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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.

You might think the “little girl with the big voice” was coined for multi-hit maker Brenda Lee but in this case it refers to Timi Yuro, an early Blue-eyed Soul singer. Her first big hit, “Hurt,” reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. In 1962 she hit big again with “What’s a Matter Baby (Is it Hurting You).” Elvis was one of her biggest fans and recorded her signature song, “Hurt,” in 1976. The Elvis single with picture sleeve can get you $40.00. The album, “Hurt!!! by Timi Yuro was released on Liberty Records in 1961 and can sell for $100.00 today.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Dance Party” was released by King Records in 1958. It featured some of the great Rhythm & Blues artists of the day including Little Willie John singing “Fever,” Billy Ward & the Dominoes doing “Have Mercy Baby,” and the classic “Sexy Ways” by Hank Ballard & the Midnighters. Also featured are Earl Bostic, Roy Brown, Little Ester, Tiny Bradshaw, Otis Williams, Wynonie Harris, and Big Jay McNeeley. A copy is worth up to $150.00 today. Find the value for all albums with various hits by various recording artists on the Mighty John Compilation Album Price Guide, available in the left hand column.

“Best of the Beatles” was released by Savage records in 1965. The cover pictures Pete Best, Stu Sutcliff, and John, Paul, and George. The “Best” in the title refers to drummer Pete Best and not to a greatest hits connotation. From 1960-1962, before being replaced by Ringo Starr, Pete Best played with the Beatles when they were known as the Quarrymen. The album can get you $100.00 today.

It seems strange and unbelievable that with all the classic hits he had, Chuck Berry’s only #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit came in 1972 with “My Ding-a-Ling.”  The closest he came prior to that was in 1958 with “Sweet Little Sixteen” on Chess Records, which reached #2. The “Sweet Little Sixteen” 45 is worth up to $50.00. The 78 rpm version can get you $200.00 and the “Sweet Little 16” EP can sell for $400.00 today.

Neil Young first gained fame with Buffalo Springfield and then as part of one of Rock’s greatest bands: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. Following that he went solo with a very successful career. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as a member of Buffalo Springfield, he released his 9^th album “Comes a Time” in 1978. A single of the title song was issued by Reprise records as a picture disc, now worth up to $300.00. “Comes a Time” by Neil Young is just one of the picture discs you’ll find listed on our Picture Discs Price Guide. It’s available in the left hand column.