If you grew up in the late 1950s, '60's, '70s, I'm sure you have heard of some of the following big name artists of that era.
Some big name recording artists, before ever becoming well known, recorded under different names and record labels, which many record collectors have overlooked. They are sitting out there in record bins collecting dust at the Goodwill and other thrift stores around the country today.
The most famous Beach Boys once recorded under the name Kenny and the Cadets on Randy Records in the early 1960s. If you happen to run across the song titled, "Barbie," and the flip side titled, "What is a young girl," I have a buyer willing to take it off your hands for $500 in any condition. For the record is so rare and hard to find, condition is no object, just make sure it's on the Randy Record label.
Before the famous Four Seasons ever became famous, they recorded as a group called The Kokomos on Josie and Gone Records. Also be on the lookout for Nick Massi of the Four Seasons he also recorded on his own. His records are most sought after today by record collectors around the country. The Four Seasons also recorded as Larry and the Legend on Atlantic Records in 1964.
The Ballad of
Barbara Graham
Many record collectors today are searching the world over for a record titled, "The Ballad of Barbara Graham." on Valor Records. Recorded in 1958 this record tells the story of Barbara Graham, one of the few women to die in the California gas chamber. Many radio stations refused to play the record because the lyrics suggest Barbara Graham should not have died. It appears that she was framed.
In 1958, "I Want to Live," based on Graham's life, was made into a movie. Starring Susan Hayward, it was one a heart breaking movie. I got a buyer in Chicago willing to pay $200 for the recording in any condition, and a buyer in Vienna, W.Va., willing to pay $25 for the movie.
The famous Jan and Dean also recorded "Laughing Gravy" in 1967 on White Whale Records. Collectors today are searching to add this record to their Jan and Dean collection for $250. Paul Simon also recorded Jerry Landis from 1959 to 1962 on MGM-Canadian American, Warwick, and Amy Records. A Paul Simon collector has offered $300 if anyone can find a record recorded by Jerry Landis.
A record collector in Ironton, is searching for records that were recorded by the Mugwumps better known today as the Mama and Papa's, who recorded for Warner Brothers Records from 1964 to 1967.
Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta 45750; or e-mail him at koonantiques@yahoo.com.
