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Ricky Nelson has never been given the respect he deserves as one great Rock N Roller. From the beginning it was thought he was a manufactured teen idol like Fabian. His family’s TV show, “The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet,” was already a hit when he did an impersonation of Elvis. The song he sang, “I’m Walkin,” went on to sell a million copies. An original copy on an orange Verve record label can sell today for $75.00. His first album, where he shared billing with other singers, was called “Teen Time.” Released on Verve Records in 1957, its worth up to $300.00 today on a black Verve label. Blue Verve labels are re issues and no more than $50.00.

The Heavy Metal, hard rockin’ Punk band Guns ‘N’ Roses holds the record for the biggest selling debut album in the history of Rock N Roll with the 1987 release of “Appetite For Destruction.” But they did release an EP prior to that, and that is where the bigger money is. “Live Like a Suicide,” as seen here and released on UZI Suicide Records in 1986, is worth up to $300.00 today.

Clambake” is used many times as an example of a bad Elvis movie. By 1967 his movies had been so poorly received that “Clambake” was the last film for which Elvis could command a million dollar salary. The 1967 soundtrack album released by RCA is worth up to $50.00 in stereo and $300.00 in mono. A 12 X 12 bonus photo of Elvis and Priscilla on their wedding day, inside the cover of either version, would add another $50.00 to the value.

Roy Head and the Traits had been around a long time before they hit big with the Blue-Eyed Soul single, “Treat Her Right,” in 1965. A copy on Back Beat Records is worth up to $20.00. Roy’s style on stage caused many to call him the white man’s James Brown. The album, “Roy Head and the Traits,” released on TNT Records in 1965, is worth up to $200.00 today. Note: counterfeits exist. Counterfeits include “Treat Her Right.” Originals do not. All known counterfeit records are listed and described in Mighty John’s Record Appraisal Guide. It’s available in the left hand column.

Creedence Clearwater Revival was a band with numerous Rock N Roll classics beginning with “Suzie Q” in 1968 followed by “Proud Mary” the same year. In 1969 came four more hits including “Bad Moon Rising” and “Green River.” Three more hits followed in 1970 including “Travelin Band.” However, before they were CCR, John Fogerty and the boys recorded as the Golliwogs. Their 1966 single, “Walking on the Water,” on Scorpio Records is worth up to $200.00 today. As Creedence Clearwater Revival their most valuable 45 is “45 Revolutions per Minute.” Released on Fantasy records in 1970, a copy can sell for $300.00 today.

Before the Supremes became household names with hits like “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love” and “Stop In The Name Of Love,” the ladies released a few lesser-known singles that can be quite valuable today. Among them is their 1962 single, “Your Heart Belongs To Me.” Issued by Motown, the 45 is worth up to $350.00 and the picture sleeve by itself, as shown here, is worth up to $2,500.00 today.

Jackie Gleason was a comedic genius and probably best remembered for playing Ralph Kramden on “The Honeymooners.” Although Gleason developed many lush, romantic “mood music” records, which have little monetary value, the value for his album, “And Awaaay We Go!,” released by Capitol Records in 1954, with songs sung in character by Joe the Bartender, Ralph Kramden, Reggie Van Gleason III and the Poor Soul is worth up to $100.00 today.

There wasn’t that much vinyl being produced by 1997, but some albums that were have become collectible such as “Flaming Pie” by Paul McCartney. Critics acclaimed it as one of his better albums with the charm he had exemplified on his 1971 “Ram” album. “Flaming Pie,” released on Capitol Records, is worth up to $100.00 today with another $25.00 added if with “World Tonight” cover sticker as shown here.

Dizzy Gillespie was a Jazz innovator responsible for a style known as Be-bop. He was also known for the weird shape of his trumpet. A recipient in 1990 of the Kennedy Center Honors Award, Dizzy was famous as well for his pouched cheeks as he blew magic through his trumpet. Twenty of his records are worth up to $100 or more, among them his 1952 album, “Horn Of Plenty,” released by Blue Note Records. It’s worth up to $200.00 today.  His 1954 album,“Afro Dizzy,” on Norgran Records can fetch $400.00.

Mickey Gilley who is cousin to Rock N Roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis and preacher Jimmy Swaggart and owner of Gilley’s, the world’s largest honky tonk and where the girls all look prettier at closing time, is best known for his hit, “Room Full of Roses.” On Playboy Records it’s not much of a collectible at up to $5.00 but his first record in 1957, “Ooh Wee Baby,” released on Minor Records, is worth up to $800.00 today.