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April 28,1990 is a wedding day for 2 major rockers. Jon Bon Jovi marries his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. They are still together. Also on the same day, Axl Rose of Guns ‘N’ Roses marries Erin Everly. Her dad is Don Everly of the Everly Brothers. This blissful union lasts just 27 days.  Guns ‘N’ Roses biggest album is 1987’s “Appetite for Destruction.”  Copies with a skull and cross cover are worth no more than $15.00 but covers featuring a robot can get you $75.00 today.

Frank Zappa wrote in a variety of styles that he exemplified in solo albums like “Hot Rats” and “Lumpy Gravy” and albums such as “Freak Out” and “We’re Only in It for the Money” with the Mothers of Invention. Zappa was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. His concept album, “Cruising with Ruben and the Jets,” showed his love of ‘50’s music. Released on Verve records in 1968, a copy can sell for $100.00 today. The 45, “Deseri,” from the album, is worth up to $400.00.

In 1960, Paul Anka and every boy’s favorite Mouseketeer, Annette, were an “item.” He wrote a hit record about their romance called “Puppy Love.” It went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 45 with picture sleeve can fetch $50.00. It’s ironic that 5 years later Annette married Paul Anka’s manger, Jim Gilardi. But Paul loved her long enough to write songs for her album “Annette Sings Anka.” Released on Buena Vista Records in 1960, a copy is worth up to $100.00 today.

From time to time throughout the history of Rock N Roll, an advertiser would sponsor albums by the big stars of the day. In 1961, Brylcreem (with the slogan of “A Little Dab’ll Do Ya”) promoted the album, “Sing Along with Connie Francis.” The value is not much: up to $20.00 but in 1971, Doral cigarettes issued a mail-order album by Diana Ross. A copy can get you $200.00 today.

Among the most successful girl-groups of the 60’s was the Ronettes. Produced by Phil Spector, they cranked out major hits like “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You,” and “Walking in the Rain.” Released in 1964, “Walking in the Rain” would go on to win a Grammy Award. An original copy on Philles Records is worth up to $40.00 but the picture sleeve can get to $125.00 today.

During the golden age of Rock N Roll, instrumentals were more prevalent on the charts than in later years. Among the standouts were those by the Ventures and Duane Eddy. But there were many one-hit wonders like “Wild Weekend” by the Rockin Rebels. Originally recorded as a theme song for Tom Shannon on WKBW in Buffalo, “Wild Weekend” went top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 45 can now sell for $40.00. The “Wild Weekend” album, released on Swan Records in 1963, can sell for $100.00 today.

The second album for Santana was “Abraxas.” The record was a perfect mixture of Rock with Latin influences. Rolling Stone lists “Abraxas” on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The cover depicts the painting of “The Annunciation” my Mart Klatwein.  Featuring two of Santana’s biggest hits, “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” an original copy of the album on Columbia Records is worth up to $150.00 today as is the first Santana album. Both are shown here.

On April 21,1973 a song originally based on the story about a Union army prisoner coming home from Andersonville Prison during the Civil War is at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It would go on to sell 6 million copies as it becomes the biggest hit of 1973. Its Tony Orlando & Dawn and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole’ Oak Tree.” That 45 is worth no more than $10.00 but Tony Orlando’s first album “Bless You” can bless you with over $50.00 today.

Northern Soul records continue to be much sought after by record collectors throughout the world. In 1976, Brownstone Records released the 45, “World Full of People,” by Everyday People. A copy is worth up to $1,000.00. In 1967, Jesse Davis recorded “Gonna Hang On in There Girl,” for Era Records. A copy can get you $2,000.00 today.

Taking their name from the Buick Riviera, the Rivieras had one of the biggest hits of 1963 with “(They’re out there having fun in the warm) California Sun.” Released on Riviera Records, the 45 is worth up to $20.00 but the album, “Let’s Have a Party,” containing the hit, can get you $100.00 today.