Posted: Tuesday, 29 May 2012 4:31AM

Elvis' crypt, other rock, sports items to be sold



LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The crypt in which Elvis Presley's body was first laid to rest before being moved to the grounds of his Graceland mansion is set to be auctioned off in June along with other memorabilia from rock music and sports stars.

Julien's Auctions Sports Legends and Music Icons sale will feature items from Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richards and the late singer Amy Winehouse to basketball superstar Michael Jordan, the auctioneer said in a statement on Monday.

But the original Elvis crypt is likely to gain a lot of attention. Elvis, among the best known rock 'n' rollers of all time, died in 1977 and following his funeral at Graceland, his body was temporarily entombed in the crypt of a private mausoleum at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.

After about two months, both his body and that of his mother were moved to a permanent site in the meditation garden on the grounds of Graceland. Beverly Hills-based Julien's said the lot for sale includes the crypt, opening and closing of the vault for burial, memorial inscription and use of a small chapel for a memorial service.

The two-day sale on June 23 and 24 also includes a ripped t-shirt with "Hell" scrawled across it Keith Richards once wore while playing for the Stones.

A robe that Amy Winehouse used in her video for smash hit "Rehab" will be sold, as will memorabilia and clothing owned by David Bowie, John Lennon and Michael Jackson.

Sports items include a pair of shoes worn and signed by Michael Jordan, the hood of a race car signed by driving champion Tony Stewart and a Lance Armstrong skin suit worn in the 2003 Tour de France.

Story & Photos Copyright 2012 Reuters

How does Brad Pitt embarrass his kids?

Jesse James accidentally chops off finger

David Spade donates $200,000 to Oklahoma tornado victims

Kellie Pickler jives to victory on 'Dancing With the Stars'

CBS pulls 'Mike & Molly' finale with tornado storyline

Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio join U.S. 'X Factor' judges panel

'Star Wars' to bring 'Rebels' to new animated TV series

Sinbad files for bankruptcy - again

Jennifer Lawrence stalker faces charges

Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift big winners at Billboard Awards

Beyonce is pregnant with second child: report

Troubled 'Terminator' star arrested again