Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Martin Luther King Jr... Letters to Tony Bennett up for auction

Auctions to “celebrate the extraordinary legacy” of Tony Bennett. A collection of letters, photos and other rare objects belonging to the singer will be put up for sale on April 18 by Julien’s Auctions, based in California. The archives in question include paintings that the late singer collected and created himself, a San Francisco cable car bell that was given to him, but also letters from stars such as Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Martin Luther King Jr. or Robert De Niro.

“It's amazing to have the opportunity to see all these objects in a collection like this, which represent Tony's remarkable life, but also a part of our shared American history,” Danny Bennett, son, told Variety. and artist manager. He did everything with such art, compassion and integrity, which is a testament to the extraordinary person he was every day.”

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Among the most expensive items in this large collection, a Rolex watch in 18-karat gold and diamonds, belonging to the singer, whose price is between 25,000 and 35,000 dollars. But also a typewritten letter of thanks from Martin Luther King Jr. dating from April 1965 and estimated between 20,000 and 30,000 dollars. This unique piece evokes the historic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery.

Letters from other stars such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Martin Scorsese, Barbra Streisand and Amy Winehouse will also be presented at auction. Autographs and gifts from celebrities such as Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde, Enrico Caruso, Frank Sinatra and Gershwin are also for sale.

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During his long and prestigious career, Tony Bennett - who died last July at the age of 96 - recorded more than 70 albums and sold 50 million records. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, the singer continued to produce until 2021. "The world has been blessed beyond words to have had the incomparable Tony Bennett," said David Goodman, CEO from Julien's Auctions, to the specialist magazine Variety. He changed the world through his art, his humanitarianism and his unique voice that transcended generations. Julien's is honored to represent his estate and celebrate Tony Bennett's extraordinary legacy at this unique auction at Jazz at Lincoln Center, with exhibitions in the two cities closest to his heart, New York and San Francisco. »