Iconic artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and Prince all have topped charts more times than we can count. But if you're lucky enough to have early copies of some of their biggest hits, you might be entitled to huge amounts of money. If you can't bear to part with a collectible, keep it under wraps or else superfans will come knocking on your door, ready to write a check...
The Beatles, Abbey Road
Abbey Road was released in 1969 under Parlophone Records. is famous for housing some of The Beatles' most famous songs. "Come Together," "Here Comes the Sun," and "Octopus's Garden" are longstanding fan favorites. If you happen to have a vinyl copy with the black and. yellow Parlophone Records label with the catalog number PPCS 7088, you could be entitled to $4,000 if you sold it.
Initial Mixed Reviews
Despite historically being one of The Beatles' most successful records, Abbey Road was initially met with mixed reviews. The singles, "Something" and "Come Together," did top US charts, however. Abbey Road was the first Beatles recorded exclusively through a solid-state transistor mixer, which changed up the overall sound of the band.
U2, Pride (In The Name Of Love)
Arguably U2's most iconic album, Pride (In The Name Of Love), was released in 1984 with Festival Records. Though the record was pressed and distributed worldwide, it's the Australian copies that will get you the most money - some sell for more than $9,000. There are only about 50 copies of the coveted translucent vinyl, but don't ask Bono to sign it; he doesn't actually love this song.
Irish Roots
U2 has always been a politically-informed, equality-seeking band. Known best for the track "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and their Live Aid performance, lead singer Bono has solidified himself as a socially-conscious rocker. Their fifth album, Joshua Tree, brought them success outside of Europe.
The Beatles, Yesterday and Today
The Beatles released Yesterday and Today with Capitol Records in 1966, and if you happen to have a copy with the original cover, it's worth upwards of $125,000. The band originally photographed themselves covered in raw meat, but the label thought they needed a more "palatable" look, so they redid the shoot. There are select versions of the meat-clad cover still in circulation, though, and it's worth a ton of money.
The Legacy of the British Invasion
It's hard to quantify the legacy The Beatles left behind. No other rock band has inspired more artists, released more hits, or encouraged so much social reform than these Brits. Before the deaths of John Lennon and George Harrison, the foursome was on their way to becoming the most iconic band in history.
Tommy Johnson, Alcohol and Jake Blues
In 1930, Tommy Johnson released Alcohol and Jake Blues with Paramount. It's an incredibly rare blues record, and the master tapes no longer exist. That means every single copy of the record that does exist that much more valuable. In 2013, one version of the vinyl sold for $37,100.
Unique Vocal Stylings
Tommy Johnson was best known for his "eerie falsetto" and his delicate guitar stylings. He was a Delta blues musician and played alongside artists like Charlie Patton and Willie Brown. His song "Canned Heat Blues" inspired the name of the blues group Canned Heat in the 1960s.
Frank Wilson, Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
Frank Wilson was actually a high profile Motown producer who worked with Berry Gordy. One day, he decided to try his luck in the recording room rather than behind the mixing board, and the result was this single. He put it on the Motown label in 1968, but apparently, Gordy never released it. Any found copies today sell for $30,000.
The Legendary Label
Berry Gordy ordered all copies of Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) to be destroyed for whatever reason. Maybe he was worried Wilson would get too famous and leave the label? Either way, Wilson decided singing wasn't his forté and he wasn't too hurt over it.
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue
Miles Davis released Kind of Blue with Columbia Records in 1959. The jazz legend played alongside John Coltrane and Bill Evans, making for an iconic crew of instrumentalists. He was known as "The King of Cool," and an original pressing sells for $1,000 today.
The Leader of "Cool Jazz"
Known for being a bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and artist, Miles Davis really could do it all. His Birth of the Cool session for Capitol Records led to the development of the cool jazz genre, which he pioneered. Davis's Kind of Blue album is one of the most popular jazz records of all time.
Hank Mobley, Third Season
Released in 1957 with Blue Note BLP 1568, Mobley's Third Season sells for $11,000 today. It wasn't a widely released album, with only a maximum of 1,000 copies printed in its first year. Every track on the album is a rare find because of this.
One Standout Copy
One single version of Third Season was released on a different label because apparently, Blue Note ran out of their pressings. The label adhered to this particular record is different from the others. If you're lucky enough to find it, it's worth $11,000.
Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin released their self-titled record with RCA in 1969. They're a staple in the rock genre now, but their debut release struggled to get their name out. It was a mixed bag of classic rock and blues tracks, and not everyone loved it.
A Bad Review From Rolling Stone
While the famous music mag thought the record tanked, they'd soon be eating their words. There are millions of pressings of the debut album in circulation today, but if you have the one with the turquoise lettering, it's extra valuable. It sells for around $1,000.
David Bowie, Diamond Dogs
RCA distributed Bowie's eighth studio album in 1974. Bowie is best known for testing his limits and pushing his artistic boundaries. He had a record of 28 albums by the time of his death in 2016. One of his most popular albums was indeed Diamond Dogs.
Artistic Differences
While the songs are available to anyone who wants them, one particular vinyl cover is exceptionally rare. There's one where the album art is slightly different from the usual copy sold in stores. Artist Guy Peellaert depicted Bowie as a half-dog, half-man, and if you can find it, you've got your hands on $3,500.
The Beatles, The White Album
The Beatles released this album under Apple Records in 1968, and it's arguably their most popular record to date. Drummer Ringo Starr claimed the first copy ever pressed. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on it, you'll have to shell out $790,000.
David Bowie, The Prettiest Star
The Prettiest Star was released on Mercury Records in 1973 and sells now for $2,000. While this isn't one of his most popular singles, it's rumored that Bowie sang this song over the phone while proposing to his first wife. It's the story behind it that makes it so collectible.
Bruce Springsteen, Spirit In the Night
The Born to Run singer dropped his first single, Spirit in the Night, in 1973 with Columbia Records. Though it initially went unnoticed, Bruce found major fame with later releases, and then that single began to pick up speed. A limited amount of copies were pressed, so if you have one, you could sell it for $5,000.
The Rolling Stones, Street Fighting Man
The Stones put out this track in 1968 with London Records, and it sells today for $17,000. The band was just getting started during this time, focusing less on music and more on the rockstar lifestyle. However, this record gained fame for its controversial cover image of a police officer standing over injured protestors.
Wu-Tang Clan, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin
A singular copy of Wu-Tang's 2015 release via RZA sold for $2 million at an auction. This record was recorded in secret over the course of six years, and then instead of doing a typical drop, only one copy was released. The terms of the release were odd, to say the least: “The seller may legally plan and attempt to execute one heist or caper to steal back (the album), which, if successful, would return all ownership rights to the seller. Said heist or caper can only be undertaken by currently active members of the Wu-Tang Clan and/or actor Bill Murray, with no legal repercussions.”
The Quarrymen, That'll Be The Day
In 1958, Kensington Records released the first single from Paul McCartney's band before he was a Beatle. He, John, and George had their own project before adding in Ringo and forming the supergroup we know them as. That'll Be The Day is a Buddy Holly cover, but there were 50 copies pressed for friends and family that are worth around $3,500 today.
Elvis Presley, That's All Right
In 1954, The King dropped That's All Right with Sun Records. This track came to be when Presley was just messing around in the studio playing a quick cover of Arthur Crudup's version of the song. The producer loved his take on it so much that they just hit record. This was his debut single, and an original pressing sells for $4,000.
Olivia Newton-John and ELO, Xanadu
The "Grease" star and the Electric Light Orchestra released Xanadu in 1980 under Jet/MCA Records. The movie, "Xanadu," was actually a box office disaster, but the soundtrack sold. Despite the sonic success, Newton-John hated how she looked on the album cover so much that she ordered the company to destroy them. If you happen to have one, you can sell it for $9,000.
Bob Dylan - The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan dropped his masterpiece in 1963 with Columbia Records. However - Dylan spent so much time expertly ordering all of the tracks in the most pleasing listening order, and then when it was sent to pressing, someone messed it up and put the wrong tracks on it. However, the mistake was caught early, and only a few copies were made. If you have one with the serial number ending in "-1A," you have the mistake copy. It sells for $35,000.
Elton John, I've Been Loving You
Elton John released I've Been Loving You in 1968 under Phillips Records, and the original pressings sell for $5,000. His debut single is credited to Bernie Taupin, though, because John didn't want to admit that he'd written it.
The Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground & Nico
The classic Andy Warhol cover on The Velvet Underground's almost-self titled release from 1967 has gone down in history as one of the most iconic album covers to date. This was their debut album, and the media was so unhappy with it that they banned it from radio stations. Only 30,000 copies were initially sold, but if you have one, you can sell it for $25,000.
Max Steiner, The Caine Mutiny
Released in 1954 under Columbia Records, Max Steiner scored this film, but the concept of the movie caused some uproar within the industry. The author of the novel by the same name didn't want a film adaptation and was ready to pull the rights of the script. All copies of the film that were made were scrapped, but some pressings of the score remain. Today, they sell for $6,700.
The Beatles, Please Please Me
The Beatles released Please Please Me in 1963 with Parlophone Records. They were a hot commodity at this point, and this release had to be rushed in order to keep up with the hype. The band finished it at the last second of their deadline, all while John Lennon was sick. The story keeps the album relevant, and if you have an early copy, you could sell it for $4,000.
The White Stripes, Lafayette Blues
The White stripes released this candy-covered album in 1998 with Italy Records. No one is more iconic than Jack White, and this single was only pressed a handful of times to sell at their early gigs. You could buy it for $6 then, but you can sell it for $12,700 now.
The Who, The Who Sell Out
Track Records released this album in 1967. The band's third studio album was paired with unusual concept art and fake commercials in order to set the band apart from their rock contemporaries. Half of the records were pressed in mono and included a butterfly poster, and if you have that one, you can sell it for $1,100.
Nirvana, Love Buzz
Nirvana released this cover of the Dutch band Shocking Blue's "Love Buzz" in 1988. It was their debut, featuring a B-side called "Big Cheese." It was released on the Sub Pop label, and if you have a copy with the B-side, it sells for $3,000.
Joy Division, An Ideal For Living
The debut EP from Joy Division was released in 1978 under Enigma Records. They recorded the tracks at Pennine Sound Studios in one day in 1977. It's a heavy post-punk record, and the cover art features a blond Hitler Youth member playing a drum, which was illustrated by the band's guitarist. It sells today for $3,000.
The Sex Pistols, Anarchy In The UK
The Sex Pistols' Sid Vicious is known for historically being unable to play the guitar, and yet their songs just kept selling. Anarchy In The UK was released in 1976 and is regarded by Rolling Stone as number 56 in the top 500 best songs of all time. If you have an early pressing, you can get upwards of $3,000 for it.
The Smiths, Hand in Glove
The Smiths are Morrissey's claim to fame, and Hand in Glove was released in 1983. It was put out under the Rough Trade label and hit #3 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also featured on the band's debut self-titled album later that year. However, if you have the single on vinyl, it's worth $3,000.
Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
Pink Floyd's eighth studio album was released in 1973 via Harvest Records. The songs were developed during live performances and early versions of later singles. The concept album discusses pressures the band faced due to their level of fame. It was recorded at the prestigious Abbey Road studio in London. An early pressing sells for $3,200.
Prince, The Black Album
The legendary Black Album is Prince's sixteenth studio album and was released in 1994 with Warner Bros. Records. The original release plan was to have the album follow Sign of the Times in an all-black sleeve with no title or credit to Prince. The album is a direct callout to criticism about Prince becoming too much of a pop-artist, and this was his attempt to regain his former audience. The record sold once for $27,000.
The Sex Pistols, God Save the Queen
This single by the Sex Pistols was featured on their only studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols. The single version was released during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The lyrical content was considered highly controversial, just as the band intended; BBC refused to air it. You can sell it today for $16,000.
The Beatles, Love Me Do
Love Me Do is The Beatle's debut single, released in 1962. The vinyl features the B-side, P.S. I Love You," and charted at number 17 in the UK. It topped the US singles chart. It was written years before its release before The Beatles were even The Beatles. Today, it sells for $14,000.
Pink Floyd, Ummagumma
Pink Floyd's fourth studio album was released in 1969, and the first disc in the jacket is a collection of live recordings from shows at Mothers Club and the College of Commerce. The record was recorded at Abbey Road studio in London, and Harvest Records distributed it. Today, early copies sell for $13,000.
David Bowie, David Bowie
David Bowie's self-titled debut was released in 1967 under Deram Records in London. The content of this record has virtually no resemblance to his later eclectic style that he was known for. If you're partial to Ziggy Stardust or Space Oddity, you'll find this record jarring. However, it sells for $6,000 today.
