Johnny Depp’s “Cry Baby” Motorcycle, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and More Going to Auction

In 1968 during a New York jam session, two legendary singer/songwriters met and formed a lasting and beautiful friendship, Those musicians, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, would unfortunately both tragically die only weeks apart at the age of 27 but Hendrix’s influence on Joplin’s tracks included many of the rock blues vocalists fierce and uninhibited hits that dazzled fans in the 1960s and beyond. Joplin’s music climbed the charts at rapid speed and included “Mercedez Benz,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Cry Baby” and others. She was a rock star of the era and an icon of freedom for young women and to this day, is a legendary and soulful presence in music history.

John Lennon Signed “The Lennon Play: In His Own Write”

As homage to their friendship, Joplin gave Hendrix her personally owned mandolin after she hand painted words and images on the body. Joplin painted the Lindell mandolin with flowers and phrases including “Love Thy Neighbor” and B.B.H & Co. B.B.H & Co. stands for “Big Brother & The Holding Company” which was Janis’ attempt to be part of an ensemble, rather than a solo artist.

Marilyn Monroe’s Black Sequin, Velvet and Lace Gown

Later in orange paint, Jimi Hendrix painted his name on the upper side of the mandolin. The historical instrument was on display at the Memphis Hall of Fame for years prior to it becoming available at auction on June 25, 2022 at Kruse GWS Auctions. The mandolin is an extremely rare and historical artifact from the life of a musician who changed the course of music in the 1960s and 1970s. Even after her death in 1970, she sold millions of records and her name is synonymous with the most fabled of rock history.

Elvis Presley’s RCA Records Gifted 14K Bulova Watch

Additional highlights of the auction that include Gene Simmons’ Signed Aria Pro II 12 String Acoustic Guitar used in the recording studio; Grammy Award winning country legend Tammy Wynette’s personally owned Gibson L-00 guitar; Rob Zombie “Never Gonna Stop” (The Red, Red Kroovy) music video Fernandez Vertigo guitar used by Mike Riggs; and jazz great Dizzy Gillepsie’s personally owned Wondertone trumpet, rounding out some of the musical collection of over 100 historical artifacts to be offered at auction.

Elvis Presley’s “Elvis: That’s The Way it Is” 18K Lion Ring

Elvis Presley memorabilia continues to be highly collectible, and on the heels of the release of the much anticipated biopic on Elvis which will take place the day before the auction, Kruse GWS Auctions will offer a collection of personal jewelry suited for the “King” himself. A personally owned Bulova Accutron solid 14K gold watch gifted to Elvis from RCA Records and engraved “To Elvis RCA Records Merry Xmas”; Elvis Presley’s 18K Gold Lion Head ring worn on stage during the taping of the 1970 MGM documentary film “Elvis That’s the Way It Is”; and Elvis Presley’s black star sapphire 1.25ctw Diamond and 14K Solid Gold “10” ring are among several items that Elvis wore during his career.

X-Men, Hugh Jackman’s “Wolverine” Leather Jacket

Other highlights include the 1955 Harley Davidson used by Johnny Depp in the film “Cry Baby” (1990) directed by John Waters; Steve McQueen’s personally owned 1974 Yamaha 360 Dirt Bike direct from the estate of the “King of Cool”; and Bruce Lee’s “Game of Death” screen used Wooden Nunchucks, used in what would ultimately be his final film project before his untimely passing. These are only a few of the over 200 items offered at the Artifacts of Hollywood & Music Auction to take place Saturday, June 25, 2022 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Cast Away (2001) Tom Hanks’ Two-Piece Costume