RIAA

The Hollies – Influenced By Swamp Rock (CCR) – Earned Their First RIAA White Matte In 1972

Thumbnail image for The Hollies – Influenced By Swamp Rock (CCR) – Earned Their First RIAA White Matte In 1972

After many great songs, different line-ups, and with a nod to the rhythms of Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Hollies released “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” in May of 1972. It was certified RIAA gold on 9/11/72 and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Here you see it honored with an Authentic, First Presentation, […]

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The “Pioneering Godfathers Of The Jam Band” – Received 4 RIAA LP White Mattes

The Early 70’s were heady days for the Grateful Dead. Their concerts made them the “pioneering godfathers of the jam band” – Wikipedia, and their albums were certified RIAA gold. Here they are (with record executive Joe Smith) honored with one of their four RIAA White Matte LP’s… _________________ To share all things awards, please contact me […]

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Restoring A Classic 1968 RIAA LP White Matte – And A Chance To Look Inside

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Q. Who are Rod McKuen, Anita Kerr and Joe Smith? And what do they have in common (besides you don’t know who they are)? A. Rod McKuen was one of the best-selling poets in the United States during the late 60’s. Anita Kerr is an American singer, arranger, composer, conductor, pianist, and music producer. And Joe Smith is […]

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Hi KISS Fans! – Here’s A Rare RIAA Bar Hologram For The 2005 DVD “Kiss: Rock The Nation Live”!

Thumbnail image for Hi KISS Fans! – Here’s A Rare RIAA Bar Hologram For The 2005 DVD “Kiss: Rock The Nation Live”!

A KISS show in July 2004, turned into KISS: Rock The Nation Live!, a DVD notable for the addition of “Kiss Power Vision”, which enables the viewer to select different camera angles, each focusing on a different member of the band. The DVD was released on December 13, 2005, and certified by the RIAA for multi-platinum DVD sales of 200,000. Here […]

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Donna Summer “MacArthur Park” – 1978 #1 Single – RIAA Gold 45 Floater Award

Thumbnail image for Donna Summer “MacArthur Park” – 1978 #1 Single – RIAA Gold 45 Floater Award

Released in September 1978, certified RIAA gold on 10/26/78, MacArthur Park became Donna Summer’s first #1 RIAA gold 45. The song, written and composed by Jimmy Webb, was first recorded by Richard Harris in 1968, his version peaked at #2 (see an In House award honoring that achievement). Here you see it honored with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State, RIAA […]

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R. Kelly “R.” – A Big – Bold – Beautiful – Bar Hologram – RIAA Award For Five Million Sold

Thumbnail image for R. Kelly “R.” – A Big – Bold – Beautiful – Bar Hologram – RIAA Award For Five Million Sold

R. Kelly released R. on November 10, 1998 and according to Wikipedia, this album was the first time Kelly allowed other record producers to produce or co-produce on his album, as opposed to producing the entire album himself, as well as his first time collaborating with various artists on his album. The result was a huge […]

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Michael Jackson “Thriller” – 3X Platinum – RIAA Strip-Plate Award

Thumbnail image for Michael Jackson “Thriller” – 3X Platinum – RIAA Strip-Plate Award

Thriller was Michael Jackson’s masterpiece. Released in November 1982 and certified RIAA Gold and Platinum on 1/31/83, it sold over 30,000,000 copies in the United States alone. Seven singles were released, all of which reached the top 10 on Billboard. The videos for “Thriller“, “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” all received regular rotation on MTV and the album […]

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Paul Anka “(You’re) Having My Baby” – 1974 #1 Song – RIAA Gold White Matte Award

Thumbnail image for Paul Anka “(You’re) Having My Baby” – 1974 #1 Song – RIAA Gold White Matte Award

(You’re) Having My Baby, by prolific songwriter and performer Paul Anka, was released in June of 1974, certified RIAA Gold on 8/14/74, and reached #1 on Billboard (becoming his third #1 song). Here you see it honored with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA White Matte Gold Single (wrapped in a 2 mil polyethylene bag for protection in storage)… Have […]

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Elvis!!! A Gold Record Collectible That Isn’t Exactly A Gold Record!

Thumbnail image for Elvis!!! A Gold Record Collectible That Isn’t Exactly A Gold Record!

Elvis Presley of course has been honored around the world with hundreds of gold and platinum records. But did you know that one of his awards was the subject of a trading card? Specifically, The Elvis Collection #656, a 1972 RIAA White Matte for Elvis As Recorded AT Madison Square Garden. With a picture on the front […]

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The Beach Boys: An RIAA White Matte Signaled The Start Of An Amazing Career … An RIAA R Hologram Summarized It!!

The Beach Boys need no introduction, but they had one, with the release of 12 songs on their second album Surfin’ U.S.A. in April 1963. It became their first certified RIAA gold album on November 15, 1965 and reached a peak Billboard chart position of #2. Here you see it honored with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA […]

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You Like “Soft Soul” From The Early 70’s …?

