Waylon Jennings left quite a collection of music memorabilia to his wife when he died from diabetes complications during 2002, and now fans will have a chance to own any one of 2,000 items that previously belonged to the country icon. All items will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Phoenix Children's Hospital in his home state of Arizona.
The main attraction will be a motorcycle that belonged to Buddy Holly before he and Big Bopper perished in a tragic plane crash. The classic Ariel Cyclone would be worth a number to motorcycle enthusiasts even if it hadn't belonged to a famous rock star, so the bids will rise. Jennings was previously in Holly's band, The Crickets, and had actually given up his seat on the flight to someone else.
The item that seems to be gathering the most curiosity in the media is a pair of Willie Nelson's braids. Although this perhaps sounds like a creepy curio to own, there's actually significant history in the detached locks. Jennings was struggling with alcoholism during the '80's and Nelson lopped off his hair as a sign of solidarity for his friend.
Other items at the sale of interest include a set of boxing gloves and a robe worn by Muhammad Ali, a pair of cowboy boots worn by Hank Williams and a letter written to Jennings by John Lennon.
This is just a limited sample of what will be available. The final auction will occur on October 5 at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, and auction house Guernsey's will make a full catalogue of items available later during August.
