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The number of Rock N Roll singers who were influenced by and wanted to be Elvis seem countless. Among them was a recording artist by the name of Ray Smith. His one big contribution to Rock N Roll history happened in 1960 with “Rockin Little Angel,” which sold over a million records. Released on Judd Records, the 45 is worth up to $50.00. Ray Smith’s one album for Judd records was “Travelin’ with Ray.” An original copy can get you $400.00 today.

On September 1, 2005, legendary Rock and Roll pioneer, Fats Domino is rescued from the flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina. Hope his records didn’t get washed away. His early 45’s on Imperial Records, “Korea Blues” and “You Know I Miss You,” can each sell for $1,000.00 today.

Shelly Fabares and Paul Petersen played sister and brother on the “Donna Reed Show.” Each also had recording careers. His biggest hit came in 1962 with “My Dad (Now Here is a Man).” Her biggest hit came the same year when she hit # 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Johnny Angel.” In 1962 they teamed up for a duet with the single, “What Did They Do Before Rock N Roll.” Released on Colpix records, the 45 is worth up to $40.00, but the picture sleeve is among the most collectible, valued up to $3,000.00 today

Jimmy Buffett is best known for his music portraying an easy-living lifestyle. His fans are known as Parrot Heads and are as devoted as any fans could be. His biggest hits include “Come Monday” and “Margaritaville.” He also owned two restaurant chains, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Margaritaville Café,” based on two of his most popular songs. “High Cumberland Jubilee” is an album he recorded in 1971 but not released until 1976, and sometimes referred to as Buffett’s “lost album.” An original copy on Barnaby Records is worth up to $100.00 today.

Talk about a marketing scheme! When Dunhill Records was churning out hits with the Mamas and Papas like “Monday Monday” and “California Dreamin’,” they hit upon the idea of trying to capitalize on their stars with a group called the Babies. They took out an ad in Billboard showing the new group with members that looked like Mama Cass and the words: “When you have the Mamas and Papas you get the Babies.” Their single, “You Make Me Feel like Someone,” was a bomb but a copy with picture sleeve can sell for $200.00 today.

Jan and Dean was one of the most popular duos of the late 50’s and throughout the 60’s. They are best known for their hits on Liberty records such as “Surf City,” which reached # 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of ’63. That was followed by other Liberty classics like “Drag City” and “Little Old Lady from Pasadena.” But before they signed with Liberty, they were with Dore Records. Their single on that label called “We Go Together,” released in 1960, is worth up to $100 with picture sleeve. Also on Dore Records was their 45 “Gee,” which with picture sleeve can get you $200.00 today.

Charles Brown was a Blues artist best known for hits like “Merry Christmas Baby” and “Driftin Blues.” Among those naming him as being an influence on them were Ray Charles, Ivory Joe Hunter, and Percy Mayfield. Brown’s million-seller, “Please Come Home for Christmas” in 1960, would become a hit 20 years later for the Eagles and a perennial holiday favorite.  His 1952 album, “Mood Music,” released on Aladdin Records, is worth up to $2,000.00 on black vinyl and $4,000.00 on red vinyl as seen here.

When it comes to singing cowboys, there was none more successful than Gene Autry. With 93 movies under his belt, he also starred in a long-running TV show. He also owned radio and TV stations and was a long-time owner of the California Angels major league baseball team. His singing career began in 1929 with the release of “I’ll Be Thinking of You Little Gal.” An original copy of the 78, released on QRS Records, can sell for $5,000.00 today.

“Earth to Major Tom.” David Bowie records can be very collectible. Bowie has been a major part of Rock history since the release of “Space Oddity” in 1969. His debut album, “David Bowie,” released on Deram Records in 1967, is worth up to $400.00. A single from the album called “Love You Til Tuesday” can sell for $200.00 today.

Here’s a trivia question. Who was the first white solo artist to record for Motown? That would be Debbie Dean. She was signed by Motown founder Barry Gordy in the early 1960,s. Her first single was “Don’t Let Him Shop Around,” which was an answer song to the Miracles’ hit, “Shop Around.” Besides being a white recording artist for Motown she was also one of the oldest singers of the day, well into her mid-30’s. Her last single for Motown was “Everybody’s Talking About My Baby.” Released in 1962, the 45 is worth up to $75.00. The picture sleeve by itself can get you $125.00 today.