The familiar sounds of Donna Summer’s disco hits welcomed guests as they arrived at Christie’s Beverly Hills location last Thursday. With spicy margaritas in hand, attendees, including Camilla Marcus, Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, and Savanna Dohler, perused Summer’s impressive collection ahead of an intimate panel with the late artist’s family. Christie’s senior specialist of Americana, books, and manuscripts, Peter Klarnet, spoke with Summer’s widower, Bruce Sudano, and her children, Brooklyn Sudano, Amanda Sudano Ramirez and Mimi Sommer, about the process of cataloging Summer's personal belongings, accompanying her on tour, and their personal favorite items included in the auction.
Considered the “Queen of Disco,” Summer made a lasting impact on the music industry as a singer-songwriter with an impressive vocal range and powerful sound. The five-time Grammy winner was best known for her hits “Love to Love You Baby,” "I Feel Love," and “Hot Stuff.” This auction will showcase some of the icon’s most exclusive memorabilia, like her RIAA gold 45s, handwritten lyrics, legendary performance costumes, and even the silver goblet that Summer would religiously drink caffeine-free Pepsi out of whilst on tour. A variety of Summer’s candid Polaroids and several of her paintings will also be featured, offering a glimpse into the artist’s personal life.
Following this exclusive preview, bidding for "The Collection of Donna Summer" will take place from June 15 to June 29, 2023. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to select charitable organizations that were important to Summer and remain central to her family's philanthropic efforts, including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Save the Music Foundation, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
