Author and publisher Jerry Osborne offers insight into some of the most valuable records on collectors’ wishlists. The value of the albums is based on just two factors: scarcity and demand. Take a look at who made Osborne’s list.
Frank Wilson’s, “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)”
One of the most sought-after records by Motown collectors is this rare single by Frank Wilson estimated to be worth approximately $35,000, according to Osborne.
Elvis Presley’s, “Stay Away, Joe”
Record label company RCA created this record for a one-time only broadcast by radio station KVIO in Cottonwood, Ariz., making it truly unique. The album contains nine gospel songs and the only copy known to exist is from the personal collection of Elvis and the Colonel Tom Parker. It is estimated to be worth $25,000, according to Osborne.
Bob Dylan’s, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”
The first pressing of this album included a song called, “Talking John Birch Society Blues” which was thought to be too controversial so Columbia Records asked Dylan to replace the song. Instead, Dylan chose to remove the song along with three others. The stereo version is more valuable than its monaural counterpart at an estimated $20,000, according to Osborne.
The Beatles’, “Yesterday…and Today”
The original cover art for this album included the Fab Four wearing butcher smocks and surrounded by pieces of raw meat, bones and toy doll parts. When reviewers and media received advanced copies of the album, they flooded Capitol Records with complaints over the art and the label quickly recalled it and replaced the cover with a much more mundane image. The stereo version of this album with the original cover is estimated to be worth $15,000, according to Osborne.
“The Caine Mutiny” Original Soundtrack Recording
This is one of the priciest soundtracks out there because it never actually made it to stores. Record label company RCA abruptly recalled the album soon after production began, so only a handful of copies were made. The album has music as well as dialogue from the movie on side one, and side two has the entire audio from the court martial scene, including the voices of the film’s stars, including Humphrey Bogart. This soundtrack is estimated to be worth $10,000, according to Osborne.