Willie Nelson’s Braids Fetch $37,000 at Auction

Willie Nelson's braids. Photo: Guernsey's Auction House

Today in weird auction news, Willie Nelson, country musician and owner of some of the most distinctive hair in rock history, just had his braids sold at auction for $37,000. The auction, held by Guernsey’s, took place in Phoenix, Arizona, and featured the belongings of the late musician Waylon Jennings, who was a close friend of Nelson’s.

Reuters reports the plaits were removed from Nelson’s head decades ago when his hair was still his signature red. Jennings was bestowed the braids at a 1983 party thrown by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash in celebration of his sobriety. The hair was sold to an undisclosed buyer.

Also featured in the auction was Buddy Holly’s Ariel Cyclone motorcycle, which hammered down at $450,000. The motorcycle, bought by the legendary musician in 1958, was given to Jennings by the members of Holly’s band years after he was tragically killed in 1959.

“It represented to him great love for a friend and possibly part of his healing,” Jessi Colter, Jennings’s widow, said of the motorcycle.

The contract between Jennings, Nelson, Cash, and Kris Kristofferson when they agreed to form the super group Highwaymen was also sold.


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