Johnny Winter Memorabilia Under The Hammer

The late blues giant Johnny Winter’s collection of guitars, song notebooks and memorabilia is to be auctioned in Manhattan.

Winter’s white Erlewine Lazer

The sale will take place on 30 September and 1 October and is being overseen by Guernsey’s auction house, on behalf of Winter’s family. Included are five uniquely shaped Gibson Firebirds, one of which was previously owned by Muddy Waters.

Other lots will include a ukulele which Johnny owned as a child, as well as jewellery, scarves and hats, which are said to have “sweat stains and all.” Somewhat bizarrely, fans will also be able to bid to own a clump of Winter’s beard. Ultra-rare rock and blues posters and vintage photographs are also part of the sale, which will take place at the Gibson Brands New York Showroom, and online.

Johnny’s custom cowhide-band cowboy hat

The first 200 lots will go under the hammer from 6pm local time on 30 September, and the remainder on 1 October from noon to completion. More information is on the Winter auction page at the Guernsey’s website here.

Winter died at the age of 70 in July, 2014. His final album Step Back was completed just before his death and released shortly afterwards, with guest appearances by Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Leslie West and Brian Setzer. It went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Blues Album.