Walnut Plaques (1958-1964)

Three Famously Rare RIAA Walnut Plaques – Awarded To Tennesee Ernie Ford

In the late 50’s and early 60’s Tennessee Ernie Ford was a huge star. The song Sixteen Tons (video) was his biggest hit, and he had four albums certified by the RIAA as million sellers. Below you see three of them in their Authentic, First-Presentation state as Walnut Plaques, the rarely seen RIAA format from 1958-1964…

Spirituals was released in April 1957 and certified RIAA gold on 10/10/61…riaa-award2-3

Star Carol was released in October 1958 and certified RIAA gold on March 12, 1962…riaa4-2

Nearer The Cross was released in May 1959 and certified RIAA gold on March 22, 1962… [click to continue…]

RIAA Walnut Plaques With Coin Format – 1958 to 1964

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From 1958 to 1964 the format of certified RIAA awards was a Walnut Plaque, with a gold disc, presentation plate, and a separate RIAA medallion (coin).Few presentations were made and they remain rare.

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Photo – Judy Garland “Live at Carnegie Hall” – 1961 Gold LP – RIAA “Walnut Plaque” Record Award

Here’s Judy Garland with the first type of RIAA gold record, a “Walnut Plaque”. “Judy at Carnegie Hall“, was a huge best seller which charted for 73 weeks, including 13 weeks at number one. It was a two-record live recording of an April 23, 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall, released in June of 1961, and […]

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