It’s Not Right, But It’s OK : Pop History Hits The Auction Block
January 3rd, 2007 at 4:15 pm by GerardFrom Billboard.com :
Few people can sing like Whitney Houston (above). But next week, anyone with some spare cash can dress like the Grammy winner, right down to one of her black velvet bustiers, and croon into one of her microphones.
Those items and more than 300 others from a 1999 world tour, including grand pianos, drum kits and a forklift, will be auctioned Jan. 9 in an effort to cover unpaid storage fees on the gear and clothing, said Jeffrey Campisi, a lawyer for Speed of Sound, a company that has been tending to the equipment.
The tour gear, which includes speakers, amplifiers and a vintage barber chair along with designer clothes, has been stored in Irvington, N.J., since the tour, Campisi said.
Speed of Sound went to court in May after not receiving payments from Houston's company, Nippy Inc., for a year. The company is now owed $175,000 to $200,000, Campisi said today. He couldn't estimate what the auction might bring, but said any excess money will go to Nippy.
In recent comments to newspapers, a Houston spokeswoman has said the auction is being held to dispose of outdated equipment and costumes that are no longer needed.
The auction will be at the Irvington warehouse, but gawkers beware: It will cost $100 to enter the building. Winning bidders must deposit at least 25 percent of the price immediately, with the balance due before 2 p.m. the next day. All payments must be in cash, certified funds, cashier's checks, money orders or business checks accompanied by an irrevocable bank letter of guarantee, according to the auctioneer, A.J. Willner Auctions.
Campisi said that despite spending years in storage, the equipment is in good condition. "It's been cleaned up and tested, and it's ready to go," he said.
Though I'm sure representatives of the Smithsonian, the Experience Music Project and the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame will be front and center for this auction, I do find the timing a bit curious. Would Speed Of Sound have come up with such a great idea were it not for the inspiration of our own Mike Conte?
April 4th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Dear Ms. Houston, in 2000 someone sent you one of my songs called “won’t take it”.I heard you loved it and wanted me to record something else for you. Due to the fact that I was dealing with jealous people you never heard that other song you requested.I never heard from you again. Although a few years have past, I would like to know if you would still be interested in working with me. For me it would be a dream come true. I just moved to the atlanta area about 7 months ago.I moved from up north. If it’s no bother, you can reach me at armillahull@yahoo.com or call my cell#1(404)992-2052. Thank you so much for your time.I’m really looking forward to hearing from you. Take care…. Armilla