moneymusic.com

One of the most popular singers of the late 50’s and early 60’s was Dee Clark. When Little Richard gave up Rock N Roll to become a preacher, Dee Clark filled in with Richard’s band, the Upsetters, to finish Richard’s current tour. Clark’s biggest hit, “Raindrops,” from 1961, sold a million copies. He also reached the Billboard top-20 with “Just Keep it Up” and “Hey Little Girl (in the High School Sweater).” The 45 of “Hey Little Girl,” released on Abner Records in 1959, with its picture sleeve can get you $100.00 today.

In 1969, Ike & Tina Turner hit big with “River Deep Mountain High” on A&M Records. However, Phil Spector first issued the single in 1966 on his Philles record label. He was so sure it was going to be a giant hit at that time that he quickly had an album of the same name pressed. He was so upset that the single bombed that he destroyed most copies of the album. Covers for U.S. pressings on Philles Records are not known to exist but an original copy of the vinyl can sell for $10,000.00 today. Oh, if you have a copy on A&M records, then you would have no more than $20.00. Talk about turning a “mountain” into a mole hill!

In the 1950’s it wasn’t unusual for record companies to use beautiful actresses to showcase their album covers, especially when a picture of the recording artist wouldn’t help the sales. Such is the case for two albums by Enoch Light and his orchestra with Vincent Lopez. The albums, “Moments to Remember,” released by Waldorf Records, featured Jane Mansfield on one cover and Tina Louise on another. Each is worth up to $100.00 today.

Tommy James and the Shondells was one of the most popular bands of the 1960’s with classics like “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Mony Mony.”  But it all started with “Hanky Panky.” The song was first released in 1964 on Snap Records and became a regional hit in Michigan. By the time the song became a national hit, two years later, the band had split up. Tommy James then had to put together an all new group of Shondells . The hit was a smash for Roulette Records in 1966 but worth no more than $20.00. However, the original Snap records version, showing Tommy Jackson as the writer, can get you $500.00 today.

The number of Rock N Roll singers who were influenced by and wanted to be Elvis seem countless. Among them was a recording artist by the name of Ray Smith. His one big contribution to Rock N Roll history happened in 1960 with “Rockin Little Angel,” which sold over a million records. Released on Judd Records, the 45 is worth up to $50.00. Ray Smith’s one album for Judd records was “Travelin’ with Ray.” An original copy can get you $400.00 today.

On September 1, 2005, legendary Rock and Roll pioneer, Fats Domino is rescued from the flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina. Hope his records didn’t get washed away. His early 45’s on Imperial Records, “Korea Blues” and “You Know I Miss You,” can each sell for $1,000.00 today.

Shelly Fabares and Paul Petersen played sister and brother on the “Donna Reed Show.” Each also had recording careers. His biggest hit came in 1962 with “My Dad (Now Here is a Man).” Her biggest hit came the same year when she hit # 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Johnny Angel.” In 1962 they teamed up for a duet with the single, “What Did They Do Before Rock N Roll.” Released on Colpix records, the 45 is worth up to $40.00, but the picture sleeve is among the most collectible, valued up to $3,000.00 today

Jimmy Buffett is best known for his music portraying an easy-living lifestyle. His fans are known as Parrot Heads and are as devoted as any fans could be. His biggest hits include “Come Monday” and “Margaritaville.” He also owned two restaurant chains, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Margaritaville Café,” based on two of his most popular songs. “High Cumberland Jubilee” is an album he recorded in 1971 but not released until 1976, and sometimes referred to as Buffett’s “lost album.” An original copy on Barnaby Records is worth up to $100.00 today.

Talk about a marketing scheme! When Dunhill Records was churning out hits with the Mamas and Papas like “Monday Monday” and “California Dreamin’,” they hit upon the idea of trying to capitalize on their stars with a group called the Babies. They took out an ad in Billboard showing the new group with members that looked like Mama Cass and the words: “When you have the Mamas and Papas you get the Babies.” Their single, “You Make Me Feel like Someone,” was a bomb but a copy with picture sleeve can sell for $200.00 today.

Jan and Dean was one of the most popular duos of the late 50’s and throughout the 60’s. They are best known for their hits on Liberty records such as “Surf City,” which reached # 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of ’63. That was followed by other Liberty classics like “Drag City” and “Little Old Lady from Pasadena.” But before they signed with Liberty, they were with Dore Records. Their single on that label called “We Go Together,” released in 1960, is worth up to $100 with picture sleeve. Also on Dore Records was their 45 “Gee,” which with picture sleeve can get you $200.00 today.