FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 22, 2019

DEAR JERRY: Since I was a teenager I have had a 78 rpm of Elvis Presley's very first record, "That's All Right" backed with "Blue Moon of Kentucky" (Sun 209). To me it looks like new.

Lately I have been thinking of listing it for sale, but a friend says because 78s are more fragile, and because of that they sell for a whole lot less than 45s. What say you?
—Joe Brawley, Paducah, Ky.

DEAR JOE: Your friend is right regarding values in general. Most 45s are more valuable than their 78 counterparts. However, your friend is dead wrong about Elvis Sun 78s being worth "a whole lot less."

The five Elvis Sun singles are always in demand, whether 45s or 78s and in near-mint (like new) condition, many, many have sold in the $1,000 to $2,000 range.

Interestingly, when first issued in 1954 and '55, the Elvis Suns sold for approximately 70-cents. Ten years later the price had jumped to around $100. By 1974, collectors were paying around $200 to $300. In 1984, they traded in the $500 to $750 neighborhood.

As you now know, in the 21st century, dozens of his Sun 45s and 78s have sold for more than double than in the 1980s.

For those who don't have all of the Presley Sun singles memorized, here they are:

1954: "That's All Right"/"Blue Moon of Kentucky" (Sun 209)
1954: "I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine"/"Good Rockin Tonight" (Sun 210)
1955: "Milkcow Blues Boogie"/"You're a Heartbreaker" (Sun 215)
1955: "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone"/"Baby, Let's Play House" (Sun 217)
1955: "Mystery Train"/"I Forgot to Remember to Forget" (Sun 223)

DEAR JERRY: For years I have been in search of a song by Bob Seger titled "Back in '72." I first heard this tune on a Detroit radio station around 1972, and have since searched everywhere and can't find it.

Unfortunately, no one I know has even heard "Back in '72." I hope you can assist me.
—Gary Brown, Chandler, Ariz.

DEAR GARY: "Back in '72" is the title of Bob Seger's fourth LP, and his first of 1973 (Palladium/Reprise MS-2126). Though this album never made the Top 100, and is therefore regarded as one of his rarest LPs, often selling in the $50 to $200 range. If you don't mind the price, copies can easily be found. Naturally this collection includes the title track.