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In 1965, the Byrds hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the Bob Dylan song, “Mr. Tambourine Man.” The 45 on Columbia Records is worth no more than $15.00. However, an early version of the Byrds, including members David Crosby, Gene Clark, and Jim McGuinn, was called the Beefeaters. They released a single in 1964 called “Please Let Me Love You.” Released on Elektra Records, a copy can get you $400.00 today.

The Angels had their biggest hit in 1963 with “My Boyfriend’s Back,” a song they originally recorded as a demo for the most popular girl-group of the day, the Shirelles. But the demo was so good by the Angels that they got to release it. The Angels did have success prior to “My Boyfriends’ Back” with minor hits like “Til” and “Cry Baby Cry” (a $40.00 value) for Caprice Records. Those songs can be found on the Angel’s first album called “And the Angels Sing.” Released in 1962, a copy can get you $150.00 today.

“Sweet Home Chicago” was among the classics performed by the Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, on record and in the “Blues Brothers” movie. The song has been recorded by several recording artists including the hit version in 1959 by Little Junior Parker. Released by Duke Records, a copy can sell for $75.00 today. However, the first release by the great Robert Johnson is a huge collectible. Issued as a 78 on Vocalion Records in 1937, it’s worth up to $10,000.00.

Novelty records, in general, tend not to be very collectible. But, as with most everything, there are exceptions. In a case of if-at-first-you-don’t-succeed-try-try-again, the Doo-Wop group, the Devotions, scored their one big hit with “Rip Van Winkle.” First released on Delta Records in 1961, the song was a bust. Roulette Records released the song again in 1962. Still no success. But in 1964, Roulette gave it one more try and it became a top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The Roulette release is worth up to $15.00 but the original issue on Delta Records can get you $150.00 today.

“The Parent Trap” first came to the silver screen in 1961. Starring Haley Mills in a double role as twins, the Disney movie was nominated for two Academy Awards. A song from the movie called “Let’s Get Together” went top-10 on the Billboard Hot 100 for Haley Mills. With picture sleeve, it’s worth up to $40.00 while the “The Parent Trap” title song and “Let’s Get Together” by Tommy Sands and Annette, released by Buena Vista Records as a 7 inch 33, is worth up to $500.00 with its picture sleeve.

The Cyrkle was a popular 60’s band who often appeared with the Beatles on their U.S. tours. But it was Paul Simon who gave them their biggest break when the Cyrkle was on tour with Simon and Garfunkel. The song Simon co-wrote was “Red Rubber Ball,” which the Cyrkle brought all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. Released on Columbia Records, a commercial copy of the 45 is worth no more than $10.00, but a red vinyl promo copy can sell for $100.00 today. Mighty John’s Promo Guide lists all promos that are worth more than a commercial copy. For more free examples, click on “Mighty John’s Promo Guide” in the yellow strip above.

The Crests, led by Johnny Mastro, were consistent hit-makers in the late 1950s and early 60s with hits like “16 Candles,” “Six Nights a Week,” “The Angels Listened In,” “Step By Step,” “Trouble in Paradise,” and “ Isn’t it Amazing.” All these hits can be found on their album “Best of the Crests featuring Johnny Mastro/16 Fabulous Hits.” Released on Coed Records in 1960, an original copy is worth up to $400.00 today.

Drummer Dave Bailey provided the beat behind some of the great Jazz artists of the day including Johnny Hodges, Kenny Dorham, Gerry Mulligan, Cal Tjader, and Horace Silver. Many credit Bailey with the popularity of Bossa Nova. He later became involved in music education in New York City and the executive director of the Jazzmobile. His 1961 album, “Bash,” released on Jazz Line Records, is worth up to $1,500.00 today.

After the death of Buddy Holly, the Crickets continued to tour and record. The Crickets, including Jerry Allison, Sonny Curtis, Joe B. Maudlin and Niki Sullivan were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Ironically, in 1964, one-time member David Box would also die in a plane crash. The Crickets album ,“In Style,” released on Coral Records in 1960, is now worth up to $300.00. Blue label promo copies as seen here can sell for $550.00 today.

It seems that every hit series of the 1950’s and 60’s produced records for its stars. Shelly Fabares from “The Donna Reed Show” was probably the most successful with her #1 hit, “Johnny Angel.” And then there’s the “Beave,” Jerry Mathers, from “Leave it to Beaver.” In 1962, Atlantic Records released the single, “Wind-up Toy,” by Jerry Mathers. It wasn’t a hit but it’s now worth up to $50.00. In 1966 with his band, Beaver and the Trappers, he tried again but to no success again. However, that single called “In Misery,” released on White Cliffs Records, can get you $750.00 today.