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The Clovers had the first hit version of Leiber and Stoller’s “Love Potion #9.” The Clovers brought it to #23 on Billboard. Others who would later record the song include Neil Diamond, AC/DC, Robert Plant, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, and even Alvin & the Chipmunks. But it was the Searchers who had the biggest hit with it, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965. However, the Searchers’ 45, released on Kapp Records, is worth no more than $10.00 while the original single by the Clovers, released on United Artists in 1959, is worth up to $50.00. Their “Love Potion # 9” album can sell for $200.00 today.

“Paperback Writer” was another Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit in 1966 for the Beatles. Paul sang lead while John Lennon and George Harrison provided background vocals by harmonizing the French nursery rhyme “Frere Jacques.” The picture sleeve is unique in the sense that it shows Lennon and Harrison playing left-handed. Released on Capitol Records, the 45 is worth up to $50.00. The picture sleeve by itself can get you $250.00 today.

Baby-boomers, remembering their childhood, still fondly recall “The Howdy Doody Show” and Clarabelle the Clown. There were three Clarabelles during the show’s run including Bob Keeshan who would later find more fame as Captain Kangaroo. The last to play Clarabelle was Lew Anderson. Host, Buffalo Bob, said Lew was the best at entertaining the kids in the Peanut Gallery. Anderson was also a Jazz musician. His album “Clarabelle Clowns with Jazz,” released on Golden Crest Records in 1957, is worth up to $300.00 today.

“Little Latin Lupe Lu” was written by Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers and first recorded by them. Released on Moonglow Records in 1962, a copy is worth up to $40.00. Since then, it has become a standard for many Rock N Roll bands like Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels who had the biggest hit with it, although worth no more than $10.00. However, the 1965 version by the Chancellors, released on Soma Records, is worth the most. With picture sleeve, a copy can sell for $600.00 today.

On October, 13, 2012, B.B. Cunningham, one time member of Ronnie & the Daytonas who charted in 1964 with (Little) “G.T.O.” is shot to death in Memphis while a member of Jerry Lee Lewis’ band. The “G.T.O.”45 can fetch $25.00. The album, released on Mala Records, is now worth up to $100.00.

In 1965, the Who recorded a song that expressed the anger and frustration of 1960’s teenagers. Roger Daltry stutters during the song to fit the lyrics to the music. The BBC says it is offensive to people who stutter and initially refuses to play “My Generation.”  The 45 on Decca is now worth up to $30.00. The album can get you $100.00 today.

One of the rarest Annette collectibles is the single, “Meetin’ at the Malt Shop,” from 1958. It’s unique in the sense that Annette is not heard on the record. Her name is listed only because she is pictured on the sleeve and mentioned on the label. The picture sleeve also shows Tim Considine, best known for the Disney serial, “Spin and Marty,” and as one of Fred McMurray’s sons on “My Three Sons.” A copy of the record and picture sleeve, released on Disneyland Records, is worth up to $600.00 today.

The hits began for Lou Christie in 1962 with “The Gypsy Cried.” That was followed by more smash singles, “Two Faces Have I” and “Lightnin’ Strikes.” Next up would be his last hit. “Rhapsody in the Rain” would also become his most controversial. Some radio stations wouldn’t play the version with the lyrics that included “makin’ out in the rain.” Versions had to be re-cut replacing the objectionable lyrics with “fell in love in the rain.” Despite that, Christies next single, “If My Car Could Only Talk” continued the passion of the two lovers in “Rhapsody in the Rain.” The 45 of “If My Car Could Talk,” released my M-G-M records in 1966, is now worth up to $400.00 with its picture sleeve.

In 1975, Freddy Fender hit #1 on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 with “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” He followed up with another million-seller called “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights.” That song was first recorded by Freddy in 1959 on Duncan records. However, upon his conviction for marijuana in 1960, the song and his popularity faded. But it’s hard to keep a good man and good song down. The version on ABC/Dot from 1975 that sold a million copies is worth no more than $5.00 while that 1959 original on Duncan Records can sell for $150.00 today.

Topps is best known for its chewing gum that came with baseball cards, football cards, and various other sports trading-cards. Their most popular gum is Bazooka. Lesser known products issued by Topps with chewing gum are records, which were 6 inch picture discs like “I Can’t Help Myself” by the Four Tops and “My World is Empty Without You” by the Supremes. Released by Topps in 1967, each is worth up to $150.00 today.