s name embossed in gold on the interior brim of the hatband. This is accompanied by an originally signed letter from Lisa Marie Presley explaining the item. The lot is also accompanied by three backstage “talent” passes to the 1995 Video Music Awards on metal lanyards, each with the initials “M.J.”A “BJ 2” marking in the c
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $6,000 - $8,000

This is the black felt fedora hat worn by Michael Jackson during his opening performance at the 1995 MTV Music Awards. The hat features Jackson’s name embossed in gold on the interior brim of the hatband. This is accompanied by an originally signed letter from Lisa Marie Presley explaining the item. The lot is also accompanied by three backstage “talent” passes to the 1995 Video Music Awards on metal lanyards, each with the initials “M.J.”

A “BJ 2” marking in the current hat indicates that this was the hat Jackson wore during the “Billie Jean” dance solo.

Concert Worn “Bad” World Tour Jacket

Estimated Value: $8,000 - $10,000Black synthetic blend concert worn jacket from Jackson’s first tour as a solo artist, the September 12, 1987 through January 24, 1989 “Bad World Tour.”  The jacket is signed on the back in silver sharpie market “Love Michael Jackson 1998” with his signature three 0’s over an arrow design.  Jackson often signed “1998” as early as the 1980s.  Some speculate that he did so believing that it would be the year of his death.  Jackson donated this jacket to Tony Martell
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $8,000 - $10,000

Black synthetic blend concert worn jacket from Jackson’s first tour as a solo artist, the 1987-1989 “Bad World Tour.”  The jacket is signed on the back in silver sharpie marker “Love Michael Jackson 1998” with his signature of three 0s over an arrow design. Jackson often signed “1998” as early as the 1980s.  Some speculate that he did so believing that it would be the year of his death. Jackson donated this jacket to Tony Martell to benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation.

Mickey Mouse “Bad” Drawing

Estimated Value: $2,000 - $3,000Pen on paper, dated 1998, drawn and signed by Michael Jackson.  Here Mickey Mouse is drawn as a “Bad” era Michael Jackson.  Jackson is known to have loved Mickey Mouse and for his fascination with Walt Disney.  Jackson himself met with the author of "Walt Disney: An American Original" author Bob Thomas on several occasions to discuss Disney. 17 by 14 inches, framed
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $2,000 - $3,000

Pen on paper, dated 1998, drawn and signed by Michael Jackson. Here Mickey Mouse is drawn as a “Bad” era Michael Jackson. 

Jackson is known to have loved Mickey Mouse and was fascinated with Walt Disney. Jackson himself met with the author of "Walt Disney: An American Original" author Bob Thomas on several occasions to discuss Disney.

Apollo Theater Performance Costume

Estimated Value: $3,000 – $5,000This is a custom red vinyl costume shirt with Velcro closures and bodysuit style bottom with a sewn-on black tie.  The Shirt shows evidence of wear and makeup residue at neck. These pieces were worn together during Jackson’s performance of Dangerous at the April 24, 2002 “A Night At The Apollo” Democratic National Fundraiser.  Jackson performed the same song in a nearly identical outfit just four nights before on April 20, 2002 for the nationally televised America
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $3,000 – $5,000

This is a custom red vinyl costume shirt with Velcro closures and bodysuit style bottom with a sewn-on black tie. The shirt shows evidence of wear and makeup residue at the neck.

These pieces were worn together during Jackson’s performance of Dangerous at the April 24, 2002, “A Night At The Apollo” Democratic National Fundraiser. Jackson performed the same song in a nearly identical outfit just four nights before on April 20, 2002, for the nationally televised American Bandstand 50th anniversary on ABC. Jackson gave the items to the fiancé of a colleague backstage with well wishes for their engagement. This was Jackson’s last public performance in the United States.

Jackson Original Pencil Drawing

Estimated Value: $2,000 - $3,000Pencil on paper signed in lower corner. This drawing of a child in overalls was created when Michael was only 9 years old.  Along with his musical talents Jackson appears to have had a natural artistic ability but is not known to have received any formal art training. 16 1/2 by 8 inches
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $2,000 - $3,000

Pencil on paper signed in lower corner. This drawing of a child in overalls was created when Michael was only nine years old. Along with his musical talents Jackson appears to have had a natural artistic ability but is not known to have received any formal art training.

16 1/2 by 8 inches

Zombie Suits Worn In “Thriller”

Estimated Value: $800 – $1,200 (Center), $400 – $600 (Others, each)Vintage jackets and shirts that are torn, stained, airbrushed and adorned and added to in order to create a zombie look. These pieces were used in the original music video.
Photo: Juliens Auctions

Estimated Value: $800 – $1,200 (center), $400 – $600 (others, each)

Vintage jackets and shirts that are torn, stained, airbrushed and adorned and added to in order to create a zombie look. These pieces were used in the original music video.