Christie’s Auctions Donna Summer’s Personal Collection For Charity
The online sale celebrates the life and legacy of the undisputed queen of disco.
Donna Summer was the queen of disco. The singer-songwriter rose to prominence in the early ‘70s, popularizing the uptempo genre that we continue to dance to today. With over 32 chart-topping hits like "Love to Love You Baby" and "I Feel Love,” Summer revolutionized the genre for generations to come. Now, we remember Summer’s life and legacy through a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity to view, and potentially possess, a part of disco history: the personal collection of Donna Summer.
British auction house Christie’s is presenting in-person exhibitions of Summer memorabilia in Los Angeles and New York, including an online sale of Summer’s numerous RIAA gold 45 records, handwritten lyrics, and iconic couture costumes. The assortment will also feature Summer’s never-before-seen personal items, including polaroids taken at home and during her travels, as well as creations from her secondary hobby to music—painting. Celebrating her musical career as much as her personal life as a wife and devoted mother, the Christie’s auction provides new context toward understanding the musician who inspired generations to dance.
The auction coincides nicely with the debut of the HBO documentary, Love to Love You, Donna Summer which premieres May 20. Featuring never-before-seen videos of Summer’s inner life, shot by the singer herself, viewers can expect a whirlwind tour through her German theatre scene beginnings to status as disco queen of the world.
Bidding will begin online starting on June 15 and will continue through June 29. Ahead of the online sale, a curated selection of Summer’s pieces will be on view in Los Angeles from May 31 to June 3 and in Christie’s Rockefeller Center location in New York from June 23 to 27. A portion of Christie’s proceeds will go towards St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Save The Music Foundation, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Jonathan Rendell, Christie’s Deputy Chairman, commented: “It’s a delight to present the collection of Donna Summer this June at Christie’s. Filled with objects that speak to a moment in time when disco was in its most ascendant moment, the sale offers enthusiasts of all generations, a rare opportunity to own a part of music history.”
