Monthly Archives: April 2024

In 1961, Mattel released a three-record set called “Barbie Sings” featuring Charlotte Austin as Barbie and Bill Cunningham as Ken. Titles include “My First Date,” “Recipe for Instant Love,” and “Nobody Taught Me.” Individual records are worth up to $20.00 … Continue reading →

Those obscure Soul records issued in the U.S. in the 60’s and 70’s are heavily coveted by record collectors. Known as “Northern Soul,” these singles command big money. In 1966, Old Town Records released “Left Out” by Jesse Johnson. An … Continue reading →

Who was your favorite Beatle? Based on the number of records referring to him at the beginnings of the British Invasion, it was Ringo. In 1964, Decca Records released “Ringo for President” by the Young World Singers. A copy can … Continue reading →

In 1964, Tommy Tucker hit # 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Hi-Heel Sneakers.” It has become a Blues standard with versions by over a thousand recording artists including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley. Tommy Tucker’s … Continue reading →

Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen went top 10 in 1972 with “Hot Rod Lincoln” and the unforgettable lyrics, “You’re gonna’ drive me to drinkin’ if you don’t quit drivin’ that Hot Rod Lincoln.” However, the album it’s on, … Continue reading →

On August 11,1958, the hit at the top of the Billboard Chart would become the very first rock and roll record to be awarded a gold record by the RIAA, the Recording Industry Association of America. The song is “Hard … Continue reading →

You might think the “little girl with the big voice” was coined for multi-hit maker Brenda Lee but in this case it refers to Timi Yuro, an early Blue-eyed Soul singer. Her first big hit, “Hurt,” reached #4 on the … Continue reading →

Rock ‘N’ Roll Dance Party” was released by King Records in 1958. It featured some of the great Rhythm & Blues artists of the day including Little Willie John singing “Fever,” Billy Ward & the Dominoes doing “Have Mercy Baby,” … Continue reading →

“Best of the Beatles” was released by Savage records in 1965. The cover pictures Pete Best, Stu Sutcliff, and John, Paul, and George. The “Best” in the title refers to drummer Pete Best and not to a greatest hits connotation. … Continue reading →

It seems strange and unbelievable that with all the classic hits he had, Chuck Berry’s only #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit came in 1972 with “My Ding-a-Ling.”  The closest he came prior to that was in 1958 with “Sweet Little … Continue reading →