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A former boxer and marine, Lee Dorsey had his first hit “(Sittin’ here la la waitin’ for my) Ya Ya” in 1961, which is worth up to $40.00. John Lennon recorded the song several years later. Other hits followed like “Do Re Mi” and the top 10 hit, “Workin In a Coal Mine,” covered by Devo in 1981. The “Ya Ya” album, released on Fury Records in 1962, is worth up to $250.00 today.

In the mid 60’s through the mid 70’s, B.J. Thomas owned the charts with hits like “Hooked On a Feeling” and “I Just Can’t Help Believing.” His biggest success came in 1970 with the number one hit, “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,”which is worth no more than $10.00.” However, it all began in 1965 with the single “Keep It Up.” Released on Joed Records, its worth up to $400.00 today.

Rufus Thomas was a Dee Jay in Memphis radio in the early 50’s as was his best friend, B.B. King. In 1953, Rufus recorded “Bear Cat” for Sam Phillips at Sun Records. The song was an answer to “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton. “Bear Cat” is worth up to $300 but his most valuable record, later recorded by Elvis, is “Tiger Man.” That 45 is valued up to $1,200.00 today.

Donovan, like Elvis, Fabian, Cher and Madonna, is best known by just his first name. Donovan Leitch was a chart topper in the 60’s with hits such as “Mellow Yellow” and “Sunshine Superman.” His most valuable album, “A Gift From a Flower to a Garden,” was issued in 1967 on Epic Records. It contained the hit “Wear Your Love Like Heaven,” which is worth no more than $10.00. However, the two record set in mono of “A Gift From a Flower to a Garden” is worth up to $150.00 today.

The Orlons was one of the most popular groups to come out of Philadelphia, the city that had Cameo-Parkway Records, which released hits by Bobby Rydell, the Dovells, and Chubby Checker. The Orlons was the back up group for Dee Dee Sharp on her mega-smash, “Mashed Potato Time.” Soon, the Orlons had their own hits like “The Wah Watusi” and “South Street.” Their 1963 album, “Not Me” on Cameo Records, is worth up to $100.00 today as is the “Not Me” 45 with its picture sleeve. Both are shown here.

Some say Ral Donner sounded more like Elvis than Elvis. He wasn’t an Elvis impersonator like we see today. He was the real thing, even backed up by the Jordanaires who were Elvis’ backup singers. Elvis’ main guitar player Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana also played on Ral Donner records. Ral Donner’s biggest hit came in 1963 with “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Until You Lose It.” A copy can get you $25.00 today. His album, “Taken Care of Business,” released on Gone Records in 1961, is now worth up to $200.00.

Ten Years After was formed in England in 1967 with Alvin Lee as their controversial leader. Two years later they rocked Woodstock with their exciting rendition of “I’m Going Home.” They had little success on the singles charts but their albums sold well. Their biggest hit came in 1971 with “I’d Love to Change the World,” which is worth no more than $10.00. Their 1968 album, “Undead,” on Deram Records, featuring George Gershwin’s “Summertime” and Woody Herman’s “Woodchoppers Ball,” is worth up to $125.00. Add another $100.00 if cover has a sticker promoting “I’m Going Home.”

Fats Domino was a national treasure whose contributions to Rock and Roll can’t be measured by radio-play and record sales. Among his biggest hits are “Ain’t It a Shame,” “Blue Monday,” and “Blueberry Hill.” His first record, “The Fat Man,” came in 1950 well before the acknowledged birth of Rock and Roll. Released on Imperial Records, a copy of the 78 is worth up to $400.00. His first 45, “Korea Blues,” can get you $1,000.00 today.

One of the most prolific hit-makers of the late 60’s and early 70’s was Three Dog Night. They had 18 consecutive top-20 hits with several number ones including “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and “Joy to the World.” In 1970, ABC/Dunhill released the Three Dog Night album, “It Ain’t Easy.” There were two different album covers. One shows the group fully clothed and worth no more than $15.00. Another version pictures three vocalists, four musicians and one unidentified girl—all nude. The cover can sell for $200.00 today. Both are shown here.

Among the girl-groups of the 60,s who had a  short-lived but very successful chart-run was the Dixie Cups. When Phil Spector refused to let the Ronettes record “Chapel Of Love,” it was given to the Dixie Cups and the rest is history with a song that is as popular today as it was in 1964. An original copy of the 45 is worth up to $25.00. However, the album, as seen here on the left and released on Red Bird records, can sell for $100.00 today.