Christie’s to Auction Donna Summer’s Artworks and Memorabilia

Christie’s will offer the Collection of Donna Summer at auction from June 15 to June 29, 2023. The collection showcases the legendary disco star’s career and includes polaroids, trophies, and paintings by the singer. Also included are examples of the legend’s rise to fame through handwritten lyrics, RIAA gold 45s, and iconic concert outfits. The American singer-songwriter Donna Summer was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines, who soared to fame in the late 1970s disco era. In addition to winning five Grammy Awards, Summer became the first artist to chart three consecutive number-one double albums on the US Billboard, and four of her singles charted at number one in the US in 13 months. One of the top lots includes lyrics for On the Radio, a song she wrote in 1979. This sale also includes a pongee silk evening dress. Summer wore this dress during the 50th Presidential Inauguration Ball for Ronald Reagan on January 19, 1985 in Washington, D.C.

Other items of interest are an exhibit of paintings by Summer, including the abstract landscape Two Women with Guitarist and Faces of Rio— proving the artist’s ability to transcend not only musical genres but also other creative mediums. The event will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Save the Music Foundation, and the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, which Summer supported until her passing in 2012. Find the complete catalog and register to bid by visiting Christie’s.