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Recording as Runt, Todd Rundgren released his first debut album, “Runt,” in 1970. However, Runt was regarded as a trio consisting of Rundgren, Hunt Sales on drums, and bass player Tony Sales. Previously, Rundgren was part of the group Nazz whose biggest hit was “Hello It’s Me.” That single can fetch $50.00 with its picture sleeve, The “Runt” album, released on Ampex/Bearsville Records, is worth up to $100.00 today.

Pearl Jam’s rise to stardom began in 1991. They have been called “the most popular Rock N Roll band of the 90’s.” Breaking out of Seattle, they brought Grunge to the mainstream. Their fusion of Punk and Classic Rock exploded on the FM airways. In 2009, Pearl Jam released the 45 from their album, “The Fixer.” Written and recorded by lead singer Eddie Vedder, an orange vinyl copy of the single, released on Monkeywrench Records, can get you $600.00 today. Make it $800 for blue vinyl.

Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon and Fabian were major teen idols in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. The list of Bobby Rydell’s hits in those years are massive including “Swingin School,” “Kissin Time,” “Volare,” “Wildwood Days,” and “Forget Him.” His first album, “We Got Love” was also the title of one of his biggest hits. The 45 with picture sleeve can sell for $50.00. Released on Cameo Records in 1962, a copy of the album can sell for $100.00 today.

April 28,1990 is a wedding day for 2 major rockers. Jon Bon Jovi marries his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. They are still together. Also on the same day, Axl Rose of Guns ‘N’ Roses marries Erin Everly. Her dad is Don Everly of the Everly Brothers. This blissful union lasts just 27 days.  Guns ‘N’ Roses biggest album is 1987’s “Appetite for Destruction.”  Copies with a skull and cross cover are worth no more than $15.00 but covers featuring a robot can get you $75.00 today.

Frank Zappa wrote in a variety of styles that he exemplified in solo albums like “Hot Rats” and “Lumpy Gravy” and albums such as “Freak Out” and “We’re Only in It for the Money” with the Mothers of Invention. Zappa was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. His concept album, “Cruising with Ruben and the Jets,” showed his love of ‘50’s music. Released on Verve records in 1968, a copy can sell for $100.00 today. The 45, “Deseri,” from the album, is worth up to $400.00.

In 1960, Paul Anka and every boy’s favorite Mouseketeer, Annette, were an “item.” He wrote a hit record about their romance called “Puppy Love.” It went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 45 with picture sleeve can fetch $50.00. It’s ironic that 5 years later Annette married Paul Anka’s manger, Jim Gilardi. But Paul loved her long enough to write songs for her album “Annette Sings Anka.” Released on Buena Vista Records in 1960, a copy is worth up to $100.00 today.

From time to time throughout the history of Rock N Roll, an advertiser would sponsor albums by the big stars of the day. In 1961, Brylcreem (with the slogan of “A Little Dab’ll Do Ya”) promoted the album, “Sing Along with Connie Francis.” The value is not much: up to $20.00 but in 1971, Doral cigarettes issued a mail-order album by Diana Ross. A copy can get you $200.00 today.

Among the most successful girl-groups of the 60’s was the Ronettes. Produced by Phil Spector, they cranked out major hits like “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You,” and “Walking in the Rain.” Released in 1964, “Walking in the Rain” would go on to win a Grammy Award. An original copy on Philles Records is worth up to $40.00 but the picture sleeve can get to $125.00 today.

During the golden age of Rock N Roll, instrumentals were more prevalent on the charts than in later years. Among the standouts were those by the Ventures and Duane Eddy. But there were many one-hit wonders like “Wild Weekend” by the Rockin Rebels. Originally recorded as a theme song for Tom Shannon on WKBW in Buffalo, “Wild Weekend” went top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 45 can now sell for $40.00. The “Wild Weekend” album, released on Swan Records in 1963, can sell for $100.00 today.

The second album for Santana was “Abraxas.” The record was a perfect mixture of Rock with Latin influences. Rolling Stone lists “Abraxas” on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The cover depicts the painting of “The Annunciation” my Mart Klatwein.  Featuring two of Santana’s biggest hits, “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” an original copy of the album on Columbia Records is worth up to $150.00 today as is the first Santana album. Both are shown here.