Mississippi auctioneer to bid Whitney Houston memorabilia
By Ray Van Dusen
Monroe Journal
ABERDEEN, MS
For nearly two years now, auctioneer Dwight Stevens has hinted at something big related to one of the most recognized divas of her time. That something big has attracted emails and phone calls to his auction house from the Hard Rock Café franchise, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, several European nations, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Plus, there’s a little buzz that country star Miranda Lambert has shown interest, too.
As part of an auction Nov. 21 at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort, Stevens Auction Company will call the highest bidder on 15 gowns, dresses and personal effects previously owned by the late Whitney Houston.
As part of the world tour following the success of her hit movie, “The Bodyguard,” she wore one of the dresses, a Bob Mackie, as she debuted “I Will Always Love You” live, which is Stevens’ favorite Whitney Houston song.
“I’ve watched ‘The Bodyguard’ 10 times or more, and I’ve always been a Whitney Houston fan. At her height, she was by far the best singer of her time,” Stevens said. “She was tall and very proper proportional and made a beautiful model. Most of the dresses were only worn once.”
In addition to the Whitney Houston collection, the upcoming auction will include 300 pieces from an estate in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and a 1,600-pound carved bronze door Stevens believes originated from Italy and dates back between 1550 and 1700.
The door, which has several detailed impressions of faces, human figures and angels, was stored in a New York City warehouse for 60 years and has the starting bid price of $50,000. He anticipates the door to go for $2 to $4 million.
For more details on the auction or to make travel arrangements to see who has the most means for the items, click the calendar tab of www.stevensauction.com.
ray.vandusen@journalinc.com