Ten years after Udo Jürgens‘ death,his sons opened the estate. At Sotheby’s, items from the entertainer’s collection are now being auctioned off for a good cause. These include fan items and artwork,but also legendary memorabilia.
Almost exactly ten years have passed since the death of Jürgen udo Bockelmann. On December 21, 2014, the 80-year-old collapsed during a walk in the Swiss canton of Thurgau and died shortly afterwards from heart failure. The whole world knows him as Udo Jürgens. But reducing the musician to hits wouldn’t do justice to the great entertainer.
He produced more than a thousand songs and millions of albums sold in a 60-year career. Udo Jürgens was the first Austrian to win the ESC, which in 1966 – “Merci Chérie” – was still called the Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson. His songs not only spread good humor and lively melodies, but sometimes also have socially critical tones.
Over the course of his career Udo Jürgens has collected numerous awards, several Bambis, the Federal Cross of Merit as well as gold and platinum records, but also works of art and the legacy of an eventful and moving life. A selection is now up for auction at Sotheby’s in Cologne.
Also up for auction is a bathrobe by Udo Jürgens
According to the auction house, Johnny and Jenny Jürgens had thoroughly researched their father’s estate and had decided to “make some carefully selected memorabilia from his life available to the people who meant so much to him: his fans, to whom he owed everything “. The proceeds will go to the Udo Jürgens Foundation to support young musicians, children and orphans in need.
The centerpiece of the charity auction is a marble sculpture by Jean Arp with an estimated price of between 150,000 and 200,000 euros. The large-format painting on paper “A House Under the Trees” by Markus Lüpertz was created in 1979 (estimate: 6,000-8,000 euros). A watercolor by Gustav Klimt “Seated Half-Nude with Scarf” from 1916/17 is estimated at between 12,000 and 18,000 euros.
The stage clothes (from handkerchiefs to tuxedo jackets to tap shoes), though, are aimed at the most die-hard fans, the auctioneer hopes for bidding wars to increase prices: one of his legendary terrycloth bathrobes – with “UDO “; embroidery and signatures of German footballers – is at a low price, estimated between 150 and 200 euros.
the auction also includes Udo Jürgens’ last souvenir: the famous Plexiglas concert grand piano. The instrument was an exclusive custom-made product from the Wilhelm Schimmel Pianoforte factory in Braunschweig. it became the musician’s trademark and accompanied him on numerous concert tours. Jürgens presented his song “Dream Dancer” on the piano at an icy height on the Jungfraujoch in the swiss Alps.
and bidders for this obvious piece of European show business history (estimated at 20,000 to 30,000 euros) will remember the phrase that Joachim Fuchsberger once wrote for Udo Jürgens: “What I want to tell you is so unspeakably much if you don’t understand me” I promise you that what I want to tell you”, says my piano.” In the online auction from January 23 to 30, 2025, the wing and 100 other lots will be flown for a good cause.
What where some of udo Jürgens’ most importent contributions to music and culture?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Udo Jürgens Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special segment today. We’re diving into the engaging legacy of the legendary entertainer,Udo Jürgens. To help us explore this vibrant topic, we have with us (Expert’s Name), a renowned expert on Udo Jürgens’ life and career. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! Its a pleasure to be here, especially to discuss udo Jürgens, who made such an impact on music and culture.
Time.news Editor: It’s been ten years as Udo Jürgens passed away, and his sons recently opened his estate. Can you tell us a bit more about what this means for his legacy?
Expert: Absolutely! Opening the estate is a significant step in preserving Udo’s legacy. It allows fans and collectors to connect with his history and influence through the items that reflect his life and work. It’s a beautiful way for his family to honor his memory while also giving fans an chance to partake in his story.
Time.news Editor: I understand that items from his collection are being auctioned off at Sotheby’s.what kind of items can fans expect to find there?
Expert: The auction features an astounding variety of items, including fan memorabilia that reflects his popularity and influence, as well as personal artwork created by Udo himself.Among the items are also legendary memorabilia that fans and collectors will cherish deeply. It’s not just about material possessions; it’s about the stories and memories these items carry.
Time.news Editor: That’s intriguing! Are there any particular pieces that stand out to you as especially significant?
Expert: Yes, definitely! The memorabilia tied directly to some of his biggest performances or unique fan gifts are truly special. There are also personal letters and manuscripts that showcase his journey as a songwriter and artist. Each piece tells a part of his remarkable story,and for true fans,owning a piece of that history is priceless.
Time.news Editor: It’s heartwarming to see that the proceeds from the auction are going to a good cause. How important is this aspect in the context of Udo Jürgens’ values?
Expert: Udo was known not just for his musical talent but also for his philanthropy. Throughout his life, he supported numerous charitable causes. By donating the auction proceeds to charity, his family keeps that spirit alive. It’s a fitting tribute to Udo, showing that his influence extends beyond music and into the realm of kindness and social responsibility.
Time.news Editor: What do you hope fans and collectors take away from participating in this auction?
Expert: I hope they find a deeper connection to Udo Jürgens’ life. It’s a chance to own a piece of history while celebrating his contributions to music and humanity. I think it will also inspire a new generation to discover his music and the messages he carried through his songs.
Time.news editor: Fantastic insights! As we celebrate Udo Jürgens’ legacy through this auction, it’s clear that his impact continues to resonate. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today!
Expert: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing Udo’s remarkable legacy. Let’s keep his spirit alive through music and charitable acts!
Time.news Editor: And to our audience,if you’re interested in the auction details,be sure to check with Sotheby’s. Don’t miss this chance to own a piece of Udo Jürgens’ incredible journey!