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Ed Byrnes was a cast member on TV’s “77 Sunset Strip” in the 1950’s and 1960’s. As the cool-talking, comb-carrying hipster known as Kookie, he was Fonzie before Fonzie was Fonzie. It wasn’t long before record producers were after him. His biggest hit came in 1959 with “Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)” Best known for its last line “Baby, you’re the ginchiest,” the 45 was released on Warner Brothers Records. A mono copy can get you $30.00 while a stereo copy can sell for $100.00. Add another $30.00 for the picture sleeve.

The Pop-Eye was a popular dance craze of the early 60’s along with the Twist, the Pony, and the Mashed Potatoes. Chubby Checker’s version with picture sleeve can fetch $40.00 today. In 1962, the Mar-Keys got in on the fad with their album “Do the Pop-Eye.” They were the original house band at Stax Records in Memphis. Among the members were Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Booker T, and Isaac Hayes. Released on Atlantic records in 1962, the “Do the Pop-Eye” album is worth up to $200.00 today.

Blues Image was a one-hit wonder with “Ride Captain Ride,” a Billboard top-10 classic in 1970. Finding little commercial success after that, they broke up with members finding their way into other bands like Iron Butterfly and Three Dog Night. “Ride Captain Ride,” released on ATCO Records, is worth no more than $20.00 but the Blues Image album, “Open,” containing their big hit, can get you a $100.00 today.

In 1959, Sammy Turner took a 1949 hit by Sammy Kaye called “Lavender Blue” and made it his own, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Released on Big Top Records, the pink label mono version of the single is worth no more than $20.00 but a black label stereo copy can get you $150.00 today. Both versions are pictured here.

Some of the sexiest women of the 50’s and 60’s were better known for attributes other than their recordings. However, that doesn’t mean their records aren’t collectible. In 1964, Coral Records released the 45, “That’s How it Goes,” by Joey Heatherton. A copy with picture sleeve is worth up to $250.00. In 1958, before she became one of the castaways on “Gilligan’s Island,” Tina Louise recorded “It’s Time for Tina” on Concert Hall Records. The album can sell for $700.00 today.

Rock N Roll, fast cars, and drag strips have been partners since the 1950’s with songs like “Hot Rod Lincoln,” “409,” “Little Deuce Coup,” “Little G.T.O.,” “Drag City” and so many others. Many teen movies of that era paid homage to these themes. One was “High School Caesar,” released in 1960. In the film, bully John Ashley meets his match at the drag strip. The 45 of “High School Caesar” by Reggie Perkins, released on Ray Note records, is worth up to $200.00. Add another $200.00 for the picture sleeve.

In 1974, RCA released the David Bowie single “Rock N Roll with Me.” The song, written by Bowie and Warren Peace, was from the Bowie concept album, “Diamond Dogs,” which was the most successful of his albums up to that time reaching # 5 on the album charts. “Rock N Roll with Me” was not a big success but find a copy of the 45 today and you’ve found up to $2,500.00.

With David Ruffin at the front mike, the Temptations had some of their biggest hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, David Ruffin had his first solo single in 1961. “I’m in Love,” released on Anna Records, is worth up to $100.00. He made his first single with the Temptations in 1961 with “Oh Mother of Mine” on Miracle Records. That, too, is worth up to $100.00 today.

A former Mouseketeer, Johnny Crawford is best known for playing Mark McCain, son of Lucas, on TV’s, “The Rifleman,” from 1958-1963. His recording career produced 5 top-40 hits including the top-10 smash, “Cindy’s Birthday.” Released on Del Fi Records in 1962, the single with picture sleeve is worth up to $25.00. However, his last 45 with picture sleeve “Everyone Should Own a Dream,” released in 1968 on Sidewalk Records, can get you $150.00 today.

Chubby Checker will always be the king of the Twist. However, just as much credit should be given to Hank Ballard, the man who wrote “The Twist.” Ballard’s version was slower and grittier. His version, released on King Records as a 78, is worth up to $250.00. That same year, 1959, King Records released Hank Ballard’s album, “Singin’ and Swingin’ the Twist.” A copy can sell for $350.00 today.