BEVERLY HILLS, CA.- Julien’s Auctions, the world record-breaking auction house to the stars, proudly presents “Property from the Estate of Kennr Rogers”, an exclusive presentation honoring the legendary GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor and one of the best-selling musical artists of all time who sold more than 120 million records worldwide, taking place live in a three-day auction event from Friday, October 21st–Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 at juliensauctions.com. It was also announced today that a portion of the proceeds of the auction will benefit Music Health Alliance, whose mission is to provide compassionate advocacy and access to life-saving healthcare resources that protect, direct, and connect music professionals with medical and financial solutions.

A spectacular collection of over 1,200 lots featuring the country and pop music icon’s awards, wardrobe, equipment and memorabilia from his iconic recordings, live performances and films, as well as furnishings, artwork, jewelry, household and personal items from his beloved home in Sandy Springs, Georgia will take the auction stage.

Born August 21st, 1938 in Houston, Texas in a family of eight children, Rogers grew up listening to and playing a wide range of music that encompassed country, bluegrass, R&B, gospel, pop, doo-wop, jazz and beyond which later informed his career trajectory as a crossover singer, musician and entertainer. After recording his first hit single in 1958, titled “That Crazy Feeling” as Kenneth Rogers and playing in the Bobby Doyle Three, who recorded for Columbia Records, Rogers moved to Los Angeles and joined the New Christy Minstrels which in 1967 evolved into the genre-defying First Edition founded by Rogers and some of the original Minstrels members. The group’s breakthrough hits included the Top 5 psychedelic rock hit single, “Just Dropped In (to See What Condition My Condition Was In),” their version of Mel Tillis’ “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” (from their eponymous fourth album), “Something’s Burning” and their version of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee.”

In 1975, Rogers signed with United Artists and began his career as a solo artist with the album Love Lifted Me. In 1977, following the release of his album, Kenny Rogers, he earned his first No. 1 Country hit as well as his first Top 5 solo hit on the pop charts for his sing-along song, “Lucille,” which became an instant classic. In 1978, Rogers received his first GRAMMY® Award nomination and win for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for the song and CMA Award for Single Of The Year which would also go to No. 1 in the U.K. and many other countries. Throughout the decade, Rogers would record other hit singles such as the self-penned "Sweet Music Man," "Every Time Two Fools Collide" (with Dottie West) and "Love Or Something Like It." But it was his 1978 single “The Gambler,” the title track from his sixth studio album, that would solidify Rogers as a bona fide superstar and worldwide phenomenon.

“The Gambler” became Rogers’ signature story song, persona and one of his five consecutive hit singles to go to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Music chart. Additionally, it was a multiple-genre smash hit making the Top 10 across the pop and easy listening charts which earned him his second GRAMMY® Award and a CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1980. The popularity of the song led to the production of five television movies starring Rogers as “The Gambler” Brady Hawkes that aired from 1980-1994, a “Gambler” slot machine, book series and appearance in a popular 2014 GEICO commercial as well as other merchandise and pop culture moments. Rogers followed up “The Gambler" with three consecutive No. 1 hits: “She Believes In Me,” the GRAMMY® Award-winning “You Decorated My Life,” and "Coward Of The County.”

Throughout the '80s, Rogers dominated the international music charts, television and film screens, radio airwaves and arena concert tour circuit powered by several smash hits, including “Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer" (with Kim Carnes), “I Don’t Need You,” “Through The Years,” “Love Will Turn You Around,” “We've Got Tonight” (with Sheena Easton), “Crazy,” and the George Martin-produced “Morning Desire.” Rogers made history with his cross-over monster hit “Lady," composed and produced by Lionel Richie, which hit No. 1 across the country, pop, AC, and R&B charts. Rogers starred in the 1982 motion picture Six Pack, and in 1983, Rogers and Dolly Parton recorded their iconic classic duet “Islands in the Stream,” written by the Bee Gees, that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The double platinum-certified single gave both artists their second No. 1 pop hit and also topped the country and AC charts. In 1985, Rogers was a featured vocalist on the GRAMMY® Award-winning supergroup USA For Africa charity single, "We Are The World," the eighth best-selling single of all time with over 20 million copies sold, alongside other music legends, such as Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, and more. In 1987, Rogers earned his third GRAMMY® Award for the country and AC chart-topping duet "Make No Mistake, She's Mine" with Ronnie Milsap.

