White Matte (RIAA Award Format From 1964 -1975)

Simon & Garfunkle “Bridge Over Troubled Water” 1970 Gold RIAA White Matte Record Award

Thumbnail image for Simon & Garfunkle “Bridge Over Troubled Water” 1970 Gold RIAA White Matte Record Award

When I hold this award in my hands, I know I’m holding a masterpiece by one of the most influential (the most influential?) duos in the history of music. Released in January of 1970, and certified Gold on February 27, 1970, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was the third of three #1 albums by Simon & […]

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Moody Blues “Nights In White Satin” Gold RIAA 45 White Matte Record Award

We wrap up our three part series of classic white mattes with The Moody Blues. Named after a Slim Harpo song, they are best known as one of rocks first classical-pomp groups and struck gold in the early seventies. “”Nights In White Satin” was the only Moody Blues RIAA gold 45. Originally released in January […]

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Booker T. & The M.G.s “Green Onions” Gold RIAA 45 White Matte Record Award

“Green Onions” the smash instrumental hit by Booker T. & The M.G.s was released in July of 1962 and reached a peak chart position of #3.  Many still remember the excitement of hearing it on the radio, but for those of you who don’t, or have never heard it, listen here. Certified gold on June […]

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Rolling Stones “Ruby Tuesday” Gold RIAA 45 White Matte Record Award

This is the first of a three post, closer look, at authentic details of RIAA 45 white mattes. Look closely at the outline of the matte around the disc and plate of this Rolling Stones award. The yellow-ish you see is the edge of the matte which was exposed when it was hand cut. The […]

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America “Homecoming” Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

If you’ve been following Honor Music posts, you’ll see this is an authentic (made by an RIAA approved award manufacturer), first presentation (correct format for date of certification), and first state (unopened-all original parts) award. These boldfaced components of value, help you separate real awards from display, souvenir and “fake” awards. To make comparisons by […]

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The Honey Comb “Want Ads” 1971 Gold RIAA 45 White Matte Record Award

“Want Ads” was a #1 single for The Honey Comb, released in March, 1971 and certified gold on May 14, 1971. You’re looking at a first presentation (correct format for date of certification), authentic (made by an RIAA approved award manufacturer), and original (unopened-all original parts) award. Jerry Sharell’s illustrious career in music has included […]

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Olivia Newton John “I Honestly Love You” 1974 Gold RIAA White Matte Single Award

“I Honestly Love You” by Olivia Newton John was released in May 1974, certified gold on 10/9/74, and reached #1 on the charts. It became Olivia’s signature song…and won Grammy Awards for Female Pop Vocal Performance and Record of the Year. MCA was a major label of the time. This original, authentic, 1st presentation award […]

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David Bowie “Diamond Dogs” Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

The genius of David Bowie made music magical … and theatrical, and brought us spiders from mars, a ladd insane and diamond dogs… Released 5/74 and certified gold on 7/26/74, “Diamond Dogs” peaked in the US charts at #5 (it went to #1 in the UK). This award is presented to David Bowie. I have […]

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Bob Dylan “Nashville Skyline” Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Bob Dylan’s memorable 1969 exploration of country music “Nashville Skyline” contained one of his top U.S. hits “Lay Lady Lay” … and provides an excellent example of a reverse white matte. For approximately seven month (2/69 to 8/69) during the white matte period the album cover mini was placed on the right of the presentation […]

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Emerson Lake & Palmer (ELP) “Pictures At An Exibition” Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Emerson (Kieth), Lake (Greg) & Palmer (Carl) formed this 1970’s English super group. A March 1971 live recording of an interpretation of Modest Mussorgsky’s work of “Pictures at an Exhibition”, became an album of the same name. Released: 1/72 Certified Gold: 4/17/72 Peak Chart Position: #10 United Record Distributors was one of the major record […]

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Edgar Winter Group “Frankenstein” 1973 Gold RIAA 45 White Matte Record Award

Edgar Winter Group “Frankenstein” Released: 2/73 Certified Gold” 6/19/73 Peak Chart Position: #1 Edgar Winter and his older brother Johnny came out of Texas with their own style of blues and rock. “Frankenstein” which Edgar co-produced with Rick Derringer turned out to be the most successful commercial record by either brother. Bud O’Shea held many […]

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Led Zeppelin “Led Zeppelin” 1969 Gold RIAA White Matte LP

Drawing heavily on blues and amplified rock, Led Zeppelin became the most successful, influential and long lasting heavy metal pioneer. Their first album Led Zeppelin (also know as Volume 1) was released in January 1969, certified RIAA gold on 7/22/69, and reached a peak Billboard chart position of #10. Here you see it celebrated as an […]

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Jethro Tull “A Passion Play” 1973 RIAA Gold LP White Matte Record Award

Released: 7/73 Certified Gold: 7/27/73 Peak Chart Position: #1 Named after of the inventor of the machine drill for sowing seed, Jethro Tull was Ian Anderson. Anderson’s lyrics, singing and flute playing (not to mention his shaggy mane and full beard) led a changing band to fame and success in the late 60’s and beyond. […]

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Helen Reddy “Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)” 1972 RIAA 45 White Matte Record Award

