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Clarence “Frogman” Henry had his first hit in 1956 with “Ain’t Got No Home” where he “croaked” some of the lyrics. An original copy can sell for $25.00. During the birth of the British Invasion, the Frogman was the opening act for the Beatles on many of their appearances. Two of his biggest hits came in 1961 with “(I Don’t Know Why I Love You) But I Do” and “You Always Hurt The One You Love.” The album of the same name, released on Argo Records, is worth up to $125.00 today.

In 1967, the guru of the hippy generation, Dr. Timothy Leary, popularized the saying “Turn on, tune in, drop out.” It’s just what the psychedelic generation wanted to hear. It was close to another popular phrase of the day, “Sex, drugs, and Rock N Roll.” “Turn on, Tune in, Drop Out” was not only the title of Timothy Leary’s book but also of his album released by E.S.P. Records in 1966. A copy of the record can get you $300.00 today. Far out, man!

Gladys Knight & the Pips were together for over 35 years cranking out hits like “I Heard It through the Grapevine” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.” They first charted in 1961 with “Every Beat of My Heart.” Their second hit came in 1962 with “Letter Full of Tears.”  The single is worth up to $25.00. The “Letter Full of Tears” album , released by Fury Records in 1962, can get you $400.00 today.

They called Brenda Lee “Little Miss Dynamite” when she began her rise to fame in 1956. Since then she has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame, The little lady with the booming voice hit the Billboard Hot 100 over 35 times including the single “Sweet Nothin’s.” Released on Decca Records in 1959, a copy with its picture sleeve is worth up to $125.00 today.

The Blues can make you happy if you come across some of the old Blues 78’s prior to World War II. For example, “Match Box Blues” by Blind Lemon Jefferson, released on Okeh Records in 1927, is worth up to $1,500.00. In 1928, Victor Records issued, “Brown Mama Blues,” by Ishman Bracy. A copy can get you $2,500.00 today.

Bruce Johnston became a member of the Beach Boys in 1965. Prior to that he found work backing such greats as Ritchie Valens, the Everly Brothers, and Eddie Cochran. Johnston’s first hit as a Beach Boy was “California Girls.” That single on Capitol Records is worth up to $75.00 with its picture sleeve. In 1963 Columbia Records released the Bruce Johnston album, “Surfin’ Round The World.” A copy can get you $350.00 today.

Rolling Stone magazine lists Lightnin’ Hopkins as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. It is said that he recorded almost 1000 songs. His recording career began in the 1940’s with Aladdin Records. It was the first of many labels that he worked for. Among the most successful was Fire Records with whom he recorded one of his biggest hits, “Mojo Hand.” The 1961 single, “Mojo Hand,” is worth no more than $20.00 but the 1962 “Mojo Hand” album can get you $1,200.00 today.

“Led Zeppelin lll” was the third album for the band and featured more folk rock and acoustic renditions. The “Immigrant Song” is the best known track. That 45 is not worth much more than $15.00 but the “Led Zeppelin III” album is collectible. The album features a movable wheel behind the front cover with more images than those on the front. Released on Atlantic Records in 1970, a copy can get you $300.00 today.

Ben E King had several hits in the early 1960’s including “Stand By Me,” which also became a hit again in 1986 with the release of the movie of the same name, based on a novel by Stephen King. Ben E King was also one of the lead singers for the Drifters on such hits as “Save the Last Dance for Me.” In 1961 he recorded “Spanish Harlem,” his first solo hit. The single, “Spanish Harlem,” is worth up to $25.00. The album, “Spanish Harlem,” released on ATCO Records, can get you $100.00 today.

The Left Banke was one of the many American bands who capitalized on the British Invasion with similar harmonies like their English contemporaries. Their biggest hit came in 1966 with “Walk Away Renee.” Their second album, “The Left Banke Too,” had a young Steven Tyler as a backing vocalist. This was well before his Aerosmith fame. The ”Walk Away Renee” album and  “The Left Banke Too” album, released on Smash Records, can each get you $75.00 today.