Rogers is one of the few music artists who has charted a song within seven consecutive decades (1950s - 2010s). In the ‘90s until the close of his farewell tour, The Gambler’s Last Deal, in 2018, he recorded more hit songs and videos and sold out international tours, performing his classics and such critically acclaimed songs as “If You Want To Find Love,” “The Greatest,” the No. 1 Billboard Country chart hit "Buy Me A Rose" (with Alison Krauss and Billy Dean), "I Can't Unlove You,” “Calling Me," the GRAMMY®-nominated duet with Don Henley, and “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” the 2013 duet with Dolly Parton, for which Rogers received his 19th GRAMMY® Award nomination. In 2012, Rogers performed at the Bonnaroo Festival, making a surprise appearance on Phish’s festival-closing set, and headlined the Glastonbury Festival in 2013.

Rogers was a renowned philanthropist, businessman and photographer whose work includes the Kenny Rogers United Cerebral Palsy Center of Southeast Missouri (renamed the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center) in Sikeston, Missouri; the Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant franchise; and the publication of three photo books, including 2005’s This Is My Country, featuring portraits of Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton and many more. For his widely respected photography work, Rogers received an Honorary Masters of Photography from the Professional Photographers of America in 2014 and in 2017, he was honored with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. Rogers’ autobiography, Luck Or Something Like It, quickly became a New York Times Bestseller upon its release in 2011. Rogers also co-authored the children’s book The Greatest and several other books including Making It With Music: Kenny Rogers’ Guide To The Music Business, Christmas In Canaan, The Toy Shoppe, The Gift: An Original Short Story and What Are The Chances.

Rogers’ numerous accolades and awards include, among others: 3 Grammy Awards, 21 American Music Awards, 11 People’s Choice Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards (including the Career Achievement Award, Entertainer of the Year Award, multiple Male Vocalist of the Year Awards and the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award), six Country Music Association Awards (including the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award and Male Vocalist of the Year), two CMT Music Awards, the CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award, a Career Achievement Award at the TNN Music Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award from IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association), an IEBA Hall of Fame Induction, the SESAC Legacy Award, and the Horatio Alger Award. He was voted the "Favorite Singer of All Time" in a USA Today and People joint readers poll. In 2013, Rogers received his highest honor with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. “The Gambler” was entered in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry and inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame. Following Rogers' death on March 20th, 2020, the song hit No.1 again on Billboard's Digital Song Sales chart and was followed by “Islands in the Stream” (with Dolly Parton) at No. 2.

“Kenny Rogers connected millions of people around the world with his distinctive voice, boundary transcending chart toppers, indelible performances and universally loved personality,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director/CFO of Julien’s Auctions. “His classic hits ‘Lucille,’ ‘Islands in the Stream,’ and ‘The Gambler’ are part of the great American music canon and serve as cornerstones of his distinguished legacy as a global superstar, pop culture icon and one of the most successful cross-over artists of all time who helped propel country music to the mainstream. We are honored to work with the Kenny Rogers Estate in offering this exclusive collection featuring hundreds of his most cherished artifacts and personal mementos amassed throughout his groundbreaking six-decade career.”

Highlights announced today include (with estimates):

"WE ARE THE WORLD" SIGNED SOLOIST LEADSHEETS ($20,000 - $40,000)
A framed group of signed soloist leadsheets from the charity single "We Are the World" performed by the supergroup USA for Africa. In an effort to raise funds for African famine relief, major music artists recorded a song that was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Michael Omartian and Quincy Jones. The first night of recording, during which the studio musicians tracked the song and Jackson and Richie laid down guide vocals, was held at Kenny Rogers’ Lion Share Studios on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles. This example, belonging to Kenny Rogers, is signed by the artists that participated in the single such as Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Lindsey Buckingham and Kenny Loggins, many of whom wrote personalized inscriptions to Rogers.

