Floaters (1975-1981)

Teddy – A Smooth And Soulful Voice Gone Too Soon

“Teddy” Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010) initially rose to musical fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. After leaving the group over monetary disputes in 1976, Pendergrass launched a successful solo career, releasing five consecutive platinum albums.

… Teddy, his third album, was number 1 on the Billboard R&B chart for 8 weeks and named the 2nd biggest R&B album of the year. Released in June, 1979 and certified RIAA platinum on 7/27/79, here you see it honored with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA “Floater”.

An RIAA Gold LP “Floater” For War!

Members of of the back-up band for Eric Burdon (an Animal) in the 60’s, became War in the 70’s. A powerhouse of hits and RIAA certifications. Here we honor their album, “Why Can’t We Be Friends” released in June 1975 and certified RIAA Gold on 7/25/75… I love to buy record awards : ). Please […]

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Here’s an RIAA Gold LP Floater for Santa Esmeralda “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”

Thumbnail image for Here’s an RIAA Gold LP Floater for Santa Esmeralda “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”

Santa Esmeralda, a U.S./French disco group released, the 1965 hit for The Animals, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, in October of 1977. Their version was certified RIAA gold on 6/8/78 and peaked at #25, becoming their only RIAA certified album. Here you see it honored with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA Gold Floater Award… The fingerprints […]

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Kiss “Double Platinum” – 1978 – RIAA Platinum Floater

Thumbnail image for Kiss “Double Platinum” – 1978 – RIAA Platinum Floater

The first Kiss compilation album, Double Platinum, was released on April 2, 1978. Six weeks later it became RIAA Gold and Platinum simultaneously on 5/16/78. This double album included many remixed versions of their hits, as well as “Strutter ’78”, a re-recorded version of a song from the group’s first album. Here you see it honored with […]

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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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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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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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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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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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Johnny Mathis – Made Slow Dancing Foreplay in the 1960’s!

Thumbnail image for Johnny Mathis – Made Slow Dancing Foreplay in the 1960’s!

While Johnny Mathis was known for romantic ballads, his discography includes dozens of RIAA Gold and Platinum Albums from various genres. This 1978 RIAA Floater award for You Light Up My Life, is just one in the long tradition. Certified RIAA Gold on May 2, 1978, it reached a peak Billboard chart position of #9. […]

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Crosby & Nash “Wind On The Water” Gold RIAA Floater LP Award

Floaters, are a classic RIAA format, and the earliest ones are now 40 years old (reference to – a blink of an eye). This Crosby & Nash (David & Graham) “Wind On The Water” (released 9/75 and certified RIAA gold on 11/7/75) is a particularly great example of an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State award. Macey Lipman worked […]

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Isley Brothers “Fight The Power” – The Tale Of Two RIAA Gold Singles – What’s Up here?

Thumbnail image for Isley Brothers “Fight The Power” – The Tale Of Two RIAA Gold Singles – What’s Up here?

If you’re reading this email I know you’re interested in record awards. I bet you have, or have seen, quite a few. Me too. But here’s something I’ve never seen before (put it in the category of awards trivia). A few weeks ago I posted an RIAA Isley Brothers gold award for one million sales […]

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Isley Brothers “Fight The Power (Part 1)” – 1975 #4 Single – RIAA Floater – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Isley Brothers “Fight The Power (Part 1)” – 1975 #4 Single – RIAA Floater – Gold Record Award

“The Isley Brothers seemed to have as many lives in their show-business career as a cat. They started out as a hit on the black rhythm & blues circuit and later parlayed that into broad success as rock artists. When things slowed down for them in the U.S. teen market in the mid-1960s, they moved […]

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Pointer Sisters “Energy” – Gold RIAA Floater Award – Thoughts On Condition And Value

Thumbnail image for Pointer Sisters “Energy” – Gold RIAA Floater Award – Thoughts On Condition And Value

Is a restored award worth more or less than an award in unopened, “First-State” condition?The award you see here for the Pointer Sisters Energy is nearly thirty-five years old, and it’s in relatively good shape. With the exception of the label fallen off the disc. There are certainly examples of awards from the 60’s, 70’s […]

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Village People “Macho Man” – 1978 #24 Album – RIAA “Floater” – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Village People “Macho Man” – 1978 #24 Album – RIAA “Floater” – Gold Record Award

RIAA “White Matte” awards celebrate music from 1964 to 1975, including the British invasion, singer songwriters, and the music of San Francisco. RIAA “Floaters” celebrate the music from 1975 to 1981 including soft rock, arena rock, and or course the heavy beat, dance all night, Disco! Perhaps the group most identified with the Disco years […]

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“Bootsy” Collins “Ahh…The Name Is Bootsy, Baby!” – 1977 # 16 Album – RIAA Gold Floater – Record Award

Thumbnail image for “Bootsy” Collins “Ahh…The Name Is Bootsy, Baby!” – 1977 # 16 Album – RIAA Gold Floater – Record Award

Ahh…The Name Is Bootsy Baby! was released January 1977, certified RIAA Gold 4/13/77, and peaked on Billboard at #16, and #1 on the R&B charts. Here it is celebrated with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State, RIAA “Floater” format gold record.William Bootsy Collins rose to prominence with James Brown in the early 1970s, and later with […]

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Kiss “Beth” – 1977 #7 Single – RIAA Floater – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Kiss “Beth” – 1977 #7 Single – RIAA Floater – Gold Record Award

