Michael Jackson’s life and career were marked by extraordinary fame, wealth, and a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of pop culture. His influence not only stretched through his music but also into the realm of fashion, art, and memorabilia.
After his passing, numerous items from the King of Pop’s personal collection were auctioned off, with many fetching eye-watering sums. These pieces of history are a testament to Jackson’s unparalleled impact on both the music and fashion worlds. Let’s take a look at the top five most expensive pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia ever sold.
5. Velvet Jacket and Fedora Hat
One of the most iconic pieces from Michael Jackson’s collection was his velvet jacket and fedora hat. In 2019, reality TV star and media mogul Kim Kardashian purchased these items for her daughter, North, as a Christmas gift. The jacket, worn by Jackson at Elizabeth Taylor’s 65th birthday celebration, was sold for $65,000, while the fedora from the music video of “Smooth Criminal” fetched $56,000. The items were not only valuable for their historical significance but also for the sentimental connection they had with one of the most famous figures in music history. Kim Kardashian later shared on Instagram that the jacket had been tailored to fit her daughter and that traces of Jackson’s makeup were still visible on the hat, adding a personal touch to these priceless items.
4. Lady Gaga’s Auction Win
In 2012, pop sensation Lady Gaga made waves when she acquired 55 of Jackson’s garments and costumes at an auction. Among the treasures were the jacket Jackson wore during his Bad tour and the coat he donned during a 1990 visit to the White House. Gaga later wore the White House jacket at a political rally for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Although the exact amount Gaga paid for the entire collection is not known, it was reportedly a figure in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Gaga expressed her deep appreciation for Jackson’s influence on her career and promised to care for these items in the spirit of his legacy.
3. Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan Autographed Basketball
A particularly unique item that fetched a staggering price was the autographed basketball featuring the signatures of both Michael Jackson and basketball legend Michael Jordan. This Spalding basketball, featured in Jackson’s “Jam” music video, sold for an astonishing $304,000 at an auction in 2010. The ball had been signed by both Jackson and Jordan, with messages reading “Love Michael Jackson” and “Best Wishes, Michael Jordan.” The auction started with an estimate of just $600-$800 but ended with a much higher bid, proving just how valuable memorabilia linked to both icons can be.
2. Michael Jackson’s Glove
Among Michael Jackson’s most famous and enduring symbols was the single white glove he wore during his legendary performance of “Billie Jean” on the 1983 “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” television special. This glove became synonymous with Jackson’s signature dance move, the moonwalk. The glove was auctioned off in 2009, just months after Jackson’s passing, and sold for a remarkable $420,000. The winning bidder was a Hong Kong businessman, Hoffman Ma, who purchased the item on behalf of the Ponte 16 resort hotel in Macau. To this day, the glove is considered the holy grail of Jackson memorabilia.
1. Thriller Jacket
Topping the list of the most expensive pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia ever sold is the iconic red and black leather jacket from the “Thriller” music video. This jacket, a central piece in one of the most groundbreaking music videos of all time, was sold at an auction in 2011 for a staggering $1.8 million. The jacket was purchased by Texan businessman Milton Barrett, who intended to display it at a children’s hospital in Austin, Texas. The sale price of the jacket set a new record for Jackson memorabilia, reflecting the profound cultural impact of both the song and its accompanying video.
Conclusion
Michael Jackson’s influence on pop culture, music, and fashion is undeniable. These five items, sold for prices that most could only dream of, are just a few examples of the immense value placed on Jackson’s legacy. From his wardrobe pieces to his personal items, each piece of memorabilia carries with it a unique history, immortalizing the King of Pop and the profound impact he had on the world. As long as these items remain in private collections and public exhibitions, they will continue to remind us of Jackson’s brilliance and unforgettable contributions to the world of entertainment.
