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“Dance to the Music” by Sly & the Family Stone was their first top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100. Rolling Stone magazine includes it on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song is credited with being the launching pad for what would become known as Psychedelic Soul and eventually Funk music. The 45 is worth no more than $10.00 but the “Dance to the Music” album, released on Epic records in 1968, can get you $50.00 today.

Merry Christmas! If you have a black vinyl copy of the original “Elvis Christmas Album” from 1957 on RCA its worth up to $800.00. However, if the vinyl is red, as seen here, the value jumps up to $15,000.00. Ho Ho Ho!

There are many things that can make the difference in value for the same album. It could be the difference between mono and stereo or the color of the vinyl or record label; even the placement of the record company logo on the label. And then there are times when a change in the lyrics is what matters as in the song, “John, I’m Only Dancing” on David Bowie’s 1976 album, “Changesone Bowie.” If the lyrics are “Annie’s pretty neat, she always eats her meat. But Joe is awful strong…,” then the album is no more $20.00. However, if the lyrics are “Annie’s kind of sweet, she always eats her meat. But Joey comes on strong…,” then the value jumps up to $200.00.

In 1956, Robert Spencer of the popular Doo Wop group, the Cadillacs, wrote “My Boy Lollypop” and had it recorded by singer Barbie Gaye. As a 78 on Darl Records it’s now worth up to $75.00. It never became a big hit until alleged underworld record producer, Morris Levy, took the “y” out of Lollypop and then took credit for writing “My Boy Lollipop” with an “i” instead of “y.” In 1964, it became a smash on the Smash record label, selling over 6 million copies for songstress Millie Small. A mono copy of the “My Boy Lollipop” album can get you $50.00 today, a stereo copy $75.00.

On May 12, 1951 the # 1 record on America’s Rhythm & Blues Chart is “Rocket 88,” the song most rock historians consider to be the first rock and roll record. Sam Phillips, the man who discovered Elvis, records this classic at the Memphis Recording Studios, which would soon become Sun Records. Sax player and lead singer, Jackie Brenston, and his band the Delta Cats are given all the credit. But in reality the band is the Kings of Rhythm with 19-year-old Ike Turner on piano who would later discover and marry Tina Turner. Released on the Chess label, the 78 is worth up to $750.00 while the 45 can sell for as much as $5,000.00 today.

Pete Seeger, one time member of the Weavers who hit #1 in 1950 with “Goodnight Irene” was a leader of the anti-establishment movement longer than any other recording artist.  He wrote many songs on disarmament such as “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” and “If I Had a Hammer.” As much as anyone else he is noted for making “We Shall Overcome” the anthem for his cause. His 1956 album, “Darling Corey,” released on Folkways Records, is now worth up to $100.00.

It seems like everyone was trying to capitalize on the “Twist” as soon as Chubby Checker exploded onto the charts in 1960. There was Joey Dee with the “Peppermint Twist.” Motown was on board with “Twistin Postman” by the Marvelettes. Gary U.S Bonds scored with “Twist, Twist Senora.” RCA even promoted the Elvis single, “Rock-A-Hula Baby” as a “twist” special. And the Godfather of Soul gave the dance- craze homage with “Good Good Twistin with James Brown.” The album released on King Records can sell for $200.00 today.

Black Sabbath came out with “Master of Reality” in 1971. Released by Warner Brothers, the album was issued with two different covers. Covers with “Master of Reality” in grey letters are worth up to $50.00. But first issues had the title embossed in black as seen here in the middle. It also came with a poster as seen on the right making that album version worth up to $200.00 today.

Jimmy Soul had a #1 hit in 1963 with “If You Want to be Happy (For the Rest of Your Life, Make a Ugly Woman Your Wife).” It was Jimmy Soul’s second hit. A copy can sell up to $50.00 with its picture sleeve. In 1962, he charted with “Twistin’ Matilda.” Both songs had been turned down by the record label’s hottest star, Gary U.S. Bonds. The “If You Want to be Happy” album, released on S.P.Q.R records, can sell for $100.00 today.

Robert Mitchum was one of the greatest actors of his generation. In 1955, he starred in the movie, “Night of the Hunter,” where he played the proverbial sheep in wolf’s clothing. A minister turned serial killer; he plans to steal the fortune from a widow with small children. The music was provided by Walter Schumann. The original soundtrack album, released by RCA, can get you $200.00 today. “Night of the Hunter” is just one of the 10,000 soundtracks listed on our Soundtracks Guide, covering movies, TV shows, and Broadway shows. It’s available in the left hand column.