“ISLANDS IN THE STREAM” GOLD DIGITAL SALES AWARD COMMEMORATION ($500 - $700)
A framed commemoration for the digital sales and streams of the single "Islands in the Stream" presented to Kenny Rogers. This glossy piano black framed poster featuring Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton is paired with a copy of the lyrics to the song "Islands in the Stream," a gold-colored record and a plaque that reads, "Presented to Kenny Rogers to commemorate RIAA Certified Gold digital sales and streams of more than 500,000 copies of the RCA Records single ‘Islands in the Stream.’”

KENNY ROGERS’ COLLECTION OF AWARDS,
including his 11 People’s Choice Awards and other honors, such as the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Kenny Rogers in 2013 ($2,000 - $3,000) and Rogers’ 2015 CMT Artist of a Lifetime award ($1,000 - $2,000).

KENNY ROGERS’ PERSONAL CAMERA EQUIPMENT ($2,000 - $3,000)
A digital camera kit belonging to Kenny Rogers that includes a Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera, lenses such as a Sony SEL24240 FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Zoom Lens and a Sony - Vario-Tessar T* Fe 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Wide Zoom Lens, camera maintenance items, a SKB I Series insulated hard-shell case, additional camera equipment and more.

A COLLECTION OF KENNY ROGERS’ CELEBRITY INSCRIBED PORTRAITS
photographed by Rogers of Dolly Parton, Clint Eastwood, George Burns, Muhammad Ali, Elizabeth Taylor, Kirk Douglas, Sammy Davis Jr., Dick Clark, Elton John, Bob Hope and many more ($1,000 - $2,000 each). The majority of the photographic portraits in this collection appear in Rogers’ book Your Friends and Mine.

LUCILLE BALL SIGNED PHOTO PORTRAIT ($2,000 - $3,000)
An original photographic portrait of Lucille Ball taken by Kenny Rogers that is additionally signed by Lucille Ball, "Dear Kenny, Loved doing this with you-/ Lucy."

MICHAEL JACKSON SIGNED PHOTO PORTRAIT ($2,000 - $3,000)
An original photographic portrait of Michael Jackson taken by Kenny Rogers featuring The King of Pop holding his pet chimpanzee Bubbles and additionally signed by Michael Jackson, "To Kenny Rogers/ One of the kindest men I've ever met/ Thanx/ Love/ Michael Jackson/ 1998."

KENNY ROGERS’ COLLECTION OF CELEBRITY LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS
which include messages from United States Presidents such as George Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan (range $800 - $1,200). Additional celebrity letters include examples from Jimmy Fallon, Gene Autry, Engelbert Humperdinck, Barry Manilow and Chris Stapleton, who writes that he would like to participate in Kenny Rogers’ final performance ($500 - $700).

DOLLY PARTON LETTERS (each $500 - $700)
A typed personal letter from Dolly Parton to Kenny Rogers in 2016. In the letter, Parton thanks Rogers for his assistance in developing the Imagination Library at Dollywood and writes, "I do truly mean it when I say I will always love you. We will always stay in touch. I'll always send you a message by pony express... you know how high tech I am! But we'll always find each other" and signs her name with the words, "I will always love you."

In a second letter from Dolly Parton, she speaks of Kenny’s final performance, writing, “And speaking of brightening up the room, we sure brightened up the room the other night! It was so good to be on stage with you again for one last time. Can't wait for the special to air."

A COLLECTION OF KENNY ROGERS’ PERFORMANCE EQUIPMENT AND MEMORABILIA
including his iconic stool used during most live appearances of his later life, road cases from his many years of performing, a sleigh that was stage-used for Kenny Rogers’ Christmas performances, his All-Access Passes, including ones used during The Gambler’s Last Deal tour and more (range $400 - $600).

KENNY ROGERS’ PHOTO-MATCHED WEDDING GOBLET ($100 - $200)
A pair of silver wedding cups that join together to form one goblet, along with a photograph of Kenny and Wanda Rogers at their wedding. Each half of the goblet is etched, "Wanda & Kenny/ June 1st, 1997” accompanied by a photograph of the newly married couple holding the cups.

