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“Hitchin a Ride” was a top-10 classic for Vanity Fare in June of 1970. If you have a copy, is the group listed as Vanity FARE or Vanity FAIR? The single, released in 1970 on Pageone Records lists the group as Vanity Fare and is worth up to $15.00. However, first issues on Soma Records from 1968 list the group as Vanity Fair and a copy can sell for $150.00 today. (All the little things that can make a big difference in record values are described in detail in Mighty John’s “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column.)

“This Boy,” also known as, “Ringo’s Theme,” was on the first Beatles album on Capitol Records, “Meet the Beatles.” John Lennon tried to give the song a Motown feel. Paul McCartney said they were also influenced by the Phil Spector song, “To Know Him is to Love Him,” as sung by the Teddy Bears. In 1964, George Martin and his orchestra released the instrumental version of “Ringo’s Theme.” Released by United Artists, the 45 with picture sleeve is worth up to $100.00 today.(Find the values for over a million records in our “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column)

With hits like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,” it seemed like Jerry Lee Lewis’ star would burn bright for a long time, that is until he married his 13-year old cousin. The hits stopped. The concerts stopped. His star faded even with classics like “Great Balls of Fire,” which is worth up to $150.00 with its picture sleeve. Then, after several years, memories faded and the comeback was on with the album, “The Return of Rock.” Released on Smash Records in 1965, a copy can get you $100.00 today. It met with good success but nothing like the fame he gained when his Country Music career brought him back to the top of the charts.(Find the values for every record by Jerry Lee Lewis and by over 75,000 other recording artist in our “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column.)

Marvin Gaye was one of Motown’s most successful recording artist. For years, he wanted to be taken more seriously as a singer of standards in the vein of Nat King Cole and Sam Cooke. However, the record label was more interested in the top-40 market and pushing him to accept the teen idol image. His album, “Moods of Marvin Gaye,” released in 1966 featured two of those teen-oriented hits. “Ain’t That Peculiar” and “I’ll Be Doggone” quickly climbed the charts. The album is worth up to $275.00 today. (Find the values for every record by Marvin Gaye in our “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column.)

Known as the “king of the blues,” B.B. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Well into his 80’s, King continued to perform as many as 100 concerts a year. The B.B. stands for “Blues Boy.” Early in his career he ran into a burning building to save his guitar. Later, learning the fire was caused by two guys fighting over a girl named Lucille, he named all his guitars, “Lucille.” His 1958 album “The Blues,” released by Crown Records, can sell for $450.00 today. His first record, “Miss Martha King,” from 1949, released as a 78 on Bullet Records, can sell for $2,000.00 today. (Find the values for every record by B.B. King and by over 75,000 other recording artist in our “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column.)

The “Elvis movie formula” began with his second film, “Loving You.” The Elvis character rises from rags to riches to fame and fortune and all the troubles that come with it. This theme was repeated in his next two movies, “Jailhouse Rock” and “King Creole.” It was during his appearance in “Loving You” that Elvis dyed his hair black for the first time. The movie contained the giant Elvis hit, “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” with “Loving You” on the flip side. The 45 with picture sleeve can sell for $150.00. An original copy of the album, released by RCA in 1957, is worth up to $400.00 today. (Find the values for every record by Elvis and by over 75,000 other recording artist in our “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column.)

In 1965, Barbara Lewis had a hit with “Baby I’m Yours.” But it almost never happened. Barbara didn’t like the song. Take after take, her heart just wasn’t in it; that is until her manager told her his little daughter could do a better job. That ticked off Barbara and a hit was born. The single, released on Atlantic Records, is worth up to $30.00. The “Baby I’m Yours” album can sell for $125.00 today.(Find the values for over a million records in our “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column)

In the summer of 1955, 20-year old Elvis Presley gains national exposure for the first time when he reaches # 1 on Billboard, but not on the pop chart. He does it with a song on Billboards’ Country Chart with “I Forgot to Remember to Forget.” The 45, released on Sun Records, is worth up to $750.00 while the 78 rpm version can sell for up to $1200.00. Both are shown here.

(Find the values for every record by Elvis Presley and by over 75,000 other recording artist in our “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column.)

In 1966 the Beatles peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot 100 with “Eleanor Rigby.” It was the first Beatles’ release where none of the Beatles played instruments. A string section of studio musicians, composed of four violins, two cellos and two violas, performed a score composed by producer George Martin. Paul wrote most of the song, but it was Ringo who came up with the lyrics, “Writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear.” The 45 with picture sleeve can now sell for up to $125.00

(Find the values for every record by the Beatles and by over 75,000 other recording artist in our “Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left hand column.)

“Dazed and Confused” was a song Jimmy Page played with the Yardbirds in their live performances. When he joined Led Zeppelin, the group recorded and released it on their 1969 debut album. Due to the demand from radio, Atlantic Records released a promotional single with “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave” and “Dazed and Confused.” The 45 is worth up to $500.00. The picture sleeve is also valued up to $500.00.
(Find the values for all promo records with “Mighty John’s Promo Records Guide,” available in the yellow strip above.)