Julien’s Auctions sale at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York saw Michael Jackson autographs ascend to the big league, in terms of value.
Jackson signature sales exceeded or were easily among the big hitters in today’s autograph market, which include George Washington ($32,818), King Henry VIII (selling between $29,500-40,000) and Neil Armstrong ($27,350).
The biggest selling Jackson autograph was linked to what many regard as his most important song. His handwritten and signed lyrics for the 1983 hit Beat It – the single which propelled the Thriller album to becoming the highest selling album of all time.
The pen-scrawled Beat It lyrics went under the hammer with an estimate of $2,000-4,000. The eventual selling price? A staggering $60,000.
Similarly smashing its estimate was a three-page handwritten letter from Jackson to William Pecchi Jr, a camera operator on Jackon’s 1988 film Moonwalker, affectionately addressed as “Pecky”.
The highly insightful letter discusses Michael’s goals for the film, gives encouragement to Pecchi, reactions to conversations about racism and Jackson’s vision of the world. Signed “love M.J.” it smashed its $1,000-2,000, netting a massive $32,500.
Just behind it in terms of price was a signed What More Can I Give print on canvas signed by Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto and Michael Jackson.
It was originally given to attendees who purchased tickets to Michael Jackson’s Once in a Lifetime Event held at Neverland Ranch on September 3, 2003. Originally estimated at $500-1,000, it sold for $27,500.
Source: Paul Fraser Collection
