Monthly Archives: August 2021

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 →

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 →

The number of hits by Chuck Berry seems endless and many of them can be found on his third album “Chuck…Berry is on Top.” The album could be called a greatest hits album with classics like “Maybellene,” “Johnny B Goode,” … Continue reading →

Lavern Baker was one of the most popular and successful female singers of the early Rock N Roll era. Her string of hits began in 1955 with “Tweedle Dee.” A year later she hit big again with “Jim Dandy.” In … Continue reading →

Joe Cooke was one of Rock N Roll’s first singers to use a falsetto voice, well before Frankie Valli made the style famous. With Little Joe and the Thrillers, he had a hit with “Peanuts” before the Four Seasons had … Continue reading →

The Platters was without a doubt the most prolific and successful Doo Wop group of the early Rock and Roll era. The hits started in 1955 with “Only You.” That was followed by more classics like “The Great Pretender,” “My … Continue reading →

In 1969, Pink Floyd provided the soundtrack music for the movie, “More.” This was the first album on which founding band member Syd Barrett did not appear. “More” is a film that deals with heroin addiction along with other drugs … Continue reading →

In the mid-1960’s, Wilson Pickett was the soul of Soul music with hits such as “In the Midnight Hour” and “Mustang Sally.” In 1991, he was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Pickett first tasted success as … Continue reading →

After starring in several beach movies with Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello recorded a Surf album in 1965. Among the songs are Beach Boys covers like “Surfin’,” “Surfin’ Safari,” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.” There are also Jan & Dean covers of “Ride … Continue reading →