In honor of Half Price Books turning 45, we feature some great 45 rpm singles from their heyday in the fifties, sixties and seventies. (Wait until 2050 for the birthday when we feature 78 rpm records.)
When are 45s gonna become cool again? Or so uncool that they’re hip? Who cares—we love 45s! They sound big and in-your-face, and we see so many rare, sublime and forgotten treasures come through our doors.
45s are cheap, too! Most are in the 50 cents-to-a-dollar range in our stores. Here are a few that are a little more special.
Elvis Presley – “That’s All Right”/ “Blue Moon of Kentucky”
1976, RCA Victor 447-0601 promo in RCA sleeve MCST 40462 (UK) picture disc
Elvis recorded these songs in 1954 (the single’s label says 1955) at Sun Studio for his first single. Also available, a promo reissue of his 2nd single, “Good Rockin’ Tonight.”
Both are in Very Good condition.—$15 each
Bob Dylan (plus other artists) – “I Ain’t Got No Home,”
1972, Playback AS 31
Columbia Records used the Playback label in the early 70s to send new or unreleased songs to subscribers who were asked to rate the songs on a reply card. In addition to Dylan, this 45 includes Edgar Winter (“Jive, Jive, Jive”), Sweathog (“Hallelujah”) and Free Movement (“The Harder I Try”).
Near Mint, in Playback sleeve—$30
The Supremes – “Nothing But Heartaches”/ “He Holds His Own”
1965, Motown 1080, in picture sleeve
After a string of five number ones, this one only made it to #11—but it still has the classic Supremes sound! The record is in Near Mint condition, and the picture sleeve is VG, with “#19” written near the top and a couple of small tears.—$10
Nancy Sinatra – “Lightning’s Girl”/ “Until It’s Time for You to Go”
1967, Reprise 0620, in picture sleeve
“Lightning’s Girl” was another collaboration with Lee Hazlewood, who also wrote and produced the big hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.”
Near Mint, in a VG picture sleeve—$5
The Flamingos – “I Only Have Eyes for You”/ “Goodnight Sweetheart”
1959, End 1046
Just as I only read Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe mysteries in old mass-market editions, I only listen to doo-wop hits on singles, and this is one of the best. In VG condition, with writing and scuffs on the label and a few light scratches. $10
Gary U.S. Bonds – “School Is Out”/ “One Million Tears”
1961, Legrand 1009, in picture sleeve
At #5 Billboard, “School Is Out” was Bonds’ second-highest charting single after “Quarter to Three,” which hit number one earlier the same year. The record is Near Mint, except for an owner inscription on the label; the sleeve is VG, with writing on its back panel—$10
Interested in purchasing any of these classic 45s? Contact the Buy Guy.
