Monthly Archives: December 2024

In 1965, Elvis Presley starred in the movie “Tickle Me.” It’s unique for an Elvis movie as all the songs for the film had been previously released on other Elvis albums. There were no new songs recorded just for the … Continue reading →

Jimmy Bowen was a major record producer in the 1960’s. Frank Sinatra hired him to produce records for his Reprise record label. Bowen produced hits for Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. But back in the 1950’s, Bowen was … Continue reading →

The first draft of Jan And Dean’s 1963 hit, “Surf City”, was written by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. The working title was “Goody Connie Won’t You Come Back Home.” The working title for “Yesterday” by the Beatles was … Continue reading →

One of the most popular and endearing Doo Wop classics is “Earth Angel,” made famous by the Penguins and written by Jesse Belvin. In 1956, Jesse had his own big hit with “Good Night My Love.” In 1959, he hit … Continue reading →

After Billy Joel played “Just the Way You Are” for his then wife Elizabeth, she asked “Do I get the publishing too?” Later Billy would say, “In retrospect, I probably should have known right then and there that the relationship … Continue reading →

In 1982, Elektra Records released the single, “Body Language,” by Queen. Written by lead singer Freddie Mercury, it was the band’s first excursion into Funk and Disco. The value for the 45 depends on the picture sleeve. The version with … Continue reading →

Merry Christmas! If you have a black vinyl copy of the original “Elvis Christmas Album” from 1957 on RCA its worth up to $1,000.00. However, if the vinyl is red, as seen here, the value jumps up to $15,000.00. Ho … Continue reading →

Two years before Jerry Lee Lewis had his smash hit of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” Big Maybelle charted with her version. In 1999, the Grammy Hall of Fame Award was given to Big Maybelle’s 1956 hit, “Candy.” Her last … Continue reading →

In 1963, Michael Nesmith, who would later become a member of the Monkees, had his first single called “Wanderin’.” Released on Highness Records, an original copy can sell for $1,000.00 but Michael’s mom is worth so much more. Bette Nesmith … Continue reading →

One of the most successful groups in Rock N Roll was the Olympics who first hit big with “(My Baby Loves the) Western Movies,” a top-10 Billboard hit from 1958. In 1959, they were responsible for popularizing the dance craze … Continue reading →