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In 1961, Gary U.S. Bonds hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Quarter To Three.” Reportedly, Gary and his band were celebrating their first hit, “New Orleans,” when someone turned on a tape recorder and captured  the band singing “Quarter To Three” to the instrumental, “A Night with Daddy G” by the Church Street Five. The result was a fuzzy, distorted recording. However,Legrand Records decided to release it just as it was. That 45 is worth up to $25.00 but the album “Dance Til Quarter to Three” can sell for $100.00 today.

Bob Crane began his career in 1956 as a Dee Jay on a Los Angeles radio station. In 1961, he started doing bit parts on TV. It was Donna Reed who first recognized his acting potential and he was given a recurring role as neighbor Dr. Dave Kelsey on “The Donna Reed Show.” Then, in 1965, he landed the role he’ll always be known for as Col. Hogan on “Hogan’s Heroes.” In 1966, Epic Records released the single “Theme from Hogan’s Heroes” with Bob Crane on drums. The 45 with picture sleeve can get you $100.00 today.

Big Brother and the Holding Company were spawned in the psychedelic era, and when they latched on to Janis Joplin, who was choosing to join them or the 13^thFloor Elevators, they would become a part of the legend and history of Rock N Roll. Following their appearance at the Monterrey Pop Festival, their first album was released on Mainstream Records, which was mostly a Jazz label.  Released in 1967, it contains their first hit, “Down on Me.” The single is worth up to $20.00 but the debut “Big Brother and the Holding Company” album can sell for $100.00 today.

“Rock That Beat” might be one of the most unusual albums of all time. Released in 1958, it consists of famous Jazz musicians playing Rock N Roll. These Jazz greats, playing with Boots Brown and his Blockbusters and Dan Drew and His Daredevils, wanted to remain anonymous in fear of being embarrassed. Those “anonymous” Jazz musicians included Shorty Rogers, Gerry Mulligan, and J.J. Johnson among others. Released on Groove Records, a copy of “Rock That Beat” is now worth up to $100.00.

In 1961, Mattel released a three-record set called “Barbie Sings” featuring Charlotte Austin as Barbie and Bill Cunningham as Ken. Titles include “My First Date,” “Recipe for Instant Love,” and “Nobody Taught Me.” Individual records are worth up to $20.00 each but the entire three-record set is worth up to $150.00 to record collectors as well as Barbie Doll collectors.

Those obscure Soul records issued in the U.S. in the 60’s and 70’s are heavily coveted by record collectors. Known as “Northern Soul,” these singles command big money. In 1966, Old Town Records released “Left Out” by Jesse Johnson. An original copy is worth up to $1,200.00. In 1965, Mala Records released the Timmie Williams 45, “Competition.” An original copy can sell for $3,000.00.

Who was your favorite Beatle? Based on the number of records referring to him at the beginnings of the British Invasion, it was Ringo. In 1964, Decca Records released “Ringo for President” by the Young World Singers. A copy can get you $50.00 as can Daws Butler performing “Bingo Ringo.” In 1965, Apt Records put out the single, “Treat Him Tender, Maureen, Now That Ringo Belongs to You” by Angie & the Chicklettes. That can get you $75.00. Vee Jay records, who once owned the rights to the Beatles released, “Bingo” by the Baby Bugs. With picture sleeve that’s worth up to $200.00. And then there’s Cher. Recording as Bonnie Jo Mason, her 45, “Ringo, I Love You,” released on Annette Records in 1964, is worth up to $1000.00 today.

In 1964, Tommy Tucker hit # 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Hi-Heel Sneakers.” It has become a Blues standard with versions by over a thousand recording artists including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley. Tommy Tucker’s original 45, released on Checker Records, is worth up to $25.00 but the “Hi-Heel Sneakers” album can sell for $150.00 today.

Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen went top 10 in 1972 with “Hot Rod Lincoln” and the unforgettable lyrics, “You’re gonna’ drive me to drinkin’ if you don’t quit drivin’ that Hot Rod Lincoln.” However, the album it’s on, “Lost in the Ozone,” is worth no more than $15.00. Earlier versions can put more gas in your tank. Johnny Bond’s EP, “Hot Rod Lincoln,” released on Republic Records in 1960 is worth up to $100.00. Charlie Ryan’s album, “Hot Rod,” containing his version of “Hot Rod Lincoln” and released on King Records in 1961, can get you $200.00 today.

On August 11,1958, the hit at the top of the Billboard Chart would become the very first rock and roll record to be awarded a gold record by the RIAA, the Recording Industry Association of America. The song is “Hard Headed Woman,” part of the soundtrack from Elvis Presley’s fourth movie, “King Creole.”  The “Hard Head Woman” single, winner of the first “gold record,” is worth up to $75.00 with its picture sleeve. The “King Creole” soundtrack album can fetch $400.00 in mono and $800.00 in stereo.