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“Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs topped the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1963. The band was originally produced by Norman Petty, producer for Buddy Holly. “Sugar Shack” on Dot Records is not too collectible, certainly not more than $10.00. But in 1964, Jimmy Gilmer paid tribute to Buddy Holly with the album, “Buddy’s Buddy.” Released on Dot Records, a copy can get you $100.00 today.

The early part of the 20th century produced a lot of collectible records by mostly unknown Blues artists whose contributions to the big stars to follow are immeasurable. Here are two examples. In 1929, Paramount Records released the 78, “Low Down Woman” by Blind Roosevelt Graves. It’s worth up to $2,000.00. In 1928, Victor Records issued the 78, “Bye Bye Blues,” by Tommy Johnson. A copy can get you $4,000.00 today.

“Have Guitar Will Travel” by Bo Diddley was the third album by the Rock N Roll icon. A year earlier in 1958 the Duane Eddy album, “Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel” was released. Both Bo and Duane used the titles to capitalize on the popular TV western, “Have Gun Will Travel.” The Duane Eddy album, released by Jamie Records, is worth up to $50.00. Issued by Checker Records, the Bo Diddley album can get you $150.00 today.

Led by David Gates, Bread was a hit-making machine with their soft-rock sound in the 1970’s. Their first hit, “Make It with You” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970. But the “bread” is for David Gates’ singles before he formed his famous band. The album, “Best of Bread,” released on Elektra Records in 1973, is worth up to $30.00 but the David Gates single, “You’ll Be My Baby,” released on Mala Records in 1960, can get you $125.00 today.

A lot of recording stars began their careers singing under other names. In 1957, well before they were known as Simon and Garfunkel, the duo recorded as Tom & Jerry. They even appeared on American Bandstand performing their minor hit, “Hey School Girl.” Released on a 78 by Big Top Records it’s worth up to $250.00 today. In 1958, before Frankie Valli found fame as leader of the Four Seasons, he recorded as Frankie Tyler on the single, “I Go Ape” on Okeh Records. A copy can get you $400.00 today.

Actress Joey Heatherton was a popular guest on many TV variety shows in the 1960’s including “The Perry Como Show” and “The Dean Martin Show.” She was also a favorite of G.I.’s overseas as part of Bob Hope’s USO tours. Like her acting career, her recording career was pretty meager, but there’s no denying she was a treat to look at. In 1966 Decca Records released the Joey Heatherton single, “When You Call Me Baby,” now worth up to $125.00. Add up to $150.00 for the picture sleeve. Both are shown here.

Shooby-dooby, those old Doo Wop records can bring a lot of money. Here are two more to look for. In 1956, Hollywood Records released “Dear One” by the Feathers. That 45 is now worth up to $1,000.00. “Deed I Do” by the Gems, released on Drexel Records in 1954 on red vinyl, can get you $3,000.00 today.

The biggest hit for Motown artist Brenda Holloway came in 1964 with “Every Little Bit Hurts.” The 45 can now fetch $50.00. She had a lesser hit with “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” which later became a major hit for Blood, Sweat & Tears. In 1964, Holloway toured with Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars, which also featured a new struggling girl group called the Supremes. The “Every Little Bit Hurts” album, released on Motown’s Tamla Label in 1965, is worth up to $300.00 today.

Beginning in the mid-60’s and going through the mid-70’s, the Hollies scored 17 top-10 hits. Among the biggest was their first single, “Bus Stop,” followed by “On a Carousel” and “Carrie Ann,” which can now sell for $40.00 with picture sleeve as seen here on the left. Their biggest hit came in 1969 with “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” In 1967, the Hollies released their second psychedelic album, “Dear Eloise/King Midas in Reverse.” Released on Epic Records, the album is worth up to $100.00 today.

Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald were two iconic musical giants in the 20th century. In 1972 Armstrong was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. Ella was known as the Queen of Jazz. On their own they had numerous hits and when they got together it was pure joy. They did their first album together in 1956. It would be the first of three such collaborations. The album, “Ella and Louis,” released on Verve Records, can get you $300.00 today.