moneymusic.com

Charles Brown was a Blues artist best known for hits like “Merry Christmas Baby” and “Driftin Blues.” Among those naming him as being an influence on them were Ray Charles, Ivory Joe Hunter, and Percy Mayfield. Brown’s million-seller, “Please Come Home for Christmas” in 1960, would become a hit 20 years later for the Eagles and a perennial holiday favorite.  His 1952 album, “Mood Music,” released on Aladdin Records, is worth up to $2,000.00 on black vinyl and $4,000.00 on red vinyl as seen here.

When it comes to singing cowboys, there was none more successful than Gene Autry. With 93 movies under his belt, he also starred in a long-running TV show. He also owned radio and TV stations and was a long-time owner of the California Angels major league baseball team. His singing career began in 1929 with the release of “I’ll Be Thinking of You Little Gal.” An original copy of the 78, released on QRS Records, can sell for $5,000.00 today.

“Earth to Major Tom.” David Bowie records can be very collectible. Bowie has been a major part of Rock history since the release of “Space Oddity” in 1969. His debut album, “David Bowie,” released on Deram Records in 1967, is worth up to $400.00. A single from the album called “Love You Til Tuesday” can sell for $200.00 today.

Here’s a trivia question. Who was the first white solo artist to record for Motown? That would be Debbie Dean. She was signed by Motown founder Barry Gordy in the early 1960,s. Her first single was “Don’t Let Him Shop Around,” which was an answer song to the Miracles’ hit, “Shop Around.” Besides being a white recording artist for Motown she was also one of the oldest singers of the day, well into her mid-30’s. Her last single for Motown was “Everybody’s Talking About My Baby.” Released in 1962, the 45 is worth up to $75.00. The picture sleeve by itself can get you $125.00 today.

In 1961, Gary U.S. Bonds hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Quarter To Three.” Reportedly, Gary and his band were celebrating their first hit, “New Orleans,” when someone turned on a tape recorder and captured  the band singing “Quarter To Three” to the instrumental, “A Night with Daddy G” by the Church Street Five. The result was a fuzzy, distorted recording. However,Legrand Records decided to release it just as it was. That 45 is worth up to $25.00 but the album “Dance Til Quarter to Three” can sell for $100.00 today.

Bob Crane began his career in 1956 as a Dee Jay on a Los Angeles radio station. In 1961, he started doing bit parts on TV. It was Donna Reed who first recognized his acting potential and he was given a recurring role as neighbor Dr. Dave Kelsey on “The Donna Reed Show.” Then, in 1965, he landed the role he’ll always be known for as Col. Hogan on “Hogan’s Heroes.” In 1966, Epic Records released the single “Theme from Hogan’s Heroes” with Bob Crane on drums. The 45 with picture sleeve can get you $100.00 today.

Big Brother and the Holding Company were spawned in the psychedelic era, and when they latched on to Janis Joplin, who was choosing to join them or the 13^thFloor Elevators, they would become a part of the legend and history of Rock N Roll. Following their appearance at the Monterrey Pop Festival, their first album was released on Mainstream Records, which was mostly a Jazz label.  Released in 1967, it contains their first hit, “Down on Me.” The single is worth up to $20.00 but the debut “Big Brother and the Holding Company” album can sell for $100.00 today.

“Rock That Beat” might be one of the most unusual albums of all time. Released in 1958, it consists of famous Jazz musicians playing Rock N Roll. These Jazz greats, playing with Boots Brown and his Blockbusters and Dan Drew and His Daredevils, wanted to remain anonymous in fear of being embarrassed. Those “anonymous” Jazz musicians included Shorty Rogers, Gerry Mulligan, and J.J. Johnson among others. Released on Groove Records, a copy of “Rock That Beat” is now worth up to $100.00.

In 1961, Mattel released a three-record set called “Barbie Sings” featuring Charlotte Austin as Barbie and Bill Cunningham as Ken. Titles include “My First Date,” “Recipe for Instant Love,” and “Nobody Taught Me.” Individual records are worth up to $20.00 each but the entire three-record set is worth up to $150.00 to record collectors as well as Barbie Doll collectors.

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.