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It was Will Rogers who discovered Gene Autry. Known as “the singing cowboy,” he is the only entertainer to have 5 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He wrote more than 300 of the 640 songs he recorded. Among his biggest hits is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Released on Columbia Records in 1949, the 78 is worth up to $40.00. The big money for Gene Autry records are from the early part of his career like “In the Shadows of the Pine.” Released on Supertone Records in 1929, a copy of that 78 is worth up to $2,500.00 today.

Among the teen idols of the early Rock N Roll era was Jimmy Clanton. His first hit, “Just a Dream,” went top-10 and sold a million copies in 1958. Like other teen idols such as Fabian and Frankie Avalon, Clanton crossed over to the silver screen in films like “Teenage Millionaire” and “Go Johnny Go.” His 1959 EP, “Just a Dream,” with title on cover, is worth up to $40.00. However, if the cover reads “From the Hal Roach production Go Johnny Go Starring Jimmy Clanton,” then that same EP, released on ACE records, can sell for $125.00 today.

One of the most successful girl-groups of the 1950s and 1960s was the Shirelles with classic hits like “Soldier Boy, “Dedicated to the One I Love,” and “Mama Said (There’d Be Days Like This.)” It all started in 1957 with “I Met Him On a Sunday.” Find a copy of the 45 on Decca Records (1958) and $25.00 could be yours. However, find a copy on Tiara Records (1957) and the value jumps to $600.00.

One of the most unusual record collectibles is by none other than the world famous Boston Pops, first formed way back in 1885. The version of the Boston Pops that is best known is the one led by Arthur Fiedler. Under Fiedler, the Boston Pops sold over 50 million dollars’ worth of records. In 1954, RCA released the EP, “Latin Rhythm,” by the Boston Pops. But what makes it worth up to $600.00 today is the fact that the cover art is by Andy Warhol.

Blue Oyster Cult from Long Island has sold 25 million records worldwide. Their name came from band manager, Sandy Pearlman, after he saw blue oysters on a menu. Their biggest hit came in 1976 with “(Don’t Fear the Reaper.” However, their most valuable record is 1973’s “Hot Rails to Hell.” The 45 is worth up to $10.00 but the picture sleeve can now sell for $150.00.

Just like Rock ‘N’ Roll, horror movies were a huge staple of the 1950’s and 60’s. And many times Rock ‘N’ Roll and horror were merged together. In 1960,Bob McFadden, along with poet Rod McKuen, recorded the single “Dracula-Cha-Cha” on Coral Records. With picture sleeve, the 45 is worth up to $250.00 today. In 1964, Don Hinson recorded the album “Monster Dance Party” featuring the single “Riboflavin-Flavored, Non- Carbonated, Polyunsaturated Blood.” The album on Capitol Records can get you $200.00.

Some of the biggest hits for Dion include “Ruby Baby” and “Drip Drop.” Elvis hit with “Fools Fall in Love.” However, all these songs were recorded earlier and many say performed better by the Drifters. The Drifters had their biggest hits when either Clyde McPhatter or Ben E. King was singing lead. The Drifters’ album, containing the songs mentioned here, is “Rockin’ and Driftin’” released on Atlantic Records in 1959. It’s worth up to $200.00 today.

The 1960’s produced a lot of bands in the U.S. that were influenced by the sounds of the British Invasion. Some were quite successful; some were not. But that doesn’t mean these lesser-known bands are not collectible. In 1966, the Mojos released “I Like It” for Mojo Records. The 45 with picture sleeve is worth up to $400.00. That same year Revelation VII Records released the single, “Satisfaction,” by the Mods. An original copy with picture sleeve can fetch $1,000.00 today.

Shelley Fabares first found fame on “The Donna Reed Show” (1958-1963). She also co-starred in the TV show, “Coach,” from 1989-1997 and with Elvis in three of his movies. She hit #1 in 1962 with “Johnny Angel.” She recorded two albums for Colpix Records, both released in 1962. ”Things We Did Last Summer” is worth up to $150.00. Her first album, “Shelley,” can sell for $450.00 today.

With nine Grammy Awards, Miles Davis was a Jazz giant as a band leader and trumpet player. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he was born into a wealthy home. While at the Julliard School he began playing with Charlie Parker and other Jazz greats. But, like many of his contemporaries, he became addicted to drugs. It was actress Cicely Tyson who helped him beat his addictions. They were married in 1981. His 1952 10-inch album “Young Man With a Horn,” released on Blue Note Records, is worth up to $750.00 today.