James Brown's belongings up for grabs

New York, July 14 : Late 'Godfather of Soul' James Brown's belongings-including colourful capes, iconic jumpsuits, and handwritten lyrics-will be put up for sale at a Christie's auction on Wednesday.

The items to be auctioned would include a blue denim jumpsuit that Brown wore for the 1974 concert preceding the "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire, Africa.

According to reports, it is expected to sell for 5,000 to 7,000 dolars.

A Yamaha baby grand piano enscripted with the words "Godfather of Soul", which Brown kept in his living room, will also be auctioned. It is expected to fetch 15,000 to 20,000 dollars.

The late singer's 1986 Grammy for "Living in America" is also listed at 15,000 to 20,000 dollars.

Most of the 320 lots destined for auction are from Brown's South Carolina home, and Christie's reckons that their total value should be around one million dollars.

Brown died Dec. 25, 2006, at 73. Many of his earlier possessions were lost in a fire.

Novelties in the James Brown Collection include 83 pairs of sunglasses and 80 hair rollers.

"We expect a lot of rock 'n' roll fans and collectors, James Brown collectors and people who are interested in the '70s lifestyle," the New York Daily News quoted Simeon Lipman, director of Christie's pop culture department, as saying.

"I grew up listening to James Brown. My mother met him when she was young, so there's definitely that personal connection with this auction," Lipman added.

Also up for bids are two passports, letters, handwritten lyrics, keys to cities, autographed photos, love notes to ex-wife Adrienne, whom Brown married in 1991, and several awards, including his 2003 Kennedy Center Honor.

"He was a Republican, so we have a lot of photos of him with the Bush family and President Reagan. He came from rough beginnings to such an incredible life. I think this collection captures his tumultuous career and person," Lipman said.

The proceeds will go to Brown's estate, Christie's said.

ANI