Christie’s, the renowned auction house, has concluded its online sale of The Collection of Donna Summer with extraordinary success.
Achieving a remarkable total of $907,956, the auction showcased the lasting influence of Donna Summer’s music in popular culture. With an impressive 99% of the lots sold and a staggering 241% sold above their low estimates, the event garnered global attention and participation from 21 countries. Buyers from Europe, the Americas, and Asia enthusiastically secured items, with 37% of them being new clients for Christie’s.
A Recording Industry Association of America gold record award for the 1978 single ‘Last Dance’ for sales of more than 1,000,000 copies for Casablanca Records, framed
Price Realized: $21,420
Peter Klarnet, Christie’s Senior Specialist, expressed great satisfaction with the outstanding results, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of Donna Summer’s music and the unwavering passion of her dedicated fan base spanning multiple generations.
Unveiling the Highlights
Among the notable highlights of the sale was the Billboard Disco Forum VI Award Presented to Donna Summer from 1979, which fetched an impressive $47,880, surpassing its low estimate by over 120 times. Another esteemed item, the Billboard Disco Forum V Award Presented to Donna Summer in 1979, achieved a remarkable price of $25,200.
Price Realized: $47,880
Furthermore, Donna Summer’s captivating paintings commanded significant attention, with Chairman of the Board, Woman at Sunset, and Scarlet Starlette each fetching $27,720. Tokyo Love Song, another remarkable piece by Donna Summer, realized an impressive $23,940.
Exceptional Performance of Photographs
The sale also witnessed exceptional performances in the photography category. Two Polaroids of Donna Summer, capturing intimate moments, sold for an impressive $13,860, nearly 28 times their low estimate.
Circa October 1978
Price Realized: $13,860
Notably, Donna Summer’s autographed handwritten lyrics were among the auction’s highlights. Manuscript lyrics for ‘On the Radio’ soared to $12,600, significantly surpassing its low estimate of $3,000, while ‘Queen for a Day’ realized a staggering $15,120, 30 times its low estimate of $500. Additionally, a manuscript notebook containing sketches, lyrics, and a comprehensive list of her songs sold for an impressive $25,200, surpassing its low estimate of $800.
Supporting Worthy Causes
It is worth noting that a portion of the proceeds from the sale is designated to support three charitable organizations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, Save The Music Foundation, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Christie’s commitment to giving back to the community further amplifies the significance of this successful auction.
In conclusion, Christie’s online sale of The Collection of Donna Summer not only achieved remarkable financial success but also showcased the enduring impact of Donna Summer’s music and artistry. The auction’s unprecedented results, featuring record-breaking prices and global participation, attest to the continued reverence for Donna Summer and her contribution to popular culture.
Images: Christie’s