Wings, Love is Strange
Paul McCartney's band, Wings, covered this song by Mickey and Sylvia in 1971 and featured it on their debut album, Wild Life. Wings was McCartney's project after The Beatles, and his wife, Linda, was featured among the band members. A version of Love is Strange sells for $5,000.
Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run
The Boss's third studio album, Born to Run, made serious waves following its release in 1975. It was his effort to break into mainstream music, and the album was a huge commercial success. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and sold six million copies in the United States. Early copies sell for $5,500.
Pink Floyd, Meddle
Pink Floyd released their sixth studio album in 1971 via Harvest Records. It was produced between the downtime of two different tours. They went into the project with no clear direction or idea, so they formed songs out of experimentation, which led to the album's standout track, "Echoes." Today, early copies sell for $4,400.
Nirvana, Bleach
Nirvana's debut studio album, Bleach, was released in 1989 and recorded through most of the previous year. Distributed by Sub Pop, it's often overshadowed by their second release, Nevermind. This record projected them into the grunge scene and the band is credited with reshaping the genre. Early pressings of Bleach go for $2,500.
ABBA, Hova's Vittne
A special promo copy of ABBA's 1981 release, Hova's Vittne, was only given to those within the record company. There are 200 rare copies printed on red vinyl out in the world. The A-side features Hova's Vittne and the B-side features Tivedshambo. These special discs sell for $3,500.
Cherry Five, Cherry Five
Cherry Five is best known for providing soundtracks for horror movies like Suspiria, Dawn of the Dead, and Deep Red. The first release, a self-titled, is a rare find. It sells for upwards of $3,000.
Depeche Mode, Music For The Masses
The cover of this record is what makes it so rare. The UK version of the album featured only a white speaker with soundwaves on a bright orange background. That design was later replaced, but a few pressings of the original image are in circulation. If you're lucky enough to have it, it's worth $4,600.
Misfits, Legacy of Brutality
The second pressing of Misfits' 1985 compilation album only included 16 copies. Legacy of Brutality was produced and overdubbed by the band's former singer, Glen Danzig, after he quit so he wouldn't have to pay royalties. Those 16 copies are worth $5,000 each.
Stonewall, Stonewall
The self-titled record by Stonewall was pressed in 1976 without the band's knowledge under a production company called Tiger Lily. Turns out, that company was just a front for a tax scam operated by the mob. If you do, however, own a copy, you could be sitting on $14,000.
The Five Sharps, Stormy Weather
In 1952, The Five Sharps released Stormy Weather. The record was featured on an episode of Pawn Stars and the seller tried to price it at $25,000. This rare record is one of three in total, and it sold for a final price of $20,000.
ABBA, Fernando
One of ABBA's bestselling singles, Fernando, sold millions of copies worldwide. The lyrics, however, are a little bit different if you try to translate them from Swedish to English. One version tells the tale of a Mexican revolution, and another details a romantic heartbreak.
Cher, Believe
Cher's 1998 comeback, Believe, is a heavily autotuned anthem. She sold 11 million copies of the pop hit and became the oldest female artist to earn that sort of chart-topping success. Her use of autotune was inspired by Andrew Roachfield, who used a vocoder in his music.
Band-Aid, Do They Know It's Christmas
This iconic supergroup features members of U2, Duran Duran, Culture Club, and more. The benefit song, Do They Know It's Christmas, was recorded as a means to donate to the famine in Ethiopia. It sold 11.7 million copies.
Gloria Gaynor, I Will Survive
I Will Survive is Gloria Gaynor's biggest single to date. Her career was suffering in the 1970s, so her producer suggested she write a catchy hit to put her back on top. The singe topped charts all over the world, and she campaigned for its success all on her own.
The Weeknd, Blinding Lights
The Weeknd's single, Blinding Lights, was the number one top-selling single of 2020. Distributed by XO and Republic Records, The Weeknd has spent the entire year promoting his album After Hours, which Blinding Lights appears on.
Harry Styles, Adore You
The former One Direction singer went solo a few years ago, but 2019 and 2020 have arguably been his most successful years. He released his single, Adore You in 2019 to promote his full-length release, Fine Line, and it topped nearly every chart. It sits at number 3 on Billboard's staff picks.