Forever Ellington

Auction Details

• Auction:
  May 18, 6PM


• Viewing:
  May 17, Noon to 8PM
  May 18, Noon to 6PM


• Location:
  National Jazz Museum in Harlem
  58 W 129th Street
  New York, NY 10027


• Online Bidding:
  www.liveauctioneers.com
  www.invaluable.com
  
  
• Absentee Bidding:
  By e-mail, mail and telephone


• Catalogue: Order Now
  $22 by Priority Mail in the U.S
  $48 by International Priority Mail

On May 18th at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Guernsey's will be presenting a wonderful array of personal belongings from the late, legendary Duke Ellington. Consigned directly by one of Duke's closest relatives, approximately 250 rarities will be sold at unreserved auction.

Few individuals have had a greater influence on the twentieth century popular culture than Duke Ellington. His remarkable musical legacy combined with an unfailing sense of style have accorded him iconic status. And although such evergreen hits as Take the A Train, It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) and Satin Doll resonate from coast to coast, that he was our nation's Jazz Ambassador endeared the Duke to a global audience.

Imagine bidding on any of two dozen original music manuscripts - written in Duke's own hand - for titles including Paris Blues, Let the Good Times Roll and the Ellington classic, Mood Indigo. The word "dapper" might well have been coined when describing Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington; this will be well evident when viewing the many dinner jackets, tuxedos and suits in the sale. (Most have Duke's name discreetly written on the inside of his jacket pockets.) In addition to creating great tunes, Duke also took pride in his paintings. Considered one of this finest efforts, the auction will include his oil on canvas titled, for obvious reasons, "Satin Doll." Another artistic entry, Duke's portrait of close friend and collaborator Billy Strayhorn, will have meaning for many, as will the other Strayhorn-related objects in the auction.

Without question, one of the most significant lots in this, or any other music-related auction, will be Duke Ellington's personal white baby grand piano. (A striking photo of this important instrument on the stage of Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater is featured in the comprehensive auction catalogue Guernsey's is producing for the event.) Although it is known that Duke owned two additional pianos, the one in this event (and the only one likely ever to be sold) is the one he used when composing much of his music.

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem (58 West 129th Street) is in the heart of the historic community that housed the original Cotton Club where Duke led the Harlem Renaissance. While many will likely choose to bid in absentia via www.liveauctioneers.com or www.invaluable.com, the lure of attending one of the first major auctions ever to be held in Harlem may be compelling.

A preview of the items up for auction will be at the museum on Tuesday, May 17th from noon to 8pm and on Wednesday, May 18th from noon to 6pm. The live auction begins at 6pm.

To order the catalogue ($22 by Priority Mail in the US), or to get complete information, please visit www.guernseys.com or contact the auction house at 212-794-2280 or email ellington@guernseys.com.

A beautifully designed catalogue will be available in an extremely limited edition. Click here to Order Now to order your Forever Ellington copy.

Those who are unable to attend the auction but would like to participate can view the full catalogue online, and leave advance absentee bids, as well as bid live as the sale is taking place at www.liveauctioneers.com and www.invaluable.com.

Interested bidders should also review the Terms & Conditions, as well as the Bidder Agreement form, and the Absentee Bid form.

Guernsey's welcomes inquiries from the media regarding both past and upcoming events. PDF copies of the press release and links to media coverage of our Forever Ellington are available below:

• Press Release (May 18)