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Grammy Awards Charity Auction Benefitting MusiCares

January 29, 2008 | Other
February 8th the Grammy Awards Charity Auction, will offer various items of music memorabilia including Elvis's doubly cut-away, 1965 Gretsch Country Gentleman Guitar used by him during the 1969 Las Vegas Season. The estimate is $100,000 and will be, as the star lot, auctioned last as Lot #80.
The Gretsch Country Gentleman Guitar was endorsed by Chet Atkins. Elvis, George Harrison and Duane Eddy were among the Country Gentleman Guitar players. Elvis' Gretsch were used both on stage and in the studio. Elvis was photographed extensively with this guitar on opening night at the International in 1969. According to the auction catalogue, there are two models of this guitar. One is housed at Graceland.

After years of filming movies, Presley returned to live performances in Las Vegas at the International (late renamed The Las Vegas Hilton). Rolling Stone called his performance "Supernatural." Accompnaied by a letter of authenticity from Jonathon Taurog, son of Norman Taurog. Norman Taurog was the director of nine Elvis Presley films. Norman Taurog was personally given this guitar by Presley in the 1970s.
Source:Various