On September 26, 2023, a legendary object of the King of Pop was sold for 77,640 euros (including fees) at the Drouot hotel in Paris. It is the wool and silk Fedora hat that Michael Jackson wore during his first public appearance with his revolutionary dance step, the moonwalk. How did this hat become an icon? Who retrieved it during the historic 1983 show? And why did it generate so much excitement during the auction? Here are some elements of answer.

An icon for a hat

The Fedora hat is a model of hat with wide brims and a creased crown, which takes its name from a 19th-century theater play. It is worn by many celebrities, such as Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, or Indiana Jones. But it's Michael Jackson who will give it an iconic dimension, associating it with his clothing style and gestures.

The singer starts wearing the Fedora hat in the 1970s, when he is part of the Jackson Five, the group he forms with his brothers. He chooses it as an accessory to give himself a more mature and elegant look. He keeps it in the 1980s, when he begins his solo career and becomes a global star. He notably wears it in the music video of his hit "Billie Jean", from the album "Thriller", released in 1982.

But it was on March 25, 1983, that the Fedora hat would enter into legend, during the 25th anniversary of the Motown label, broadcast on American television. On the stage of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, in front of more than 50 million viewers, Michael Jackson performs "Billie Jean" solo, with his hat firmly on his head. In the middle of the song, he swiftly removes the hat and executes his famous moonwalk for the first time, that dance step which gives the illusion that he's sliding backward on the ground.

The audience is dazzled by this unprecedented performance, which will mark the history of music and dance. The Fedora hat then becomes the symbol of Michael Jackson's artistic genius and charisma, and he will continue to wear it during his concerts and public appearances.

A lucky fan

But what becomes of the Fedora hat after the show on March 25, 1983? It is not retrieved by the singer's staff, but by a lucky spectator who is in the front row. It's Adam Kelly, a die-hard Michael Jackson fan, who attends the show with a VIP badge. When Michael Jackson throws his hat to the side of the stage, Adam Kelly rushes to catch it and keeps it preciously.

Adam Kelly will keep the hat for several years, as a personal treasure. He will even obtain a certificate of authenticity signed by Michael Jackson himself, confirming that it is indeed the hat worn during the first moonwalk. He will also have the initials "M.J." and the date "3-25-83" engraved inside the hat.

Adam Kelly eventually parts with the hat in the 2000s, giving it to an American collector. The hat then reappears in a European collection, before being put up for sale in Paris in 2023.

An auction sale for 77,640 euros

The Fedora hat is put up for auction on September 26, 2023, at the Drouot hotel in Paris, by the auction house Lemon Auction. It is part of a sale titled "Rock Memorabilia", which brings together 200 objects linked to the history of rock, such as the guitar of bluesman T-Bone Walker or a piece of the wall from the Parisian club "Bus Palladium".

The hat is estimated between 60,000 and 100,000 euros, making it the most expensive lot in the sale. It attracts many fans and curious onlookers, who come to admire this piece of history. It also sparks the interest of several bidders, who compete for the headwear by phone or online.

After a fierce battle, the hat is finally sold for 77,640 euros (including fees), which is more than 130 times its original price. It is acquired by an anonymous collector, who becomes the new owner of this icon of the King of Pop.

Conclusion

The Fedora hat that Michael Jackson wore during his first moonwalk is a legendary object, which testifies to the singer's talent and creativity. It was sold at auction for a significant sum, reflecting its unique character and sentimental value. It is part of the cultural and musical heritage that continues to fascinate and inspire generations of fans.