Kiss has dozens of gold and platinum awards from around the world. Beth, was their first single to reach RIAA gold status in the United States. Released in August 1976, certified gold on 1/5/77, it reached a peak Billboard chart position of #7. Here you see an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA “Floater” that celebrates […]

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England Dan & John Ford Coley “I’d Really Like To See You Tonight” – 1976 #2 Single – RIAA Floater – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for England Dan & John Ford Coley “I’d Really Like To See You Tonight” – 1976 #2 Single – RIAA Floater – Gold Record Award

The RIAA certified format from 1975-1981 was the “Floater”. Called that because the disc and presentation plate seemed to “float” off the black matte. It was also the first format to recognize platinum sales and saw the addition of a second award manufacturer Creative Glassics (in addition to New York Frame & Picture Co.). England […]

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Pointer Sisters “Black and White” – 1981 #12 Album – RIAA Floater – Gold Record Award w/Condition Issues

Thumbnail image for Pointer Sisters “Black and White” – 1981 #12 Album – RIAA Floater – Gold Record Award w/Condition Issues

From time to time collectors see awards with the disc fallen off its mounting, like the one below. The culprit is usually a bump, a drop, or the loosening of the adhesive over time. Here we see the condition issue on an RIAA “Floater” celebrating the Pointer Sister’s Black and White album. Released in June […]

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REO Speedwagon “Live/Your Get What You Play For” – 1977 Album – RIAA Floater – Gold LP Award

Thumbnail image for REO Speedwagon “Live/Your Get What You Play For” – 1977 Album – RIAA Floater – Gold LP Award

REO Speedwagon got together in the 60’s, through member changes and a few albums they found their footing in the 70’s, and in the 80’s they topped the charts. An album from the 70’s is what we celebrate here, their first live album, Live: You Get What You Play For, which was released in July, 1977, […]

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Steve Martin “Let’s Get Small” – 1977/1978 #10 Album – RIAA LP Floaters – Gold/Platinum Record Awards

Thumbnail image for Steve Martin “Let’s Get Small” – 1977/1978 #10 Album – RIAA LP Floaters – Gold/Platinum Record Awards

Before comedy clubs, and HBO specials, comedy albums were the medium for comedians to share their humor. Funny topped the Billboard charts, with the likes of Mel Brooks and Carl Riener (2000 year old man), Bob Newhart, and Bill Cosby. The tradition continued in the 70’s with Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Steve Martin. Steve’s […]

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Eagles “Hotel California” – 1976 #1 Album – RIAA Floater – Platinum Record Award

Thumbnail image for Eagles “Hotel California” – 1976 #1 Album – RIAA Floater – Platinum Record Award

The Eagles reached their commercial, and some would say artistic, peak with their fifth studio album Hotel California. Released in December of 1976, it was certified both RIAA gold and platinum on the same day (12/13/76), and would go on to sell over 32 million copies worldwide.This platinum RIAA “Floater” is an Authentic, First Presentation, […]

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Blues Brothers – A Saturday Night Live Sketch: Turned Into A 1979 #1 Album (And Blockbuster Movie!)

Thumbnail image for Blues Brothers – A Saturday Night Live Sketch: Turned Into A 1979 #1 Album (And Blockbuster Movie!)

Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were two original cast members of Saturday Night Live. They founded The Blues Brothers in 1978 as part of a musical sketch, and their impact and success increased with the release of “Briefcase Full Of Blues” in December of 1978. It was certified RIAA platinum in January 1979 and reached […]

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Fleetwood Mac “Rumours” … RIAA Floater Vs. In House Floater

RIAA and In House awards are both collectible, with RIAA awards considered more valuable. But other than the RIAA logo, they can look very similar. For example… Here’s an In House Fleetwood Mac Rumours Platinum Floater (1977)…Here’s an RIAA Fleetwood Mac Rumours Platinum Floater (1977)…Here’s the In House presentation plate… Here’s the RIAA presentation plate…

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Midnight Star – Gold & Platinum RIAA LP Floater Oddities – “No Parking On The Dance Floor”

Thumbnail image for Midnight Star – Gold & Platinum RIAA LP Floater Oddities – “No Parking On The Dance Floor”

Here’s a delicious detail, and perhaps forgotten history, of RIAA gold records… Usually these posts start with a picture of the awards, a short introduction to the artist, or the release and certification dates. This post is different. While we will celebrate Midnight Star, we take a look at a RIAA Floater like format that […]

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Prince “I Wanna Be Your Lover” 1980 RIAA Gold 45 Floater Record Award

Thumbnail image for Prince “I Wanna Be Your Lover” 1980 RIAA Gold 45 Floater Record Award

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” was Prince’s first RIAA certified single. Released in August of 1979, certified on March 18, 1980, it reached a peak Billboard chart position of #11.

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Firefall “Firefall” 1976 Gold RIAA LP Floater Record Award (and the curious cat…)

Thumbnail image for Firefall “Firefall” 1976 Gold RIAA LP Floater Record Award (and the curious cat…)

A curious cat stopped by to see this award…What he sniffed out – was unopened backing paper, and a New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker, for a gold RIAA Floater. Which turned out to be the back of Firefall’s first RIAA gold record award…

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Meat Loaf “Bat Out Of Hell” RIAA Platinum Record Award w/Condition Issue

Bat Out Of Hell is the second album, and major-label debut, by Meat Loaf. It was released in October of 1977 and has sold over 40 million copies. In the United States, it was RIAA certified gold (500,000 units sold) on 5/22/78, and platinum (1,000,00 units) on 8/28/78. The RIAA platinum Floater you see here is: […]

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