This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/4/2019
Johnny Cash was a towering figure in American music spanning country, rock and folk, and was known worldwide as "The Man in Black". For Cash, basic black wasn't just a fashion statement, though - it became a personal and political stance as well. In March of 1972, Cash released a single titled "Man in Black". The lyrics explained his decision to dress in the dark color as a way of drawing attention to social injustice - "I wear black for the poor and beaten down, livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town". We are pleased to offer in this lot a pair of black leather boots personally owned and worn by The Man in Black, with each boot signed on the inside. The boots are extremely well made and evidently saw a lot of life with Johnny over the years. These boots were so special to Cash, in fact, that when he let them go, he personally handwrote a letter on his own letterhead that accompanies them. Dated March 25, 1986, the letter reads, in full: "These boots were custom made for me by ACME, size 13D. I wore them in Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Canada and the U.S. Walk softly in them. They've been everywhere." Poetic advice from one of the greatest songwriters of all time! He signed the letter at the conclusion, "Johnny Cash" and as a post script, added at the bottom "(Autographed inside)". The boots have also been photomatched as the boots Cash was wearing on the cover of his 1985 album "Rainbow". In addition to the irrefutable provenance from Cash himself (which is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)), each boot is also accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from BAS for the autographs. This is certainly one of the most incredible pieces of music memorabilia we have ever offered. Country and music fans alike - take note! These special boots would make a wonderful addition to any collection.