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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.

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.