moneymusic.com

Ronnie Self is probably best known for the hits he wrote for Brenda Lee including “I’m Sorry” and “Sweet Nothin’s.” In 1957, over the objections of Columbia Records big-wig Mitch Miller, Ronnie Self was signed to the label. He was their first Rockabilly singer. His only charted 45 was “Bop-A-Lena.” Released in 1958, a copy can get you $75.00 but his EP “Ain’t I’m a Dog” from 1957 is worth up to $750.00 today.

Taking their name from Belmont Avenue in the Bronx, the Belmonts led by Dion cranked out the hits in the late 1950’s. They had their first hit with “I Wonder Why” in 1958. Next up was “Nobody Knows,” which hit # 19 on the Billboard charts. Their biggest hit “Where or When” hit #3 in 1959, but they are best known for their second biggest hit “A Teenager in Love.” That 45 in stereo can fetch $50.00 today. In 1959, Laurie Records released the EP “Their Hits” by Dion & the Belmonts featuring their first hit and “A Teenager in Love.” A copy is worth up to $200.00 today.

Among the most valuable records of all time is a release from the legendary Sun record label in Memphis. “Lonesome Old Jail” with “Greyhound Blues” on the flip side was recorded and released in 1953 by Blues artist, D.A. Hunt. For 50 years it was thought that the record was only available as a 78 but a 45 version is now known to exist. The 78 rpm record is worth up to $5,000.00 but find an original 45 and you’ve hit the jackpot. An original copy can sell for $40,000.00 today. Re issues that are not collectible do exist.

In anticipation of the Beach Boys’ single, “Heroes and Villains,” Capitol Records ordered a picture sleeve for the record. But before the song was available, the Beach Boys had formed their own label, Brother. They issued “Heroes and Villains” as their first single on their new label. The cartoon picture sleeve for the Brother release in 1967 is worth up to $75.00. But the Capitol picture sleeve from 1966, showing six pictures of members of the Beach Boys, can sell for $500.00 today.

The Platters was the most popular Doo Wop group of all time. Their 1956 album, “The Platters,” contains many of their early hits like “My Prayer,” “I’m Sorry,” and “On My Word of Honor.” “The Platters Vol. 2” features their versions of classics of the day like “September in the Rain” and “In the Still of the Night.” Each of these albums was released by Mercury Records in 1956 and each is worth up to $100.00 today.

The Crystals was one of the most successful girl-groups of the 60’s. Produced by Phil Spector, they gave us classics like “He’s a Rebel,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” and “Then He Kissed Me.” Their first single, “There’s No Other Like My Baby,” released on Philles Records in 1961 is worth up to $40.00 but their last record “I Got a Man,” released by United Artists in 1966, can get you $400.00 today.

Jimmy Clanton is among the stars who made New Orleans a mecca of musical talent, along with Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price, and Huey “Piano” Smith. Clanton first hit it big in 1958 with the million-seller, “Just a Dream.” He followed up with hits like “Go Jimmy Go” and “Venus in Blue Jeans.” In 1960 Ace Records released the album set “Jimmy’s Happy/Jimmy’s Blue.” It’s worth up to $100.00 today.

One of the most iconic movies of all time, “Dirty Harry,” has one of the great iconic lines of all time spoken by Clint Eastwood. “I know what you’re thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all the excitement I’ve kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 magnum-the most powerful handgun in the world and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one question-do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” In 1973 Verve records released a 45 of “Dirty Harry” by Lalo Schifrin. A copy would make it a lucky day, punk. It’s worth up to $200.00 today.

Born into a musical family, one of Lavern Baker’s aunts was Jazz singer Merline Johnson. Another one of her aunts was legendary Blues artist Memphis Minnie. Lavern Baker was one of the most successful solo female singers in the early days of Rock and Roll with classics like “Jim Dandy” and “I Cried a Tear.” But her first hit came in 1955 with “Tweedle Dee.” The 45, released on Atlantic Records, is worth up to $50.00 while the “Tweedle Dee” EP can sell for $300.00 today. Both 45 and EP are pictured here.

Soupy Sales had the #1 TV show in Los Angeles in the early 60’s. Even Frank Sinatra was a guest. In 1964, Soupy moved his show to New York and was syndicated throughout the country. Famous for getting pies shoved in his face, he also played clubs and Broadway. In 1962, Reprise Records released the Soupy Sales album, “Up in the Air.” That’s not worth more than $30.00 but the single “My Baby’s Got a Crush on Frankenstein,” contained on the album, is worth up to $100.00 whether it’s a commercial or promo copy.