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“These Arms of Mine” was the first hit for the legendary Otis Redding who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. The single on Volt Records can now sell for $30.00. Redding was not only the soul singer’s soul singer, he was a family man who worked tirelessly to bring different races and cultures together. He was also a wise businessman, and unlike many of his contemporaries, he made sure he was paid all that was due him; not ripped off like so many others in the business. His debut album containing “These Arms of Mine” was “Pain in My Heart.” Released on ATCO Records in 1962, a copy is worth up to $200.00 today.

Not too much is known about Diane Ray except for the fact that her one big hit, “Please Don’t Talk to the Lifeguard,” is one of those songs that once you hear it, and it gets into your head, it stays there and you find yourself singing it to yourself for a long time. The 45, released on Mercury Records in 1963, is worth up to $50.00 with its picture sleeve. The album, “The Exciting Years,” containing her hit, can get you $100.00 today.

On April 14, 1968 producer Phil Spector marries Ronnie Bennett of the Ronettes. Her mother attends. Her sister Estelle and cousin Nedra (the other members of the Ronettes) are not invited.  Ronnie divorces Phil in 1972 citing several instances of alleged cruelty. Prior to the marriage, Philles Records releases the Ronettes’ 45, “Is This What I Get For Loving You.” Maybe it should have been recorded after the marriage. With picture sleeve it can sell for $150.00 today.

Among the giants of Jazz was Gerry Mulligan, most noted for his saxophone and as a composer and arranger. He joined forces with Miles Davis in the late 40’s as an arranger for many of the tracks on Davis’ “Birth of Cool.” Mulligan would go on to collaborate with other Jazz greats like Stan Kenton and Chet Baker. Among his own best received albums was “Mainstream of Jazz.” Released on Emacy Records in 1955, a copy is worth up to $150.00 today.

Among the one-hit-wonders of the early 1960’s was Randy and the Rainbows, started by brothers Mike and Sal Zero. In 1963, they had a top-10 Billboard hit with “Denise,” based on a real girl named Denise Lefrak. Their one and only hit was released by Rust records. A copy on a white label with rust and blue print is worth no more than $10.00, but a copy with a gold label can get you $100.00 today. Both versions are shown here.                         

Like the Grateful Dead, Phish has developed a massive following without much commercial airplay. With beginnings at the University of Vermont in the early 1980’s, Phish has sold almost 10 million records. Their concerts are continuously sold out and they often use audience participation. The original release in 1990 of their album, “Lawn Boy,” on A Go Go Records can sell for $500.00 today.

Doo Wop and Rockabilly records are among the most collectible on the market. An original copy of the Rockabilly record, “Gonna Rock And Roll Tonight” by Carl Mann, released on Jaxon Records in 1957, is worth up to $1,500.00. In 1951, the Larks recorded the Doo Wop song, “My Lost Love,” on Apollo Records. An original copy can get you $4,000.00 today.

If there was one song that exemplified the anti-war movement in the early 70’s, it was “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band. Lennon was accompanied on acoustic guitar by Tommy Smothers of the Smothers Brothers. The original release of the 45 in 1969 on Apple Records is worth up to $100.00 with its picture sleeve. In 1994, Capitol Records reissued “Give Peace a Chance.” There was no picture sleeve but the record is also worth up to $100.00 today.

On April 7,1956 Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally” enters the US Pop chart. It peaks at #6. The record hits # 1 on the R&B chart. It becomes his first top 10 hit. A cover version by Pat Boone appears on the Pop chart simultaneously and reaches #8. Boone’s version lacks the raucous sound from Little Richard’s original. “Long Tall Sally” by Pat Boone is worth no more than $25.00 as issued as a 45 on the Dot Label. The original by Little Richard released as a 78 on Specialty Records can sell for $100.00 today.

Many times the color of the vinyl can make a big difference in value. Sometimes the color of the record label can make all the difference. But in the case of “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley, it’s the color of the picture sleeve that counts. Released by RCA in 1956, a copy of the 45 with a black and pink picture sleeve is worth up to $100.00. With a green and black sleeve the value jumps up to $150.00. And a copy with a black and white picture sleeve can get you $200.00 today. The picture sleeves that came with many 45’s are worth more than the records! For more free samples click on “Mighty John’s Picture Sleeve Guide” in the yellow strip above. The guide lists the values for over 10,000 picture sleeves.