Elvis fans’ love still burning
A pair of iconic Elvis Presley sunglasses was the top lot Tuesday at the Ultimate Elvis auction presented to an international crowd of collectors at The Peabody hotel.
The 1974 pair of “Tiger Man” sunglasses brought $22,500, including 25 percent buyers premium, and was among personal items that were popular with bidders at the sale, presented by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. A dark dress jacket made by Sy Devore from the 1960s brought $12,500, and a gray trench coat from Lansky Brothers of Memphis, $12,188.
Fans chattered in a dozen languages before the opening lot — Presley’s 1956 signed William Morris contract — sold for $10,625 at 1 p.m.
Many Elvis Week visi- tors made an up-close look at the memorabilia part of their itinerary. Over the next five hours, the live-streamed auction accepted offers from bidders on the floor, phone, and Internet for over 300 lots intimately connected with the King.
Consignment director Garry Shrum, Heritage’s music specialist, said before the sale: “There is such a huge fan base for Elvis now, not just people who were alive at the time, but younger generations; you can look around and see them here.
“We’re offering a little piece of rock and roll history — guitars connected with Elvis, personal clothing, movie costumes, jewelry that he wore on stage. And then you’ve got signed contracts and documents as well as merchandise made for fans during his lifetime.”
“We even have a rare Elvis doll that hardly ever shows up.” A collector later purchased the “Love Me Tender” clothed figure for $875.
Fans vied to own big him to sing at his wedding reception.
His act got the attention of veteran tribute artist Irv Cass. “He took me under his wing and kind of showed me the ropes.” Actor Matt Dillon then called, choosing Stiles from an Internet sampling of Elvis artists to sing at his brother’s wedding reception. “I’ve been blessed to do some really cool stuff,” says Stiles.
Soon he was invited to audition as the star of an Elvis show at Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Stiles spent six years with former Elvis guitarist Charlie Hodge as his boss and mentor. Stiles says there are songs from every Elvis era that have been part of his act, but he was destined for the jumpsuited Elvis of the Vegas years. “I gravitate to the ’70s.”
Stiles isn’t sure which Elvis songs he will perform at the semifinal competition because each of the 29 contestants submits a song These items were part of the Ultimate Elvis auction Tuesday at The Peabody. The “Tiger Man” sunglasses sold for $22,500 with buyers premium. More than 300 lots of Elvis-related items were up for bids. chunky pieces of gold and silver jewelry that Elvis often wore and then gave away to friends and fellow musicians. A gold and diamond watch presented to Elvis by Col. Tom Parker sold for $16,250. A 1970s diamond cluster ring and a “Taking Care of Business” necklace with diamonds brought $12,500 each.
Another high price was realized for a standing list with 10 songs. To avoid duplication and repetition in the show, a contestant may be asked to sing a song that is low on his list. The list he turned in includes “Walk A Mile in My Shoes,” “Just Pretend” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”Graceland marketing vice president 6-foot-high advertising figure from “Love Me Tender” (1956), which soared past a $1,250 starting bid to bring $20,000. A Giannini Craviola acoustic guitar, 1973, brought $18,125.
Other items included a 1975 signed check, which sold for $4,375; and a sealed copy of the (1968) mono LP record, $3,000. Someone paid $4,375 for Presley’s 1975 karate ID card. Scott Williams says this year’s contest is the biggest yet.
Performers compete in a first-round competition at 10 a.m. Thursday with top scorers moving to a second round at 7 p.m. Thursday. Winners of that round move to the finals at 7 p.m. Friday.