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A former high school cheerleader and valedictorian, Emmylou Harris was a Country Music hit maker in the 1970’s. Her debut album was released on Jubilee Records in 1969 and was called “Gliding Bird.” It consisted of mostly folk songs and Country Rock. Although the album was commercially unsuccessful, a copy is worth up to $500.00 today.

In the movie, “Jailhouse Rock,” Elvis Presley played a character by the name of Vince Everett. In the film, Vince (Elvis) is an ex-con who gets a recording contract with Laurel Records. As part of the story, a single is released of “Treat Me Nice.” Props were made of the picture sleeve. Many can be seen in the movie. A copy can sell for $10,000.00 today.  Find the values for EVERY picture sleeve in the “Mighty John’s Picture Sleeve Guide.” For more free samples click on “Mighty John’s Picture Sleeve Guide” in the yellow strip above.

Kenny & the Cadets never scored big with their 1962 single, “Barbie.” But because Beach Boy Brian Wilson sang lead with back-up vocals by Beach Boys, Carl Wilson and Al Jardine, it has become very valuable. Released on Randy Records, a black vinyl copy is worth up to $800.00 while an original red and yellow vinyl copy jumps the value up to $2,500.00 today.

Kim Weston isn’t as well-known as other female Motown artists like Diana Ross, Mary Wells, or Martha Reeves but that doesn’t mean that some of her records are not collectible. Her biggest hit came in 1966 when she teamed up with Marvin Gaye for “It Takes Two,” worth up to $15.00. However, her 1964 single, “A Little More Love,” released on Motown’s Tamla label, can sell for $500.00 today.

The Moody Blues played an array of Motown, James Brown, and American Blues in the early to mid-60’s. By 1965 they had adapted more to what was known as the Mersey Beat in Britain as exemplified in their first hit “Go Now.” An original copy of the 45 is worth up to $25.00. The “Go Now” album, released on London Records, can get you $50.00 in stereo and up to $100.00 in mono.

In 1964, record producer Phil Spector recorded Cher under the name Bonnie Jo Mason with “Ringo, I Love You.” The 45 was released to capitalize on the new-found popularity of the Beatles. The single was issued on Annette Records, a label named after Spector’s wife at the time. An original copy of Cher’s…I mean Bonnie Jo Mason’s single is worth up to $1,000.00 today.

Out of Toronto Canada came Rush, one of Rock and Roll’s most successful groups with 24 gold records and sales that places them just behind the Beatles and the Rolling Stones for most consecutive gold records by a Rock band. But it all began for Rush with a remake of the Buddy Holly classic, “Not Fade Away.” The Holly 45 on Brunswick Records from 1958 is worth up to $75.00. Released in 1973 on Moon Records, the Rush 45 can get you $1,000.00 today.

The legend of Johnny Ace is the first Rock and Roll mystery. Many say he shot himself back stage at a concert in Houston while playing Russian Roulette on Christmas Eve 1954. Others say it was an accident. And there have been whispers of murder. As a result, his song “Pledging My Love” went on to be #1 on the Rhythm & Blues chart for 10 weeks in 1955. An original copy of the 45 on Duke Records with “No Money” on the flip side is worth up to $100.00. In 1955, Duke Records released the 10 inch “Memorial Album.” An original copy can sell for $600.00 today.

The term genius is sometimes used when it doesn’t apply but not in the case of Ray Charles. Born Ray Charles Robinson, he dropped his last name so not to be confused with boxing champ, Sugar Ray Robinson. At home playing Jazz, Blues, or Rock and Roll, he also did something a black artist had never done up to that time; he became a Country music star. His 1965 album, “Country & Western Meets Rhythm & Blues,” released by ABC Paramount, is now worth up to $100.00 in mono and $150.00 in stereo.

“John Lennon Sings Great Rock & Roll Hits” was a disaster from the start. The recording session was rushed. The quality was bad. Record producer Phil Spector was not at his best. The album, released on Adam VIII Ltd Records, was sold on television my mail orders. Lennon was also upset as he ordered a copy and it was a month before he received it. But all that grief adds up to one thing—a record collectible! The ill-fated album is worth up to $750.00 today.