Johnny Cash estate to be sold at auction

Johnny Cash’s guitars, banjos, handwritten lyrics, photographs, vintage black leather clothing, Grammy awards and other belongings will be auctioned one piece at a time this autumn, auctioneers Sotheby’s said in New York.

More than 650 pieces from the estate of the country music icon and his wife, June Carter Cash, will be offered on September 14 and 15. The collection is valued at about $1.5m (€1.2m).

“His influence extended far beyond any specific genre with his ability to blend the lines between country, folk, gospel, rock and pop,” said Leila Dunbar, director of Sotheby’s Collectibles Department.

“He and June Carter are true American icons, and this sale presents countless opportunities for collectors as well as fans of the Man in Black.”

The New York sale features more than 50 instruments owned and played by both June Carter, who died last May, and Cash, who died several months later on September 12. A guitar designed by Cash is estimated at $15,000 (€12,500).

Pieces from the Man in Black’s wardrobe will be offered, including his suede fringe jacket, a long leather coat made especially for him and several pairs of boots, hats and shirts.

A 1950s notebook full of Cash’s handwritten lyrics to songs like Cry, Cry, Cry, is included as are unpublished lyrics.

The auction will feature a host of the couple’s personal items such as photographs, letters, concert posters, furniture, art, gems and even Cash’s 2002 black Ford pickup truck.

Seven of Cash’s Grammy awards are also included.