It is generally believed that the most popular Big Band leader of the 30’s and 40’s was Tommy Dorsey. Until Elvis came along, Dorsey was RCA’s biggest selling recording star. Ironically, it was Tommy’s brother, Jimmy, who highlighted Elvis in his TV show for 6 consecutive weeks at the beginning of 1956. In 1945, Vogue Records released the picture disc, “Cocktails for Two,” featuring Tommy Dorsey. It’s worth up to $1,000.00 today.

(You can find the values for over 1,000 picture discs with “Mighty John’s Picture Disc Guide,” available in the left hand column.)