Handwritten lyrics for two Celine Dion songs will be among the items on the block as Julien’s Auctions hosts Music Health Alliance’s Lyrics for a Cause benefit auction next month. The penned lyrics are for two of the songs the Grammy-winner, 55, has recorded: “The Prayer”, her 1999 collaboration with famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli; and this year’s “The Gift”, from the film Love Again. The package for “The Prayer” features handwritten bars and lyrics and a signature from one of the songwriters, the renowned David Foster, according to Julien’s. “The Gift” package is signed by songwriter Tina Parol and includes a compact disc copy of Love Again with a handwritten inscription that reads ‘Love is The Gift!’
The “My Heart Will Go On” singer made headlines earlier this year when she canceled all of her shows through April of 2024 as she battles a neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome. The syndrome leads to muscle spasms and rigid muscles which can be caused by a light touch or loud noise, and can impact one’s posture and mobility. “Unfortunately, the spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to”, the French-Canadian artist said on Instagram in December of 2022.
The “That’s the Way It Is” artist’s memorabilia is among items to be auctioned off for Music Health Alliance’s Lyrics for a Cause benefit auction, which coincides with Julien’s celebrating its 20th anniversary in Nashville. Music Health Alliance is a nonprofit organization that gives people in the music industry help with healthcare advocacy and resources.
Among the other notable names whose memorabilia will be auctioned off include Garth Brooks, Melissa Etheridge, Rick Springfield, Hozier, Kenny Chesney, Kelsea Ballerini, and Keith Urban, among others. The bidding commences Monday [October 23] and ends Tuesday, November 14, at 6:00 pm CST, as the auction will be held concurrently online at Julien’s Live Auctions and in person at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville.
“Julien’s Auctions is honored and privileged to partner again with Music Health Alliance on our annual benefit relief initiative”, Julien’s co-founder and executive director Martin Nolan said. “For 20 years, Julien’s has included philanthropy in our auctions to give back to the music community that has touched our lives through their artistry and gifts. We look forward to presenting this auction for the first time in Nashville where the public will be offered a chance to own these special and unique lyrics of some of the biggest songs in music history while supporting this critical and important cause.”
The lot also includes a pair of memorabilia items from the Eagles, including the musical sheets for the songs “Best of My Love” and “New Kid in Town”, both written and signed by JD Souther, who wrote the classics with Don Henley and the late Glenn Frey. Irish singer-songwriter Hozier for the auction signed a branded canvas tote bag for the auction with the lyrics for the song “Take Me to Church”. Another item up for sale is a penned page of lyrics for the classic, “l’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” from Roger Cook. The 1971 track from the Hillside Singers was co-written with Roger Greenaway and Bill Backer.