Duke Ellington Memorabilia Featured in the Skinner Discovery Auction, May 11th
Selections from the Celley Collection of Ellington Memorabilia, sale #2546M
Composer of iconic jazz standards like Sophisticated Lady and Mood Indigo, Duke Ellington is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in jazz. Ellington represented the epitome of elegance, style, and cool during his time. Today, his music is a staple of the Great American Songbook and is loved by millions of fans worldwide. His legacy transcends his role as musician and bandleader, placing him squarely in the category of a jazz legend. Are you an Ellington fan or jazz lover? If so, your chance to own a piece of jazz history is coming up on May 11th when Skinner will be offering memorabilia from the collection of Al Celley, Ellington’s friend and manager from 1942 to 1964. Skinner’s May Discovery auction will feature over 40 lots of Ellington collectibles, including recordings, letters, signed contracts, and previously unseen personal and publicity photos from the Celley collection. As the manager of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Celley handled every aspect of the band’s business for 22 years. The collection reflects this long-standing relationship, and offers the rare opportunity for anyone to own Ellington material that captures singular moments from the legendary jazz master’s life and times. “Duke Ellington was one of the greatest jazz composers and band leaders of the twentieth century,” says Garrett Sheahan, Specialist in the Discovery department at Skinner. “We’re really honored to be able to bring this collection to auction.” To view a gallery of images online, visit the Discovery department page at www.skinnerinc.com/discovery-auction.php.