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The first hit for Ray Charles came in 1955 with “I’ve Got a Woman.” Reportedly, Ray was listening to a Gospel song on the radio and felt the pace would be good for a Rhythm and Blues song. Many consider “I’ve Got a Woman” as one of the very first records that blossomed into what became known as Soul music. The 45, released on Atlantic Records, is worth up to $75.00. Find it on a 78 and the value goes up to $200.00. Both versions are shown here.

Along with Surf music in the 60’s, the airwaves were filled with songs about hot rods and racing. Among the most famous was “Dead Man’s Curve” by Jan and Dean in 1964. Just two years later, Jan almost died in a wreck on Whittier Drive, just a short way from the real dead man’s curve. The Liberty Records single is worth up to $75.00 with picture sleeve. Ironically, Susan Lynne recorded “Don’t Drag No More.” Apparently, Jan didn’t heed her words. Her 45 with picture sleeve, released on Capitol Records in 1964, is worth up to $150.00 today.

In 1962, one of the songs to top the Billboard Hot 100 was inspired by Jackie Kennedy, then first lady of the United States. But, before release, the title is changed from “Jackie” to “Terry.” But, that’s not the final title change. One of the group’s members convinces the others to name the song after a friend. Her name is Sherry. It will be the Four Seasons’ first big hit. The 45 on Vee-Jay Records is worth up to $25.00 today. The “Sherry” album on Vee-Jay can now sell for $75.00.

One-hit wonders, Danleers, hit #7 on Billboard in 1958 with the Doo Wop classic, “One Summer Night.” It was their manager Danny Webb who came up with their name, simply naming them after himself. The original 45 was released on Amp 3 records. If you have a copy, look closely. If their name is spelled correctly, it’s worth up to $50.00. However, on some copies their name is spelled Ðandleers (with a second “d”). A misspelled copy can sell for $150.00 today. Both versions are shown here.

Dean Martin made the character of Matt Helm famous in the 1960’s in films such as “Murderer’s Row,” one in a series of four Matt Helm films.  Spoofs of James Bond movies, the Matt Helm films were filled with jokes and beautiful women. The movie soundtrack music was provided by Lalo Schifrin. Dean Martin’s picture was not allowed on the album cover due to contractual arrangements. An original copy in stereo, released on Colgems records in 1967, is now worth up to $100.00. “Murderers’ Row” 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.

Between 1957 and 1973, Ricky Nelson placed 53 singles on the charts. Among those hits is “Poor Little Fool” from 1958, which is the first song by any recording artist to reach #1 on the newly created “Billboard Hot 100.” It was also his only single on Imperial Records to be issued without a picture sleeve. The 45 version is worth up to $20.00 but the 78 rpm issue can get you $125.00 today. Both are show here.

In 1958, the Doo Wop group, the Capris, recorded “There’s a Moon Out Tonight.” It was released by a local New York City record label called Planet. Without the proper means to promote the single, copies were left on the junk pile, so to speak. However, in 1960 a copy came to the attention of a New York DJ who played it on his show and a smash was born, reaching # 3 on the charts. Most copies were sold on the Old Town record label and are worth up to $50.00. An original copy on Planet Records can sell for $1500.00 today.

Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon was a constant hit-maker in the early 1960’s with 22 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 including “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans” and “Palisades Park.” His first hit, “Tallahassee Lassie,” peaked at #6 in 1959. The song, originally called, “Rock and Roll Baby,” was written by Freddy’s mother. The 45 was released on Swan Records and worth up to $40.00. However, in Canada, it was also released as a 78 on Quality Records. That can get you $100.00 today.

On September 8, 1971, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences presented Elvis Presley with the Bing Crosby Award. Besides Crosby, the only other recipients of this prestigious award have been Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Irving Berlin. Crosby’s best known record is “White Christmas.” Elvis’ best known Christmas record is “Blue Christmas.” Released on Decca Records in 1942, “White Christmas” has sold over 100 million copies. Perhaps that’s why a copy is worth no more than $20.00. “Blue Christmas” was released on RCA in 1957 but at that time only promo copies sent to radio stations were issued, each worth up to $3,000.00 today.

Doris Troy had her one big hit “Just One Look” in 1963 when the single went top-10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her solo career seemed to slow after that as she became a back-up singer for such acts as the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Carly Simon, Dusty Springfield, and George Harrison. The “Just One Look” 45 on Atlantic Records is worth up to $30.00 but the album can get you $100.00 today.