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Sundown, that’s a lot of coin.
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Canadian folk-pop icon Gordon Lightfoot’s 1967 Gibson B45-12 Sunburst, which appeared on the cover of his 1974 album, Sundown, has sold for $350,000 US following an estate auction by Heritage Auctions.
“Its final price certainly came as no surprise,” said Garry Shrun, Heritage’s Director of Entertainment and Multimedia in a statement. “Eventually, it went to a gentleman in the room who was sent to Dallas on behalf of several Canadian collectors who I met at the Lightfoot tribute at Massey Hall in May – and who are the coolest and loveliest people you will ever meet.
“We’re especially pleased the guitar will remain in Canada, where Gordon is revered as a national treasure.”
The 1967 Gibson was also an onstage favourite for Lightfoot, a native of Orillia, Ont., and upon which he composed ‘The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ and ‘If You Could Read My Mind,’ making him a top ‘70s artist.
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The Gordon Lightfoot Estate Collection Music Memorabilia Signature Auction took place last Sunday and its 136 lots took in $1,313,719 US thanks to the more than 1,250 bidders who participated worldwide.
A small, beat-up wooden desk upon which he did his best work no matter where he found himself was also popular with bidders and went for $16,250 US.
“We knew his guitars, his awards, his photos, his onstage apparel would resonate with fans and collectors,” said Shrum in a statement. “But we were especially amazed by the response to his small writing desk, which he hauled around in his car, took to the studio and jam sessions, and used to write some of his most beloved songs.
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“It proved one of the favourite pieces among this fantastic collection, which we were honoured to present.”
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Other highlights included Lightfoot’s 2012 Songwriters Hall of Fame Award, which fetched $35,000 US, and a collection of 14 photos in which he’s joined by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, Kris Kristofferson, James Taylor and others that sold for $30,000 US.
“We were extraordinarily pleased with the auction results,” said Shrum in a statement. “It exceeded our expectations. You always hope for something like this. But it was perfect. And we’re thrilled to offer more from his collection in the December 8-9 Entertainment & Music Memorabilia Showcase Auction.”
More than 40 Lightfoot lots in that event are now open for bidding, among them the Recording Industry Association of America’s gold sales award presented to Lightfoot celebrating Sundown’s success.
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