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He was called a genius and it’s hard to disagree. Beginning in the early 1950’s, Ray Charles began to craft and form the style that would make him a legend. Taking a blend of Rhythm & Blues and infusing it with a powerful Gospel voice, his list of hits seems endless. Most critics agree that his live album, “Ray Charles at Newport,” showcases his most exciting performance. Released on Atlantic Records in 1958, a copy can get you $100.00 today.

Among the one-hit wonders of the early 60’s is Kris Jensen, thanks to songwriter and hit-maker John D Loudermilk. After the Everly Brothers turned down Loudermilk’s composition of “Torture,” it was given to Kris Jensen who took it to the top-20 on the Billboard Hot 100. After seeing its success, the Everly Brothers did record it but to no avail. Their 45 of “Torture,” released by Warner Brothers, is worth no more than $15.00 while Kris Jensen’s album “Torture” on Hickory Records from 1962 is worth up to $150.00 today.

The Isley Brothers were there at the beginning of Rock N Roll and, with some sibling changes, lasted on the music scene for almost 50 years. In the early years it was brothers, Ronald, Rudolph, and O’Kelly with Doo Wop singles that failed to get much attention. Then in 1959 RCA released “(You Know You Make Me Wanna) Shout” and the rest is history. “Shout” is one of the best known hits in history. An original 45 on RCA is worth up to $25.00. However, one of their lesser-known Doo Wop singles, “Angels Cried,” on Teenage Records can get you $600.00 today.

Joni James was one of the most popular girl-singers of the pre-Rock N Roll era. She had over twenty hits including “Why Don’t You Believe Me,” which hit #1 in 1952. Her version of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’Heart” reached #2 in 1953. She sold over 100 million records and recorded over 25 albums including “Let There Be Love.” Released by M-G-M in 1953 as a four disc box set, its worth up to $200.00 today. A year later MGM released her 4 disc album, “Little Girl Blue.” That, too, can sell for $200.00.

“12 x 5” is the second album released in the U.S. by the Rolling Stones. From the album, London Records issued two singles. “Time is on My Side,” with picture sleeve, is worth up to $75.00. The other single is “It’s All Over Now.” With its picture sleeve the value is up to $400.00 today.

The Impressions was one of the most popular and successful groups of the sixties with hits like “Gypsy Woman,” “It’s All Right,” “Amen,” “People Get Ready,” and “Keep on Pushing.” The “Keep on Pushing” album is the Impressions’ most successful. Released by ABC Paramount in 1964, an original copy is worth up to $200.00 today. The Jaguar automobile pictured on the cover belonged to member Curtis Mayfield who also had a successful solo career. Their most valuable 45 came in 1961 with “Pop Corn Willie”. Released on Adore Records, a copy can now sell for $300.00.

Bill Haley and the Comets were true Rock N Roll pioneers. It was Haley’s performance of “Rock Around the Clock” at the beginning  of the movie “Blackboard Jungle” in 1954 that blew open the doors to let Rock N Roll invade the radio airwaves and the hearts and minds of teenagers everywhere. However, before Haley became a Rock N Roll king he was a Country boy. In 1950 his group, Bill Haley and the Saddle Men, first tasted success with “Deal Me a Hand.” Released as a 78 on Keystone Records, a copy can sell for $2,000.00 today.

The Hollies were consistent hit-makers in the sixties and seventies with classics like “Bus Stop,” “On a Carousel,” “Carrie-Anne,” and “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.” But the hits first started coming in 1964 with the release of their first album in the U.S. called “Here I Go Again.” It contained their first hit, “Just One Look.” The single can get you $25.00 now. Released on Imperial Records, a copy of the “Here I Go Again” album is worth up to $150.00 today.

Many consider the Shirelles to be the first great girl-group of the Rock N Roll era but others say it was the Chantels who first hit big in 1957 with the doo-wop classic, “Maybe.” Led by lead singer Arlene Smith, who at twelve years old performed at Carnegie Hall, the group’s singles and albums are highly sought after. In 1958 End Records released the album “We Are the Chantels.” Copies where a juke box is pictured on the cover are worth up to $250.00. However, copies where the group is shown can get you $2,000.00 today. Both are seen here.

In 1995 Michael Jackson released his first album on his own record label, MJJ Productions. The title is “History: Past Present and Future Book 1,” commonly called “HIStory.” It was also his first album after the sexual abuse allegations. Many of the songs reflect what Jackson thought of the tabloid accusations and how he felt about the way he perceived the media was mistreating him.  An original vinyl copy is worth up to $100.00 today.