It was 50 years ago when Dick Clark became a fixture in millions of homes as he hosted the wildly influential dance television show known as "American Bandstand." It allowed the now legendary Clark to accumulate a spectacular array of rock-era treasures.
Next week, they'll go on the auction block. Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey's Auction House in New York, showed some of the items on The Early Show. Those who cannot attend the auction on Tuesday, Dec. 5, but would like to participate through the Internet, can view the full catalog online, and bid live as the sale is taking place at www.liveauctioneers.com.
Here are some of the auction items that were featured on The Early Show. All of them carry an estimated value of $25,000 to $100,000, but true fans know that many are priceless.
Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" Microphone. This is one of his earliest mics, mounted in a shadowbox with a black-and-white photograph of Clark using the microphone while sitting on the bleachers.Sinatra Single. This is an original 12-inch pressing titled "Our Love," recorded March 18, 1939, at the Harry Smith Recording Studio in New York City when Sinatra was just 23 years old. He had tagged along with fellow New Jersey musician Frank Mane to a recording session. During some leftover studio time, the young singer asked Mane if he could have a turn with the band. The result was "Our Love," which was never released but kept by Mane. Only a few other copies were ever made. It has been framed along with a small image of "Ol Blue Eyes" and an envelope once contain guest tickets to a Sinatra performance. John Lennon Beatle Suit, 1963. This is one of the famous collarless suits inspired by a Pierre Cardin design. This all-black suit belonged to John Lennon. The trademark "D.A. Millings & Son" label appears in both jacket and pants, a reference to Douglas Millings who made many of the early stage suits for The Beatles. A second label in the pants reads "no. SP DATE 1963 Name," followed by "John Lennon" handwritten in black ink.Paul McCartney Autographed Vintage Höfner Bass. This left-handed bass guitar is twice autographed by Paul McCartney in black ink. It was signed once in 1976 during the Wings Over America tour and again on a 1990 North American tour.Bruce Springsteen Guitar Inscribed to Dick Clark, 1981. This Fender Telecaster with red body, white pickguard and maple neck was given to Clark from the Boss, autographed with the words: "To Dick. From 'One World's Oldest Teenager' to Another! Bruce Springsteen"Bob Dylan Autographed Harmonica from "The Last Waltz." This harmonica was used by Dylan during the Band's farewell gig in San Francisco on Thanksgiving 1976. This Hohner harmonica, autographed in black ink by Dylan, is mounted in a framed display accompanied by a black-and-white image of Dylan with harmonica and guitar.Elton John Signed Red and Yellow Boots. John presented these shoes to Clark during a visit to John's London home. At the time he said, "These are the shoes I wore at my debut at the Troubadour in Los Angeles." That was his first concert in the U.S. after "Your Song: made the top 10 charts in August 1970. The left boot is inscribed on the upper by the artist: "To Dick, with appreciation. These are the original ones, Elton."Michael Jackson's Crystal "Sequined" Glove, c. 1983. At the height of Jackson's popularity, the Bill Whitten-designed crystal "sequined" glove became Jackson's signature fashion item, earning him the nickname "the Gloved One." According to Whitten, Jackson owned six of Whitten's couture gloves. This off-white glove is detailed with hundreds of round Austrian-crystal aurora borealis rhinestones. Madonna "Open Your Heart" Bustier, 1986. Madonna made her national television debut on "American Bandstand" in 1984. A couple of years later, in the video for "Open Your Heart," Madonna fashioned herself as an exotic dancer, clad in a black-tasseled bustier with gold sequins. Madonna owned several of these bustiers and wore them in the opening sequences throughout her 1987 world tour.