From Austin, Texas came the band that many say was responsible for what came to be known as Psychedelic Rock. The members of the Thirteenth Floor Elevators were said to be under the influence of LSD while recording and during live concerts. They walked the walk and talked the talk of the lifestyle for which they were known. Their first album, “Psychedelic Sounds of the 13TH Floor Elevators,” released on Int’l Artists Records in 1967, can sell for $1,000.00 today. An original copy of their second album, “Easter Everywhere,” can also get you $1,000.00.
On June 9, 2009 the Library of Congress preserves 25 culturally significant recordings in a special sound archive. Among the recordings are “Rumble” by Linc Wray, and “My Generation” by the Who. The “My Generation” album on Decca Records is worth up to $100.00. Linc Wray’s first album on Epic Records can now sell for $300.00.
Breaking out of San Jose in the mid-1960’s was the Syndicate of Sound. They were one-hit wonders in 1966 with their top-10 hit, “Little Girl.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame features “Little Girl” in their one-hit wonder section. The value for the single depends on the label. On Bell Records it’s not worth more than $20.00. An original copy on Hush records can sell for $300.00 today.
Sissy Houston, mother of Whitney, was the lady who founded the girl-group, the Sweet Inspirations. During the 60’s they were in tremendous demand as back-up singers on several records by Wilson Pickett, Dionne Warwick, and Aretha Franklin. They even did backing vocals on “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison. However, they are best known as Elvis Presley’s background singers in the 1970’s on his records and at his concerts. Sissy’s first single, “Bring Him Back,” on Congress Records is now worth up to $125.00. A copy of the album, “Sweet Inspirations,” from 1979 on Koala Records can get you $750.00 today.
There was no better loved Country superstar than Johnny Cash and there were few who had as many iconic hits like “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Name Sue,” and “Ring of Fire.” But the endless string of hits all began in 1955 with “Cry, Cry, Cry.” Released by the legendary Sun Records, both the 78 rpm version as well as the 45 can sell for $150.00 today.
Here’s a Record You Should Know About. Besides singing, writing, and producing for the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson did the same for a group called the Survivors, consisting of Brian Wilson, Bob Norberg, Dave Nowlen, and Rich Alarian. The single, “Pamela Jean,” was released as a favor or payoff to Alarian who had assisted in the writing of many Beach Boys songs without receiving credit. The 45, released on Capitol Records in 1964, is worth up to $500.00 today.
One of the giants of American Country music was a man from Nova Scotia. Hank Snow had more than 75 hits on the Country charts including “I’m Moving On” and “I’ve Been Everywhere.” He is in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. His fabulous career all began as a young boy when he purchased his first guitar for $12.95. Among his most popular albums was “Old Doc Brown.” Released on RCA in 1955, a copy can sell for $175.00 today. His 1952 album, “Hank Snow Sings,” is worth up to $150.00.
In 1968, Motown put their two super groups, the Supremes and the Temptations, together and released “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me.” It might have made it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 had it not been for another Motown superstar, Marvin Gaye, who owned # 1 with “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.” The “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” single with picture sleeve can get you $100.00 today.
On June 2,1988, Adrien Brown, wife of James Brown, answering to DUI charges says she has diplomatic immunity as she is the wife of the ”ambassador of soul.” The judge is not amused. Among James Brown’s most collectible albums are 1968’s “I Can’t Stand Myself” and 1970’s “Soul on Top.” Each can sell for $200.00 today.
Among the Jazz greats who were “far out, man” was Sun Ra, born Herman Blount. Insisting that he was from Saturn and not a mere Earthling, Sun Ra was extremely prolific with almost 100 albums since 1956. Herman took the name of Sun Ra because Ra is the Egyptian god of the sun. No matter what planet he was from, he constantly preached peace and love. In 1957, Saturn Records (not sure if they were really on Saturn) released the Sun Ra album, “Super Sonic Jazz.” An original copy can sell for $2,500.00 today. The 1966 re issue is no more than $75.00. His 1959 album “Jazz in Silhouette” is now worth up to $1,200.00. Far out, man!
