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On Oct. 20, 1977, Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines from Lynyrd Skynyrd and their manager Dean Kilpatrick are killed when their plane runs out of gas in Gillsburg, Mississippi. The band’s first album, “Lynyrd Skynyrd,”released on MCA/ Sounds of the South Records, is worth up to $200.00 today.

Chess Records co-founder Phil Chess died at 95 in 2016. He and his brother Leonard were responsible for giving us Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, as well as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley and Etta James…all with very collectible records today such as the album, “Down and Out Blues” by Sonny Boy Williamson. An original copy can now sell for $1,200.00.

In 2009, a clump of hair snipped from Elvis Presley when he joined the US Army in March, 1958, sold for $15,000 at the Leslie Hindman auction house in Chicago.  An original copy of Elvis’ album, “G.I. Blues,” based loosely on his army days can now sell for $800.00.

When Paul McCartney makes his first appearance with the Quarry Men in Liverpool in 1957; the band’s line-up was John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Eric Griffiths, Colin Hanton and Len Garry. Paul is said to be a bundle of nerves as he plays “Guitar Boogie,” first made famous by Arthur Smith in 1945. The most famous version, known as “Guitar Boogie Shuffle,” was a #5 hit for the Virtues in 1958. Release on Sure Records, the single can sell for $125.00 today.

The Four Tops were prolific hit makers in the 1960s with classics like “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “It’s The Same Old Song.” Among the groups’ biggest hits was “Ask the Lonely.” Released on Motown in 1964, a copy of the 45 with picture sleeve can sell for $300.00 today.

On Oct.17, 1975, 25-year-old Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees marries 24-year-old Yvonne Spencely in Sussex, England. Gibb was divorced from Scottish singer, Lulu, in 1973 after four years of marriage. The Bee Gees’ most valuable record is the 12 inch single of “You Should Be Dancing.” Released on RSO Records in 1976, a copy can sell for $125.00 today. Lulu’s biggest hit is “Too Sir with Love.” The album of the same name, released on Parrot Records in 1967, can fetch $50.00 today.

Ella Mae Morse was the first female recording artist to sell a million copies of a record. She did it with “Cow Cow Boogie,” a best seller in July 1942, but it’s worth no more than $20.00 today. However, her EP for Capitol Records called “Ella Mae Morse Swings” from 1955 can sell for $350.00 today.

“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie was certified Platinum by the RIAA. The hit was her 18th number one single and the biggest selling record of her career, including her records with The Supremes. Her biggest hit, “Endless Love,” is not a big collectible at no more than $5.00. However, her first big hit with the Supremes, “Where Did Our Love Go,” can now sell for a $100.00 with its picture sleeve.

Ike and Tina Turner split up as a duo in 1976. They first recorded together in 1958 when Tina was known as Little Ann. Their single, “Boxtop,” for Tune Town Records is now worth up to $1,500.00 on a 78 and $4,000.00 on a 45. Both versions are shown here.

On Oct. 15, 1966, Grace Slick leaves the San Francisco band, Great!! Society!!, to join Jefferson Airplane. She replaces Signe Anderson, who left to have a baby. The one and only single by Great!! Society!!, “Someone to Love,” released on Northbeach Records can now sell for $450.00. The value jumps to $1,200.00 for a promo copy as seen here. Check out “Mighty John’s Promo Guide” in the yellow strip above for more examples of valuable promo records.