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Otis Williams and the Charms was one of the most popular Doo Wops groups of the 1950’s. They scored their biggest hit in 1954 with the million-seller, “Hearts of Stone,” which is now worth up to $100. More hits followed like “Ling Ting tong” and “Ivory Tower.” Otis Williams also sang Soul music in the 60’s and even Country music in the 70’s. The EP, “Hits By The Charms,” released on Deluxe Records in 1955, is worth up to $600.00 today.

Long after the glory days of the Doo Wop era and well into the British Invasion, a Doo Wop group from Cincinnati, the Casinos, charted at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967 with “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye.” The 45, released on Fraternity Records, is worth up to $10.00 while the album can get you $50.00. But the Casinos’ first single, “Do You Recall,” released on Name Records in 1962, is now worth up to $300.00.

Roger Moore first caught the attention of the public on the TV series, “Ivanhoe” and “Maverick,” where he starred as Cousin Beau alongside James Garner as Bret and Jack Kelly as Bart Maverick. And before becoming one of the favorite actors to play James Bond, Roger Moore gained more fame on TV from 1962-1969 as Simon Templar in “The Saint.” “The Saint” soundtrack album, released on RCA in 1966, is worth up to $350.00 today. “The Saint” is just one of the 10,000 soundtracks listed on our Soundtracks Guide in Microsoft Word, covering movies, TV shows, and Broadway shows. It’s available in the left hand column.

One of the lead singers for the Drifters was Ben E. King whose solo career is just as noteworthy. His top-10 hit, “Stand By Me,” in 1961 became a hit again in 1986 when it was used in the Stephen King movie, “Stand by Me.” In 1962, with a similar sounding melody, Ben E. King struck gold again with “Don’t Play That Song.” The 45, released on ATCO Records is worth up to $20.00 while his album of the same name can get you $100.00 today.

“See You Later, Alligator” is a song and saying made most famous by Bill Haley & His Comets. Released on Decca Records in 1955, it would be Haley’s last million-seller and is worth up to $50.00 today. In 1959, the alligator was featured again in song with “Crazy Alligator” by Irvin Russ. The single is barely known compared to “See You Later, Alligator.” However, “Crazy Alligator,” released on Felco Fecords, can sell for $750.00 today with its picture sleeve.

The first hit for Ray Charles came in 1955 with “I’ve Got a Woman.” Reportedly, Ray was listening to a Gospel song on the radio and felt the pace would be good for a Rhythm and Blues song. Many consider “I’ve Got a Woman” as one of the very first records that blossomed into what became known as Soul music. The 45, released on Atlantic Records, is worth up to $75.00. Find it on a 78 and the value goes up to $200.00. Both versions are shown here.

Along with Surf music in the 60’s, the airwaves were filled with songs about hot rods and racing. Among the most famous was “Dead Man’s Curve” by Jan and Dean in 1964. Just two years later, Jan almost died in a wreck on Whittier Drive, just a short way from the real dead man’s curve. The Liberty Records single is worth up to $75.00 with picture sleeve. Ironically, Susan Lynne recorded “Don’t Drag No More.” Apparently, Jan didn’t heed her words. Her 45 with picture sleeve, released on Capitol Records in 1964, is worth up to $150.00 today.

In 1962, one of the songs to top the Billboard Hot 100 was inspired by Jackie Kennedy, then first lady of the United States. But, before release, the title is changed from “Jackie” to “Terry.” But, that’s not the final title change. One of the group’s members convinces the others to name the song after a friend. Her name is Sherry. It will be the Four Seasons’ first big hit. The 45 on Vee-Jay Records is worth up to $25.00 today. The “Sherry” album on Vee-Jay can now sell for $75.00.

One-hit wonders, Danleers, hit #7 on Billboard in 1958 with the Doo Wop classic, “One Summer Night.” It was their manager Danny Webb who came up with their name, simply naming them after himself. The original 45 was released on Amp 3 records. If you have a copy, look closely. If their name is spelled correctly, it’s worth up to $50.00. However, on some copies their name is spelled Ðandleers (with a second “d”). A misspelled copy can sell for $150.00 today. Both versions are shown here.

Dean Martin made the character of Matt Helm famous in the 1960’s in films such as “Murderer’s Row,” one in a series of four Matt Helm films.  Spoofs of James Bond movies, the Matt Helm films were filled with jokes and beautiful women. The movie soundtrack music was provided by Lalo Schifrin. Dean Martin’s picture was not allowed on the album cover due to contractual arrangements. An original copy in stereo, released on Colgems records in 1967, is now worth up to $100.00. “Murderers’ Row” is just one of the 10,000 soundtracks listed on our Soundtracks Guide, covering movies, TV shows, and Broadway shows. It’s available in the left hand column.