Thumbnail image for You Like “Soft Soul” From The Early 70’s …?

… Here’s a classic by the Five Stairsteps, made up of five siblings from Chicago who became known as “The First Family of Soul” (a name later passed on to The Jackson 5). They were best known for their hit single O-o-h Child (video) which was released in February 1970, Certified RIAA gold on 8/11/70, and reached a peak Billboard Hot […]

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So Sad … A Brilliant Talent Gone To Soon – A Body Of Work That Will Live Forever

Thumbnail image for So Sad … A Brilliant Talent Gone To Soon – A Body Of Work That Will Live Forever

I was shocked, as I imagine you were, by the death of Prince. An amazing guitarist, singer, songwriter, performer, and collaborator. His artistic vision and exploration will be sorely missed. Here we honor him, so sad to say posthumously, by sharing his first RIAA certified gold LP. Released in October 1979, and certified gold on […]

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ELO’s First Use Of What Would Become Their Iconic Logo – On “A New World Record”

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) released a A New World Record in October of 1976. Its cover art features, for the first time, the ELO logo, designed by Kosh. This logo would be included on most of the group’s subsequent releases. Certified gold by the RIAA on 10/25/76, you see it honored here as An Authentic, RIAA Certified, First […]

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Honoring A One Hit Wonder – “Brandy” By Looking Glass – With An RIAA Gold 45 White Matte

Thumbnail image for Honoring A One Hit Wonder – “Brandy” By Looking Glass – With An RIAA Gold 45 White Matte

In February 1972, Robert Mandel was the Epic Records Promotion Manager in Washington, DC. He received a test pressing of an album by a new group named Looking Glass. He took the test pressing around to every radio station in the Washington/Baltimore region. At the time, WPGC AM was one of the leading Top 40 […]

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The Beatles Shocked The BBC From 1963 to 1965 – And Their 1994 Compilation LP Sold Millions!

Thumbnail image for The Beatles Shocked The BBC From 1963 to 1965 – And Their 1994 Compilation LP Sold Millions!

“England got a lot more of The Beatles than America did during the group’s formative years. Between 1962 and 1965, The Beatles were featured on 53 BBC radio programs, including their own series, “Pop Go The Beatles.” – Terry Gross, Fresh Air Host. Listen to the full Fresh Air story here. Live At The BBC is […]

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Creedence Clearwater Revival “Cosmos Factory” – 1973 #1 LP – RIAA White Matte Award

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was a staple of radio airplay, and their albums were at the top of the charts. Cosmo’s Factory*, their fifth studio album, was released in July of 1970, certified RIAA Gold on 12/16/70, and reached #1 on Billboard. This is an Authentic, RIAA Certified, First Presentation, White […]

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David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust – The Thin White Duke – An Artist For All Ages – Gone To Soon

As I listen to Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust, I mourn the loss of one of the greatest performers I ever saw/heard/loved. David Bowie. I was lucky enough to see him the first time on October 20, 1972 when he and his band came to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium as Ziggy Stardust And The […]

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Hey! Did You Happen To See The Most Beautiful Girl In The World?

Thumbnail image for Hey! Did You Happen To See The Most Beautiful Girl In The World?

A classic love song, by a classic country artist, honored with a classic RIAA White Matte. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World (YouTube) was released by Charlie Rich in September 1973, certified RIAA gold on 12/10/73, and reached #1 on the Billboard Pop Charts. This White Matte 45 is a Certified, Authentic, First Presentation, […]

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“Best Of Cream” – An Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA White Matte LP

Thumbnail image for “Best Of Cream” – An Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA White Matte LP

In the late 1960’s Cream, was a hugely successful, maybe the first, super-group. They foreshadowed and influenced the emergence of British bands such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath. The Best Of Cream was released in September of 1969 as the band’s last of five RIAA Gold certified, chart topping albums; Fresh Cream (#39), Disraeli Gears (#4), […]

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Where Jazz Met Rock In The Late 1970’s – Steely Dan “Aja” – RIAA Platinum LP Award

Thumbnail image for Where Jazz Met Rock In The Late 1970’s – Steely Dan “Aja” – RIAA Platinum LP Award

Steely Dan is an American jazz rock band founded by core members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen in 1972. The band enjoyed great critical and commercial success in the late 70’s and early 80’s especially for their sixth, and best selling album, Aja. Released in September 1977 and certified RIAA Platinum on 12/27/77, it reached a peak […]

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An Urban Anthem From Curtis Mayfield – “Freddie’s Dead” – 1972 #4 Single – RIAA 45 White Matte Award

Thumbnail image for An Urban Anthem From Curtis Mayfield – “Freddie’s Dead” – 1972 #4 Single – RIAA 45 White Matte Award

