JAM: April/May 2005 Issue: Feature Story

This past February, the American Jazz Museum participated in the largest ever auction of jazz artifacts, delivering precious mementos from the Golden Age of Jazz to the place where the big band sound and Be Bop were born.

The American Jazz Museum, located on the historic corner of 18th & Vine, is the only museum solely dedicated to preserving the history, legacy, and continuing contributions of jazz.
“It was a fabulous experience,” says Juanita Moore, executive director of the museum. “People were glad to see us there participating. Some people wanted to see these items available for public viewing, so when they saw us bidding, they'd stop to give us an edge.”

Among the pieces that will call Kansas City home are a stunning autographed Billie Holiday photo; Charlie Parker's cufflinks and pocket watch; an important collection of John Coltrane memorabilia; original sheet music penned by Benny Goodman as well as the legendary clarinetist's jaunty Tyrolean hat; a J. J. Johnson handwritten arrangement of his composition “Kenya”; and avant-garde alto-saxophonist Ornette Coleman's manuscript book. The museum also secured two unreleased recordings of jam sessions featuring Charlie Parker.

These new acquisitions will be unveiled for public viewing this summer.

Sponsored by Guernsey's auction house, the sale garnered immense media attention and bidders from around the globe. The once-in-a-lifetime event—held in Jazz at Lincoln Center's impressive Frederick P. Rose Hall—scored record prices for some of the jazz world's crown jewels and was a “wake-up call” for those who may forget the importance of jazz and its musicians.

Besides active participation in the auction, the event also provided an opportunity for the museum to raise awareness among private collectors, many of whom will consider donating, loaning, or bequeathing artifacts to museums and educational institutions.

Some of the hottest items included Benny Goodman's b-flat clarinet, Dizzy Gillespie's custom-made Martin trumpet with an upturned bell, and John Coltrane's original handwritten poem for “A Love Supreme,” which went for $110,000.

Charlie Parker's king alto sax, which sold for $225,000 to an unidentified phone bidder, was the auction's priciest item.

The museum would like to extend heartfelt thanks to local supporters who made participation in the auction possible, including the Atterbury Family Foundation; Hall Family Foundation; Kansas City Convention Committee; Bradley W. and Linda J. Nicholson Foundation Fund; the Honorable Sharon Sanders Brooks; and Ten Ten Foundation.






	Search our site:		This past February, the American Jazz Museum participated in the largest ever auction of jazz artifacts, delivering precious mementos from the Golden Age of Jazz to the place where the big band sound and Be Bop were born. The American Jazz Museum, located on the historic corner of 18th & Vine, is the only museum solely dedicated to preserving the history, legacy, and continuing contributions of jazz. “It was a fabulous experience,” says Juanita Moore, executive director of the museum. “People were glad to see us there participating. Some people wanted to see these items available for public viewing, so when they saw us bidding, they'd stop to give us an edge.” Among the pieces that will call Kansas City home are a stunning autographed Billie Holiday photo; Charlie Parker's cufflinks and pocket watch; an important collection of John Coltrane memorabilia; original sheet music penned by Benny Goodman as well as the legendary clarinetist's jaunty Tyrolean hat; a J. J. Johnson handwritten arrangement of his composition “Kenya”; and avant-garde alto-saxophonist Ornette Coleman's manuscript book. The museum also secured two unreleased recordings of jam sessions featuring Charlie Parker. These new acquisitions will be unveiled for public viewing this summer. Sponsored by Guernsey's auction house, the sale garnered immense media attention and bidders from around the globe. The once-in-a-lifetime event—held in Jazz at Lincoln Center's impressive Frederick P. Rose Hall—scored record prices for some of the jazz world's crown jewels and was a “wake-up call” for those who may forget the importance of jazz and its musicians. Besides active participation in the auction, the event also provided an opportunity for the museum to raise awareness among private collectors, many of whom will consider donating, loaning, or bequeathing artifacts to museums and educational institutions. Some of the hottest items included Benny Goodman's b-flat clarinet, Dizzy Gillespie's custom-made Martin trumpet with an upturned bell, and John Coltrane's original handwritten poem for “A Love Supreme,” which went for $110,000. Charlie Parker's king alto sax, which sold for $225,000 to an unidentified phone bidder, was the auction's priciest item. The museum would like to extend heartfelt thanks to local supporters who made participation in the auction possible, including the Atterbury Family Foundation; Hall Family Foundation; Kansas City Convention Committee; Bradley W. and Linda J. Nicholson Foundation Fund; the Honorable Sharon Sanders Brooks; and Ten Ten Foundation. RETURN TO APRIL/MAY 2005 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2005. All rights reserved.