The Estate of Snuff Garrett
If you don’t know who Snuff Garret is, you need to Google him immediately. One of the greatest American music record producers of all time, Snuff wasn’t just rich and famous, he was ostentatious and hilarious, fun and funny, brilliant, quick, and as foul mouthed as a man could be. He was a hoot. And he was a cowboy.
Thomas Leslie “Snuff” Garrett was born in Dallas, Texas. He dropped out of high school, became a disc jockey in Lubbock, and went on to become the most successful record producer of the 1960s and 1970s. A few of his stable of artists included Bobby Vee, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Johnny Burnette, Del Shannon, Cher, Brenda Lee, Nancy Sinatra and countless others. He worked with Phil Spector, Carole King, Leon Russell, Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds. Snuff’s great talent was his ability to know a hit song when he heard one, and know who should sing it. He was, to everyone’s agreement, a genius in that respect.
Snuff loved music, and he loved art. Along with his music friends, and Hollywood friends, Snuff had artist friends. Olaf Wieghorst, Joe Beeler, Michael Coleman, John Hampton, Tom Ryan, Gary Niblett, Harley Brown and many others. Snuff’s home was filled with art from his cowboy artist buddies. It was also filled with movie posters. Framed original lithographs hung floor to ceiling, featuring the antics of Tom Mix, Roy Rogers, Rex Allen and the others. Every room in Snuff’s house was a testament to his many passions.
Of his many famous friends, Roy Rogers and Snuff had a particularly special relationship. Snuff grew up on Hollywood cowboys and he worshipped Roy. When, as an adult, he met and worked with Roy, the two became fast friends. Frequently Snuff referred to Roy as a “father figure.” It was clear in the way that Snuff emulated Roy (from his suits to his boots), that he had great respect for the man. They remained dear friends for life.
Snuff was an avid collector, and not given to restraint in any way. In the 1980s he bought the then-struggling Bohlin Company after Ed passed away. He has a whole lot of Bohlin buckles to show for it. He was a member of the exclusive Charlie Russell Riders, and prized his Riders collection. But the best part about Snuff’s collecting – whether gifts from famous friends, rare movie posters, silver spurs, or anything else for that matter -- is that he did it out of love. He loved this stuff, and he took great pleasure in living with it every day. Snuff’s heart was as big as his personality.
We are honored (though saddened) to offer items from the Estate of our fu*#%ing friend, Snuff Garrett. The collection is extensive and impressive, and more pieces will be offered at our June auction in Fort Worth. Many of Snuff’s collectibles are personalized, or personal, or just plain cool. Like he was.
If you’d like to learn more about Snuff Garrett, we recommend you do an Internet search for the Sept. 3, 1998 “Phoenix New Times” article about Snuff by Gilbert Garcia. It’s titled, “Happy Trails.”
Lot 38: Roy Rogers' Personal Eagle Boots, a gift from Roy to Snuff.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Auction - January 21, 2017
Sold $7,670
Lot 130: 18K Gold Edward H. Bohlin Buckle Set with Snuff's initials in Rubies, and Exotic Belts with Extra Tips.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Auction - January 21, 2017
Sold $8,850
Lot 272: Cattle Brand Engraved Colt Single Action. Bohlin marked sterling and 14K gold grips with high relief steer head. Sold $18,150
Lot 273: Edward H. Bohlin Two-Tone, Sterling Gun Rig. Sold $7,865
Brian Lebel's Mesa Auction - January 21, 2017
Lot 194: One of several lots by Snuff's friend Olaf Wieghorst
Brian Lebel's Mesa Auction - January 21, 2017
Sold $1,534
Lot 43: Pair of Tom Mix Circus Original Lithograph Posters.
Brian Lebel's Mesa Auction - January 21, 2017
Sold $2,242