KENNY ROGERS’ TOY SHOPPE STORY NOTES ($800 - $1,200)
A group of Kenny Rogers' hand-written and typed notes for the story development of his book, The Toy Shoppe by Kenny Rogers and Kelly Junkermann.

FAN-MADE "THE GAMBLER" MOOSE STUFFED ANIMAL ($200 - $300)
A stuffed animal moose with a custom-made "The Gambler" embroidered jean outfit that includes a letter from the fans that made this endearing creation. This unique stuffed animal's body is fashioned out of a used pair of "The Gambler" brand jeans that feature an embroidery of playing cards on the front and an embroidery of Kenny Rogers on the verso.

A COLLECTION OF WARDROBE ITEMS FROM KENNY ROGERS’ LEGENDARY CAREER
including outfits worn during performances, photoshoots and on screen such as iconic pieces from The Gambler movie series, red carpet ensembles worn at prestigious award events, jewelry items and a stage used 14k gold and turquoise belt buckle, gifted by real estate developer Steve Wynn (range $800 - $1,200).

KENNY ROGERS’ 1992 STAGE WORN WESTERN JACKET ($800 - $1,200)
A custom-made Bon Choix Couture green corduroy western jacket with an ornate silver and gold tone button worn by Kenny Rogers while performing at the 50th anniversary show from the studios of Voice of America in Washington, DC on March 21st, 1992.

KENNY ROGERS’ THE GAMBLER II SHIRT AND NECKERCHIEF (WITH TOUR BOOK) ($800 - $1,200)
A custom-made tan and ivory checked raw silk collarless shirt with floral neckerchief and extra fabric from the 1983 production The Gambler: The Adventure Continues.

KENNY ROGERS’ THE GAMBLER II TROUSERS (WITH DVD) ($200 - $300)
A pair of custom-made brown trousers with white stripes from the 1983 production The Gambler: The Adventure Continues seen worn by Rogers in the beginning of the film.

KENNY ROGERS’ 2012 AWARDS SHOW WORN JACKET ($500 - $700)
A sapphire blue cotton Robert Graham velvet jacket event worn by Kenny Rogers while presenting an award to Luke Bryan during the 2012 CMT Artists Of the Year at The Factory at Franklin on December 3rd, 2012 in Franklin, Tennessee.

ROGERS’ EVENT AND STAGE WORN WAISTCOAT ($400 - $600)
A silver jacquard waistcoat with a floral and vine motif worn by Kenny Rogers while attending The RP Foundation Fighting Blindness Humanitarian Award Dinner Honoring Frank Bennack, Jr. on April 19th, 1988 at The Grand Ballroom, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, New York and featured in an image of him wearing the waistcoat while performing on stage in Rogers’ 1987 tour book.

KENNY ROGERS’ STAGE WORN EMBELLISHED 1980s JACKET ($1,000 - $2,000)
An ivory custom-made Bill Whitten zip front jacket trimmed with copper lamè collar, cuffs, and waistband stage worn by Kenny Rogers while performing with Dolly Parton circa 1985.

KENNY ROGERS’ “BRADY HAWKES” THE GAMBLER V PERIOD WAISTCOAT ($300 - $500)
A gray wool double breasted waistcoats with paisley motif from the 1994 production of The Gambler V: Playing for Keeps.

KENNY ROGERS’ STAGE WORN JACKET ($600 - $800)
A custom-made Mike's 798-7988 emerald green satin single-breasted jacket with applied dots and monogrammed “Kenny Rogers” stage worn by the music legend.

KENNY ROGERS’ STAGE WORN JACKET AND WAISTCOAT ($800 - $1,200)
A custom-made Manuel black wool western waistcoat and single-breasted jacket stage worn by Kenny Rogers at the 16th Annual People's Choice Awards on March 11th, 1990 at Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.

KENNY ROGERS’ STAGE WORN MANUEL SUIT ($1,000 - $2,000)
A three-piece ivory wool custom-made Manuel suit worn by Kenny Rogers while performing in January 1990 in Los Angeles, California.