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Presley, Cobain Guitars in Auction
"Quality Elvis Presley memorabilia, like Beatles collectibles, always commands top prices whenever offered at auction," said Doug Norwine, Director of Entertainment Auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries in a recent press prelease. "Any Presley-associated items always garner interest, but memorabilia that the rock legend actually owned, treasured, and used, with clear documentation, are the 'gold standard' among collectors." "Such an item is the 1958 Isana Black Pearl Acoustic guitar we're proud to offer in our upcoming auction," Norwine said. "This handsome jazz guitar with an arch top, mother of pearl headstock, pick guard, pearl inlays, and a rosewood fret board was hand-made by the German music company Framus in October, 1958, and purchased by Elvis while stationed in Bad Nauheim during his stint in the Army. One of less than 150 made that year, it is believed to be the only guitar used by him while in the service, and was pressed into service by him to serenade his future bride, Priscilla Beaulieu, whom he was dating at the time. Years later it passed into the hands of friends and was eventually used to pay for tutoring fees by one of Elvis' secretaries. It's been on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, and at the Rock N Soul Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, for the past two years." Cobain's guitar also carries a significant amount of history. Born out of the Seattle/Pacific Northwest area, grunge rock was a form of alternative music heavily influenced by punk, heavy metal, and indie rock that featured hard guitar riffs, heavy drum lines and a frequent use of guitar feedback and distortion. Songs typically explored such themes as teen angst, boredom, frustration and depression, all emotions experienced by the young musicians who embraced the genre. Deeply identified with the so-called "Generation X," the form came to the musical forefront in the early 1990s, led by Cobain and Nirvana (although mid '80s band Green River is generally credited with creating the style), with the band's hit song, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," serving as the movement's unofficial anthem. Although the popularity of grunge has waned somewhat in recent years, its influences are still wide and far-reaching. "Kurt Cobain was, without a doubt, the most significant figure in the Seattle grunge movement," said Doug Norwine, Director of Entertainment Auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "His broad range of musical interests, coupled with his incisive, expressive lyrics, made him a favorite of audiences looking for something new and different during the early 1990s, when 'glam metal,' typified by such bands as Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Warrant, was on the way out." "The grunge movement was short-lived," Norwine said. "A variety of factors contributed to its decline in the mid-'90s, not the least of which was Cobain's untimely death from a gunshot wound, discovered on April 5, 1994. However, the music of Cobain and Nirvana continues to exert a strong influence on musicians today, and Kurt's spirit is alive and well, with Nevermind continuing to top 'Best Album' lists worldwide." "The interest in Cobain can clearly be seen in the dedication shown by his legion of fans," Norwine continued. "In April, 2006, we sold Kurt's Mark V model Mosrite Gospel guitar for an impressive $131,450. The bidding was fierce, and amply demonstrated the love that still remains for this landmark musician. Now, we're pleased to offer what many would consider an even more significant instrument, the 1953 Martin D-18 acoustic guitar that Cobain purchased while on tour shortly before the 1991 release of the seminal Nevermind. This 1953 Martin D-18 acoustic guitar was played regularly by him before being gifted to indie-folk rock musician and then-girlfriend Mary Lou Lord during their brief relationship. Cobain's first Martin D-18, he loved it so much that this became his favorite brand of acoustic. Mary Lou Lord played the guitar regularly (with the guitar strung right-handed - Cobain was a lefty) during her career, on tour and in the studio, and often shared the guitar with her pals Elliott Smith and Shawn Colvin." Guitars owned and played by Eric Clapton, Steve Howe (Yes, Asia) and Johnny Cash are part of the event. One guitar player may not strike a not with all our readers, but he holds a great place in the pantheon of respected guitarists. Carlos Alomar was the guitarist and virtual band leader for David Bowie between 1976 to 2000. He also co-wrote the hit single Fame with Bowie and John Lennon. Complete information on the event can be found at http://entertainment.heritageauctions.com/
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