Johnny Cash's Belongings to Be Auctioned

NEW YORK (AP) _ One piece at a time, Johnny Cash's guitars, banjos, handwritten lyrics, photographs, vintage black leather clothing, Grammy Awards and other belongings will be auctioned this fall by

Friday, May 21st 2004, 10:01 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) _ One piece at a time, Johnny Cash's guitars, banjos, handwritten lyrics, photographs, vintage black leather clothing, Grammy Awards and other belongings will be auctioned this fall by Sotheby's.

More than 650 pieces from the estate of the country music icon and his wife, June Carter Cash, will be offered Sept. 14 and 15, Sotheby's said Thursday. The collection is valued at about $1.5 million.

``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 sale features more than 50 instruments owned and played by both June Carter, who died in May 2003, and Cash, who died Sept. 12. A guitar that Cash designed is estimated at $15,000.

Pieces from the his wardrobe will be offered, including his suede fringe jacket, a long leather coat made especially for him valued at $8,000, plus several pairs of boots, hats and shirts.

A 1950s notebook full of Cash's handwritten lyrics to songs like ``Cry, Cry, Cry,'' is estimated at $6,000. Other unpublished lyrics are also part of the sale.

The auction will feature the couple's personal items, including photographs, letters, concert posters, furniture, art, jewelry and even Cash's 2002 black Ford pickup truck.

Seven of Cash's Grammy awards are included, ranging in value from $5,000 to $10,000.