Receive free collector news and award stories by Email Submit pictures of your awards for spotlighting Join Honor Music Awards on Facebook _______________________ At the end of 1972 Helen Reddy’s single “I am Women” exploded to #1 on the charts, making her the voice of a movement. Over the next five years she had more […]

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Barbra Streisand “Funny Girl” 1968 RIAA Gold LP White Matte Record Award

“Funny Girl” the soundtrack, was Barbra Streisand’s movie debut in 1968, reprising her role in the stage version. Released in August, 1968, and certified gold by the RIAA on December 12, 1968, it reached a peak chart position of #12. This celebration is an Authentic, First Presentation, White Matte Award. Industry veteran Jack Gold was […]

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Rolling Stones “Beggars Banquet” 1968 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Please allow me to introduce you to … The Rolling Stones “Beggars Banquet“ Released: 11/68 Certified Gold: 12/23/68 Peak Chart Position: #5 One of the three albums that rounded out the 60’s for the stones including the retrospective Through the Past Darkly and Let It Bleed. Beggars Banquet contained two of their most memorable songs, […]

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Rolling Stones “Aftermath” Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

The Stones LP “Aftermath” marked a transition to songs written by Jagger/Richards including:  “Under My Thumb”, “Lady Jane” and “Paint it Black”…“Aftermath” was released in June of 1966 and certified gold by the RIAA on August 9, 1966. It reached a peak Billboard chart position of #2.  This White Matte was the appropriate RIAA format […]

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Rolling Stones “Their Satanic Majesties Request” Gold RIAA LP White Matte

The Rolling Stones ” Their Satanic Majesties Request“, released 11/67 – certified gold 12/6/67 – and reaching a peak chart position #2, was the Stones psychedelic answer to the Beatles “Sargent Pepper.” It was notable not only for its music, but for the original album’s 3D/hologram cover. I believe this award to be a first […]

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Neil Young “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” 1970 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Neil Young “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” Released: 5/69 Certified Gold: 10/16/70 Peak Chart Position: #34 Niel Young‘s second Reprise album introduced “Crazy Horse” as his back-up band. He had left Buffalo Springfield and joined Crosby, Stills and Nash with a continuing desire to pursue his individual musical goals. His evolution and creativity made him […]

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Ojays “Love Train” Gold RIAA 45 White Matte

 The O’Jays vocal and choreographic act consistently provided some of the most memorable R&B records of the early 70’s. “Love Train” was their first–and only–number 1 single. The O’Jays “Love Train” Released:1/73 Certified Gold: 2/9/73 Peak Chart Position: #1 CBS Sales …. had offices around the country in a successful effort to sell the music […]

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Sly And The Family Stone “There’s A Riot Goin On” 1971 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Sly And The Family Stone “There’s a Riot Goin On” Released: 10/71 Certified Gold: 11/8/71 Peak Chart Position: #1 Sylvester Stewart, known as Sly Stone, exploded from the San Francisco music scene in the late 60’s. “He fused black rhythm and blues and psychedelic sensibilities into a new pop/soul/rock hybrid that drew both white and […]

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Alice Cooper “Love It To Death” 1972 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Alice Cooper  “Love It to Death” Released: 3/71 Certified Gold: 11/6/72 Peak Chart Position: # 35 This is the first of Alice Cooper’s eight gold LP’s. It was their first teamed up with now-legendary producer Bob Ezrin, and contained the hit single “I’m Eighteen” Their shows garnered enough notoriety for the group to become a […]

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Cream “Disraeli Gears” – 1968 #4 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Cream “Disraeli Gears” – 1968 #4 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Cream “Disraeli Gears” Released: 12/67 Certified Gold: 5/22/68 Peak Chart Position: #4 Cream was Clapton, Baker and Bruce. A super group of premier side-men, superior musicians and instrumental brilliance. Atlantic signed them as soon as they became a group. “Disraeli Gears” produced their only gold 45 “Sunshine Of Your Love” in September of 1968. The […]

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Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine” Gold 45 White Matte

Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine” Released: 6/71 Certified Gold: 9/21/71 Peak Chart Position: #3 Bill Withers came to LA in the mid 60’s working “day jobs” to support his quest in the music business. An introduction to Booker T. Jones (leader of  the famous Booker T & The MGs) encouraged him and led to Booker […]

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Uriah Heep “Demons And Wizards” 1972 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Uriah Heep “Demons and Wizards” Released: 5/72 … Certified Gold: 10/27/72 … Chart Peak: 23 Uriah Heap came out of England in the early 1970’s. It’s name came from a fictional character created by Charles Dickens in his novel David Copperfield. The band had three gold albums on Mercury Records and a fourth with their […]

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Johnny Rivers “Greatest Hits” Gold LP RIAA White Matte

Johnny Rivers “Greatest Hits” Released: 9/66 Certified: 3/6/75 (one of the last white mattes) Chart Peak: 29 Johnny Rivers was rarely absent from the hit lists during the middle 60’s. As a singer, guitarist, songwriter, record producer, and music company executive. Marilyn Mark contributed her skills to United Artists and Liberty Records and was Married […]

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