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Medical Bracelet With Soul Sells for $32K

James Brown's goods sell for $850K at controversial auction

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 18, 2008 8:11 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The personal belongings of James Brown sold for $850,000 at a bittersweet Christie's auction yesterday, E! Online reports. Letterman bandleader Paul Shaffer provided the day's surprise by shelling out $32,500 for the medical bracelet Brown was wearing before he died on Christmas Day in 2006; the estimate had been $200 to $300. A full-length, black satin cape drew $47,500, and a jumpsuit studded with the acronym GFOS  $25,000.

The overall take on the memorabilia fell short of expectations. The late King of Funk's estate said it needed the cash for bills and taxes, but his children complained their requests to keep certain items off the auction block were ignored by trustees. "It's a very sad day for my family," son Larry said.




















































































































































































This undated photo supplied by Christie's auction house shows a red wool jumpsuit that belonged to the late singer James Brown and is among 320 items being sold by Christie's Thursday July 17, 2008.
This undated photo supplied by Christie's auction house shows a red wool jumpsuit that belonged to the late singer James Brown and is among 320 items being sold by Christie's Thursday July 17, 2008.   (AP Photo)
This undated photo supplied by Christie's auction house shows some of 18 pairs of the late singer James Brown's boots that went up for sale.
This undated photo supplied by Christie's auction house shows some of 18 pairs of the late singer James Brown's boots that went up for sale.   (AP Photo)
This undated photo supplied by Christie's auction house shows a group of the late singer James Brown' sunglasses.
This undated photo supplied by Christie's auction house shows a group of the late singer James Brown' sunglasses.   (AP Photo)
Godfather of Soul James Brown performs during a Java Jazz Festival concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, in this March 4, 2005 file photo.
"Godfather of Soul" James Brown performs during a Java Jazz Festival concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, in this March 4, 2005 file photo.   (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, file)
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Auction draws crowds, but raises less than hoped
Reuters

Brown's 1986 Grammy award pulled from auction
Augusta Chronicle

Sale stirs memories of King of Funk's heyday
CNN

 
Christie's • auction • singer • James Brown • soul • estate

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