•Lot 56
Michael Jackson Stage-Worn Fedora from the Apollo Theater, 2002
Black felt fedora worn by Michael Jackson on stage at the Apollo Theater April 25, 2002. Crafted of 100% wool, with black grosgrain ribbon hatband, made in USA,. “Michael Jackson” printed in gold ink on the interior hatband. Medium.
The consignor was given the hat directly by Michael Jackson himself as he came off the stage. She was hired to work on April 25th 2002 as a dresser backstage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem New York for the show "A Night at the Apollo". It was a benefit concert for the "Every Vote Counts” campaign, of which Bill Clinton was the host. There were approximately 1500 people in the audience, and Michael Jackson and his ensemble were performing. At the end of the show, while she was backstage waiting at stage left for a cue, Michael Jackson exited from the stage and handed me one of the black fedoras he had just had on during his performance. The consignor asked if Jackson wanted the hat packed in the wardrobe box with his other hats and he said "No, keep it if you'd like". To which she replied, "I would love that!" This is that hat.
This particular performance turned out to be Jackson’s last performance at the Apollo Theater. The cultural significance of Michael Jackson has yet to be fully understood. From his earliest days a child performer with an angelic voice to his mature vocal work ending in the unfinished tour of 2009,he stands alone as one of the most unique and most talented performers of our age. The body of his work crosses all genres, and has contributed to social movement as well as entertainment. His too early passing has left the world with one less golden voice, a loss for all, making the things he touched all the more significant.
Estimate: $70,000 - $90,000