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Jape Richardson, better known as the Big Bopper, had one giant hit in 1958 with “Chantilly Lace.” But he became legendary on Feb.3, 1959 when he died in the same plane crash with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. That date will always be remembered as “the day the music died.” An original copy of “Chantilly Lace” on D Records is worth up to $200.00. The “Chantilly Lace” album, released on Mercury Records is worth no more than $15.00 if the label pictures the Chicago skyline. It’s worth up to $100.00 if the label is red and up to $500.00 if the label is black. Original issues and re-issues of every record are detailed in “Mighty John’s Record Appraisal Guide,” available in the left column.

The Yardbirds had more “guitar heroes” than any other band of the 1960’s including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck. They pioneered such guitar innovations as feedback and fuzz tones, laying the groundwork for the Heavy Metal to follow. Their 1965 hit, “For Your Love,” is worth up to $40.00 on Epic Records. The “For Your Love” album can sell for $200.00 today. Both are shown here.

In 1959, Elvis Presley took a Smiley Lewis hit from 1956 and made it his own. The song, “One Night,” by Smiley Lewis had the lyrics, “One night of sin is what I’m now praying for.” Elvis, his manager Col.Parker, and RCA felt the lyrics were too suggestive for the king. For Elvis, the lyrics were changed to “One night with you is what I’m now praying for.” It was another double-sided hit for Elvis with “I Got Stung” on the flip side. With picture sleeve the 45 is worth up to $100.00. Find a copy on a 78 as seen here and up to $850.00 could be yours.

By the time Little Richard’s third album was released he had left Rock and Roll for religion. “The Fabulous Little Richard” album marked the end of the electrifying early years of his raucous sound. Although the music on the album had been recorded from 1955-1958, the album on Specialty Records wasn’t released until 1959. An original copy is worth up to $100.00 today. His 1963 Gospel album, “Little Richard Sings Gospel,” on 20^TH Century Fox Records can also sell for $100.00.

In 1963, the Kingsmen’s version of “Louie Louie” became one of the most controversial records of all time. The lyrics were thought to be obscene but in reality the words are simply about a man telling a bartender about his girl in Jamaica. The bartender’s name is Louie. The original lyrics are by the original singer, Richard Berry. The Kingsmen’s 45, released on Wand Records, is worth up to $40.00. The first issue on Jerden Records, is worth up to $250.00. Released six years before the Kingsmen’s classic, Richard Berry’s version was issued on Flip Records and with “You Are My Sunshine” on the B-side can sell for $250.00 today.

Ike & Tina Turner were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. For 30 years prior to that they had given James Brown a run for his money as the most exciting performers in show business. It was Ike who took the singer known as Little Ann and gave her the name Tina Turner. He liked that Tina rhymed with Sheena because “Sheena, Queen of the Jungle” was his favorite TV show. Several of Ike & Tina’s albums are collectible such as “Don’t Play Me Cheap” and “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine.” Released on Sue records in 1963, a copy of either can sell for $400.00 today.

At the tender age of 15 Kathy Young scored one of the biggest hits of 1961 with “A Thousand Stars.” It’s now worth up to $30.00 as seen here on the left. Discovered by game show host Wink Martindale, she received her gold record from Dick Clark on American Bandstand. Along with her back up group, the Innocents, her 1961 album was called “The Sounds of Kathy Young.” Released on Indigo Records, a copy can fetch $300.00 today.

The Rolling Stones have many collectible records, especially for some of the picture sleeves that came with their 45’s. In 1978 they released the single, “Beast of Burden.” The record is worth no more than $10.00 but the picture sleeve is worth up to $3,000.00. Beware: counterfeits exist. Originals are a light lavender color. Known counterfeits are more of a grape or purple color. All known counterfeit records are listed and described in the Mighty John Record Appraisal Guide.

In 1964 when Elvis starred in the movie, “Viva Las Vegas,” with Ann Margret, he had no idea that six years later he would become the biggest star on the strip. The “Viva Las Vegas” 45, with picture sleeve, can get you $50.00. However, put your money on the “Viva Las Vegas” EP soundtrack as seen on the right. Copies with a black RCA label are worth up to $150.00. Make it $200.00 for copies with an orange record label.

The Platters was the most popular Doo Wop group of all time. Their 1956 album, “The Platters,” contains many of their early hits like “My Prayer,” “I’m Sorry,” and “On My Word of Honor.” “The Platters Vol. 2” features their versions of classics of the day like “September in the Rain” and “In the Still of the Night.” Each of these albums was released by Mercury Records in 1956 and each is worth up to $100.00 today.