Freddie’s Dead is a smooth-funk masterpiece (listen here) by Curtis Mayfield and the first single from his 1972 soundtrack album for the film Super Fly. Certified RIAA Gold on 10/31/72, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard Pop Charts and #2 on the R&B charts. Here it’s honored with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA White Matte (the RIAA format from […]

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Rooted In BS & CSNY – Steven Stills – “Manassas” 1972 #4 Album – RIAA White Matte Award

Thumbnail image for Rooted In BS & CSNY – Steven Stills – “Manassas” 1972 #4 Album – RIAA White Matte Award

Steven Stills, was a founding member of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and one of the most important influences in rock music from 1966 to the mid 1970’s. His solo career continued the success with Manassas, released in April of 1972, Certified RIAA Gold on 5/30/72, and reaching a peak Billboard chart position of #4. […]

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Wait! What’s The Story With This 5th Dimension 1969 RIAA Gold Single For “Wedding Bell Blues”

Thumbnail image for Wait! What’s The Story With This 5th Dimension 1969 RIAA Gold Single For “Wedding Bell Blues”

In the late 60’s and early 70’s The 5th Dimension’s “champagne soul” music was everywhere. Their #1 single, Wedding Bell Blues (written by the incredibly talented Laura Nyro) was released in September of 1969, and certified RIAA Gold to commemorate the sale of one million copies, on 12/5/69. Here you see it honored with an Authentic, Second-State, and what looks like Second Presentation award. A First-State, First […]

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Spyro Gyra “Morning Dance” – Cutting Edge Fusion In 1979 – And A Classic RIAA “Floater”

Some awards speak to you. You loved the music, the artist, the times. Something in the melodies and rhythms connect you to happy moments. Gold records speak because they provide a visceral reminder of those moments. I imagine Spyro Gyra connected with a lot of people, but not so much with me. I connect with them […]

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Isaac Hayes – Chef On South Park – And A Renowned Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Producer, And Humanitarian

Thumbnail image for Isaac Hayes – Chef On South Park – And A Renowned Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Producer, And Humanitarian

Issac Hayes was one of the creative forces behind the music label Stax Records, where during the mid-60s he served both as an in-house songwriter, session musician, and record producer. Along with his writing partner David Porter, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of writing many gold records, including the hit […]

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Black Sabbath “Vol. 4” – An Observation Of Rarity

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White Matte’s (the RIAA format from 1964-1975) are rare. Few were made, especially compared to the greater quantities of later formats. If they have gotten out (original owners have parted with them) they rarely trade in public. Some awards are never seen, or if they are, all to often they go with the collector story […]

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Souther(J.D.) – Hillman(Chris) – Furay(Richie) – 1974 Gold LP – RIAA White Matte – Record Award

Thumbnail image for Souther(J.D.) – Hillman(Chris) – Furay(Richie) – 1974 Gold LP – RIAA White Matte – Record Award

Souther – Hillman – Furay (SHF), was a country rock supergroup led by singer-songwriters Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco), Chris Hillman (The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas), and J.D. Souther (Longbranch Pennywhistle, and noted songwriter for Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles). Their first album (of two) was released in July 1974, certified RIAA Gold on […]

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Bod Dylan Wouldn’t Be Bob Dylan — Without Albert Grossman (The Stories Two White Mattes Tell Of Presentation Plates)

Thumbnail image for Bod Dylan Wouldn’t Be Bob Dylan — Without Albert Grossman (The Stories Two White Mattes Tell Of Presentation Plates)

The Beatles wouldn’t be The Beatles without Brian Epstein. The Eagles wouldn’t be The Eagles without Irving Azoff. Alice Cooper wouldn’t be Alice Cooper with out Shep Gordon. Names on presentation plates tell tales of the music business, and the people involved in its successes. Artists, along with the individuals who provide support in shaping and exposing […]

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What Was The Last #1 Song Of The 1970’s … And The Only Song To Hit Number #1 In Two Decades?

Thumbnail image for What Was The Last #1 Song Of The 1970’s … And The Only Song To Hit Number #1 In Two Decades?

In addition to the trivia above, you also might want to know that this song was the artist’s only Billboard #1 single. It’s original title is not the title it’s known by, and it was Infinity Records‘ biggest hit (at the same time they also released Pope John Paul II Sings at the Festival of Sacrosong, […]

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Bill Withers – Immense Talent. Incredible Songs. Retired From The Business. His Legacy Lives On!

Thumbnail image for Bill Withers – Immense Talent. Incredible Songs. Retired From The Business. His Legacy Lives On!

Still Bill is the second studio album by Bill Withers, which contained two of his most memorable songs. Lean on Me, which went to # 1 on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts in summer of 1972; and Use Me, which went to #2 on the same charts in fall of 1972. Released in May of 1972, the […]

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