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Johnny Burnette was a prolific song-writer who wrote many hits for Ricky Nelson and others as well as himself. Among his own big hits in the early 60’s are “You’re Sixteen” and “Dreamin’.” His album on Coral Records in 1956, “Johnny Burnette & the Rock N Roll Trio,” is among the earliest Rock and Roll albums and worth up to $1,500.00 today. Counterfeits exist and can be identified by the lack of printing on the spine. Original copies have identification numbers mechanically stamped in the trail-off wax. Counterfeit copies are hand etched. All known counterfeit records are listed and described in the Mighty John Record Appraisal Guide. It’s available in the left hand column.

If there’s a king of Glam Rock, it has to be David Bowie. Not only a recording star but also a producer and actor, Bowie was a force in music since 1969 when his hit, “Space Oddity,” made him a star in his native England. His 1973 single, “Time,” on RCA is worth up to $50.00 but if you have or find an original copy of the “Time” picture sleeve, your “time” has come. It can sell up to $7,500.00 today.

Born in Chicago in 1909, Benny Goodman grew up to be the “king of swing.” Many major recording stars got their start with his band in the 1930’s and 1940’s. In 1934, Columbia Records released the Benny Goodman 78, “Riffin the Scotch.” What really adds to the value of this single is the singing voice of 18-year-old Billie Holiday. It was her first appearance on record. Current value is up to $1,000.00. She also sang on Benny Goodman’s other single from 1934. That 78 called “Your Mother’s Son-In-Law” is worth up to $1,000.00 as well.

The Youngbloods, led by Jessie Colin Young, had their first album, “The Youngbloods” in 1967. It contained “Get Together,” which became a top-10 Billboard Hot 100 hit two years later after getting exposure on a TV public service announcement promoting brotherhood. The album, released by RCA, was issued with two different covers. Those featuring a watercolor painting are worth up to $100.00. Covers showing a photo montage of the band are up to $200.00 today.

Carl Perkins, who was a member of the famous Million Dollar Quartet along with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, is best known for his classic hit, “Blue Suede Shoes,” which is worth up to $125.00 today. However, his first record, “Movie Magg,” was written when he was 13. It’s about taking his girlfriend, Maggie, to the movies. Released on Flip Records in 1955, the 45 can now sell for $1,500.00.

In the early 60’s, the Ronettes owned the charts with their classic, “Be My Baby.” That was followed by more hits like  “Baby, I Love You,” and “Walkin’ in the Rain.” By 1965 their popularity began to fade and their singles were less successful, but not less collectible. Their 45, “Is This What I Get For Loving You,” released on Philles Records, is worth up to $50.00. Add up to another $125.00 for the picture sleeve alone.

When it comes to the value of those old 78’s, nothing brings the green like the Blues. In 1928, Victor Records released “Cool Drink of Water Blues” by Tommy Johnson, now worth up to $3,000.00. In 1931 Paramount Records released “Flaggin’ it to Georgia” by Jaydee Short. Find a copy and up to $20,000.00 could be yours.

Considered to be one of the first heavy metal albums, “Vincebus Eruptum” by Blue Cheer featured their hit, “Summertime Blues,” a cover version of Eddie Cochran’s Rock and Roll classic. The single, released on Phillips Records in 1968, is worth up to $75.00 with its picture sleeve. The Blue Cheer album, “Vincebus Eruptum,” is worth up $50.00 in stereo but up to $250.00 in mono. Both 45 picture sleeve and album are pictured here.

Vogue picture or painted records, which were issued from 1946-1947, can be very collectible. They were produced by Sav-Way Industries of Detroit. There are about 75 in the series like “When I get Where I’m Going” by Patsy Montana. A copy is worth up to $200.00. “Easter Parade” by Judy Garland on Vogue Records can sell up to $1,000.00 today. “These are just two of the picture discs you’ll find listed on our “Picture Discs Price Guide.” It’s available in the left column.

Jape Richardson, better known as the Big Bopper, had one giant hit in 1958 with “Chantilly Lace.” But he became legendary on Feb.3, 1959 when he died in the same plane crash with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. That date will always be remembered as “the day the music died.” An original copy of “Chantilly Lace” on D Records is worth up to $200.00. The “Chantilly Lace” album, released on Mercury Records is worth no more than $15.00 if the label pictures the Chicago skyline. It’s worth up to $100.00 if the label is red and up to $500.00 if the label is black. Original issues and re-issues of every record are detailed in “Mighty John’s Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left column.