Buddy Holly motorcycle, Willie Nelson’s braids up for sale at Waylon Jennings’ auction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A collection of outlaw country singer Waylon Jennings’ belongings will go on public auction this fall, including a rare 1958 motorcycle originally owned by Buddy Holly and locks of Willie Nelson’s braided hair.

New York City-based auction house Guernsey’s will hold the auction of over 2,000 items Oct. 5 at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Jennings’ widow, Jessi Colter, said she was first approached by the auction house about selling the motorcycle, a red Ariel Cyclone.

Jennings, who died in 2002 at age 64, started his career playing in Holly’s band. He had been set to fly on the plane that crashed in 1959, killing Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, but he gave up his seat at the last minute.

Members of the Crickets gave the motorcycle to Jennings as a birthday gift and he kept the prized possession in his living room.

Jennings later teamed up with Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Nelson in The Highwaymen. The original contract forming the country supergroup, signed by all four members, is also up for sale. The braids were a gift from Nelson who cut them off as a sign of support for Jennings’ sobriety.

Absentee bidders can also call in or log in online to the live auction and more details are available at www.guernseys.com