The sparkling silver glove that Michael Jackson wore as he unveiled the moonwalk on television in 1983 is officially up for auction. Unlike MJ's other gloves that were made for his right hand, the king of pop wore this left-handed glove as he mesmerized the world with his dance moves during Motown's 25th anniversary TV special. This particular glove is modified as it is covered with rhinestones unlike his other ones.
Jackson gave the glove to Walter "Clyde" Orange, a founding member of the American funk/soul band the Commodores in 1983. Orange got to know Jackson when Jackson 5 toured with the Commodores in the 1970s.Orange would continue to request an autograph from Michael each time they met, but Jackson would refuse saying Orange was the more famous of the two. Well at the Motown 25th anniversary TV special Orange asked for his autograph once more and instead of an autograph Michael Jackson handed him the glove that he had just worn during his solo performance to the song, "Billie Jean."
After the death of Michael Jackson on June 25th of this year, Orange decided that the coveted glove was too important to keep. The glove will now be auctioned off at the "Music Icons" auction on November 21st in New York City's Hard Rock Café.
The item will be featured alongside several precious gems, such as unreleased Jimi Hendrix lyrics and Madonna's demo tape. "There's a hundred other gloves out there, but this is the one you want. He blew up after that (performance) with 'Billie Jean," Walter "Clyde" Orange said in an interview.
The proceeds of this auction will go towards MusiCares, an organization that helps musicians struggling with substance abuse. Orange hopes that the glove will end up at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a similar institution. Hopefully this one-of-kind item will find a good permanent home.
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