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The Crests was one of the most successful Doo Wop groups of the 50’s and 60’s. With Johnny Maestro singing lead, they scored their first big hit in 1958 with “16 Candles.” Find a copy on 78 rpm and $400.00 could be yours. It was followed up by “The Angels Listened In” and “Trouble in Paradise.” In 1960, Coed Records released the album, “The Crests Sing All the Biggies,” where the group performs hits by other recording artists of the time. An original copy is worth up to $500.00 today.

The Marvelettes was one of Motown’s most popular girl-groups. Their first hit, “Please Mr. Postman,” was written by William Garrett, a real mail carrier. It was Motown’s first #1 record. The song stayed on the charts for almost 6 months. The single with picture sleeve is worth up to $100.00. The album on Motown’s Tamla label, is worth up to $250.00 if the record label is yellow and up to $400.00 if the label is white.

David LaFlamme once played violin with the Utah Symphony. In the late 60’s he formed the band, “It’s A Beautiful Day,” an early example of what became known as New Age music. Eventually, LaFlamme would be tossed out of the group, accused of taking too much of the royalties. The 1969 issue of the album, “It’s A Beautiful Day” on Columbia Records is worth up to $100.00. However, the 1968 release on the San Francisco Sounds label jumps the value up to $250.00.

Singer/songwriter Jim Croce was a major star in the early 1970’s with smash hits like “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” Bad Bad Leroy Brown,” and “Time in a Bottle.” His hit, “I Got a Name,” sold over a million copies following his death in a plane crash in 1973. His debut album, “Facets,” was released in 1966 on his own Croce record label. An original copy is worth up to $900.00 today.

It’s an irony if not complete injustice that the only music the King of Rock and Roll ever won Grammys for was Gospel. The first came in 1957 with the release of the RCA EP, “Peace in the Valley.” An original copy is worth up to $125.00. But here’s a rare case where the re issue is worth more than the original. The RCA Gold Standard issue from 1959 with a maroon record label can sell for $750.00 today.

The Crystals was the first group that famed record producer Phil Spector signed to his Philles record label. Their only #1 hit came in 1962 with “He’s a Rebel,” written by Gene Pitney. In one of Rock and Roll’s great ironies, it’s actually a girl-group known as the Blossoms fronted by Darlene Love who recorded the giant hit. Credit was given to the Crystals because Spector felt theirs was the more recognizable name. Blue label copies of the 45 are worth up to $50.00 while the album can fetch $500.00 today.

Buddy Miles had an extensive, interesting career. He played with Jimi Hendrix and sang lead vocals for the California Raisins, the Claymation group from the commercials. Before he formed his own band, the Buddy Miles Express, he played with Wilson Pickett, the Electric Flag, and Santana. His biggest hit came in 1970 with “Them Changes,” which is worth no more than $10.00. His most valuable 45 is from 1975. Released on Columbia Records, “I’m Just a Kiss Away” is worth up to $200.00 today.

Smokey Robinson is as important to the Motown story as its founder, Barry Gordy. Bob Dylan has called Smokey Robinson “America’s greatest living poet.” With the Miracles, Smokey had 27 top-40 hits and many more as a solo performer. In 1961, Tamla Records, a division of Motown, released the album “Cookin’ with the Miracles.” Copies with a yellow record label are worth up to $350.00 while a white record label copy as seen here can get you $800.00 today.

“Mighty John’s Record Appraisal Guide” on a flash drive in Microsoft Word lists the values for over a million records (albums, 45s and 78s.) Over 75,000 recording artists from 1902 to the present day. It’s available in the left column for $24.95. Free shipping in the U.S.A.

Dick Dale, originally from Boston, is credited with being the earliest pioneer of Surf music, which blossomed after he moved to California. He is known as the “King of the Surf Guitar.” His 1958 hit, “Miserlou,” on Deltone Records is worth up to $200.00 today. It gained prominence again in 1994 when it was featured in the movie, “Pulp Fiction.” Surf music and Hot Rod music were Dick Dale’s mainstays. His 1964 album, “Mr. Eliminator,” released on Capitol Records, is worth up to $125.00 in mono and $250.00 in stereo.

“Mighty John’s Record Appraisal Guide” on a flash drive in Microsoft Word lists the values for over a million records (albums, 45s and 78s.) Over 75,000 recording artists from 1902 to the present day. It’s now available in the left column for $24.95.Free shipping in the U.S.A.

Following the death of his singing partner, Tammi Terrell, Motown superstar, Marvin Gaye, fell into a deep depression. After years of well-crafted top-40 airplay it was a song of political consciousness that brought him out of the doldrums. “What’s Going On” was released in 1971. Ironically, it was the first album on which Motown’s studio band, the Funk Brothers, were given credit. Released on Motown’s subsidiary Tamla label, the album is worth up to $100.00 today. His 1967 red vinyl single, “If This World Were Mine,” with Tammi Terrell can now sell for $500.00.

“Mighty John’s Record Appraisal Guide” on a flash drive in Microsoft Word lists the values for over a million records (albums, 45s and 78s.) Over 75,000 recording artists from 1902 to the present day. It’s now available in the left column for $24.95. Free shipping in the U.S.A.