Alexandria Wyckoff
During the 1950s, vinyl records shifted from just US and Europe-based records to music pulled from around the world after World War II. The most valuable vinyl records from the 50s come from a range of genres and artists, from well-known names we still love today, and others by musicians who are not as well-known. If you want to expand your vinyl collection with prized pieces, check out these six valuable vinyl records from the 50s.
6. Little Walter – The Best of Little Walter
Starting our list of valuable vinyl records from the 50s is The Best of Little Walter by Little Walter. Released in 1958, the vinyl features ten of Walter’s best-selling singles. The Chicago bluesman started as a member of Muddy Waters’ touring band, but when constantly overshadowed by other members of the band, he broke off and did his own thing. Walter would cup a microphone next to his harmonica, creating distortion and other effects and turning the harmonica into something more.
5. Elvis Presley – Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Fifth on our list of valuable vinyl records from the 50s is Lawdy Miss Clawdy by Elvis Presley. One of the most prevalent rock ‘n roll artists of the time, and still immensely popular today, Presley released this single back in 1956. His tracks were so wide-reaching that even enthusiasts in the USSR would make discs on X-ray film, even though rock ‘n roll and jazz were practically impossible to listen to in the country during that time. The practice was banned in 1958, but continued for years after.
4. Johnny Cash – Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar
Next on our list of valuable vinyl records from the 50s is Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar by Johnny Cash. Another unforgettable artist, this was Cash’s debut LP, released in 1957. The vinyl was the first album to be released by a Sun artist, and featured tracks like “Cry! Cry! Cry!,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “I Walk the Line.” The album was later rereleased in 2002 with five previously unreleased tracks. While Cash may have put out many other albums in subsequent years, this one was his most enjoyable to fans.
3. Frank Sinatra – In the Wee Small Hours
Rounding out the top three valuable vinyl records from the 50s is In the Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra. Released in 1955, the album had a noir theme that dealt with loneliness and broken relationships. In the Wee Small Hours was released on two 10″ LPs and a 12″ LP. While it wasn’t super upbeat, the album still reached number two on the US charts.
2. Billie Holiday – At Jazz At the Philharmonic
Second on our list of valuable vinyl records from the 50s is At Jazz At the Philharmonic by Billie Holiday. The album was recorded in 1945 and 1946, when Billie Holiday was in her prime. Granz’s Clef label released the album in 1954 during Holiday’s declining years. The album features the blend of Holiday and Lester Young’s voices, who both tragically died in 1959 due to drugs and alcohol. Featured tracks include “Body And Soul” and “Strange Fruit.”
1. Charlie Christian – Jazz Immortal
Last but not least on our list of valuable vinyl records from the 50s is Jazz Immortal by Charlie Christian. While it was released in 1951, nine years after Christian’s passing, the album was recorded live back in 1941 at Minton’s. The album features Christian’s frontline style of playing the electric guitar, along with the complex harmonies that were hard to forget. The tracks on the album were rereleased in 1957, alongside others recorded at a second Harlem club, titled After Hours.