RIAA

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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Love Unlimited Orchestra “Love’s Theme” – 1974 #1 Single – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Barry White, known for his distinctive bass voice and romantic image, had his greatest success in the 1970’s as a solo singer and with the Love Unlimited Orchestra. Here we celebrate that success with one of his biggest hits, Love’s Theme (video), released in November 1973, certified RIAA gold on 2/7/74, and reaching #1 on […]

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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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Beatles “Meet The Beatles” – 1964 #1 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Beatles “Meet The Beatles” – 1964 #1 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Released in January 1964, and certified RIAA gold on February 3, 1964, Meet the Beatles was the first of The Beatles twenty-five RIAA certified awards (their first of fourteen #1 albums). Here it’s celebrated as an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State, RIAA White Matte…The presentation ceremony captured in this picture, was made by Capitol Records President […]

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Andy Williams “Love Story” – #3 Album 1971 – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Andy Williams “Love Story” – #3 Album 1971 – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

I imagine most of you reading this don’t remember Andy Williams, but back in the day he was one of the most successful, and long lasting, American pop singers. His discography highlights that substantial musical contribution. Love Story was released in February 1971, certified RIAA gold on 22 March 1971, reached #3 on Billboard, and […]

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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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Archie Bell & The Drells “Tighten Up” – 1968 #1 Single – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Archie Bell & The Drells “Tighten Up” – 1968 #1 Single – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

You wanna tighten up in the New Year? OK then, let’s Tighten Up (video)! You ready? You can do it! uh! Archie Bell & The Drells, was formed by Archie Bell, and they started soul-funk-tightening up in Houston in 1966. They were picked up by Atlantic Records, who released Tighten Up in January 1968, giving Archie […]

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Prince “Let’s Go Crazy” – 1984 #1 Single – RIAA 45 Strip-Plate – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Prince “Let’s Go Crazy” – 1984 #1 Single – RIAA 45 Strip-Plate – Gold Record Award

Prince! Lets Go Crazy Authentic – First Presentation – First-State (unopened)

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Lovin Spoonful “Summer In The City” – 1966 #1 Single – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Lovin Spoonful “Summer In The City” – 1966 #1 Single – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

The Lovin Spoonful released Summer In The City in July of 1966. It quickly became #1 on Billboard, and was certified gold by the RIAA on 9/19/66. This celebration is an Authentic, First Presentation, Third-State RIAA White Matte.Buddha Records, a label born out of Kama Sutra Records, was founded in 1967 and remained a key […]

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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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Tom Petty “Hard Promises” – 1981 Album – RIAA Strip-Plate – Gold LP Award

From Gainesville, Florida to Los Angeles, through bankruptcy and label turmoil, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers persisted to become a multi-platinum, super group. Hard Promises is their fourth album, released in May 1981, certified platinum on July 14, 1981, reaching a peak Billboard chart position of #5. This award is Authentic, First Presentation, and First-State.

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Allman Brothers Band “Eat A Peach” – 1972 #4 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold LP Award

Thumbnail image for Allman Brothers Band “Eat A Peach” – 1972 #4 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold LP Award

The Allman Brothers Band Eat A Peach was released in February 1972 and certified RIAA gold on 4/13/72. It reached a peak Billboard chart position of #4. Here it is celebrated with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State RIAA White Matte… The award is presented to Warner Bros. Records who distributed Capricorn in the 1970’s. Capricorn […]

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Foghat “Energized” 1974 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Thumbnail image for Foghat “Energized” 1974 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

“In the 1970’s and 1980’s, Foghat could lay claim to being one of the last of the blues-rock English bands that had been a dominant force in the country’s pop music scene in the 1960’s. That had both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the band’s energetic stages shows made it a favorite of […]

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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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John Lennon “Imagine” – 1971 #1 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Record

Thumbnail image for John Lennon “Imagine” – 1971 #1 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Record

What words would you use to celebrate John Lennon? Genius? Inspired? Artist? Icon? Pacifist? A singer/songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a founder of The Beatles, the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band in the history of popular music? All of the above? Whatever words you use, join us here to celebrate his […]

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Linda Ronstadt “What’s New” 1983 RIAA Platinum LP Strip-Plate Award

Thumbnail image for Linda Ronstadt “What’s New” 1983 RIAA Platinum LP Strip-Plate Award

“What’s New” is a Grammy-nominated, Triple Platinum-certified, 1983 Jazz album by American singer Linda Ronstadt. It was released in September 1983 and certified RIAA single platinum on 12/14/83, reaching a peak Billboard chart position of #3. Here it is celebrated with an Authentic, First-State, First Presentation, platinum RIAA Strip-Plate, manufactured by the original RIAA certified […]

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Bonham: The Emergence Of Drumming (And Label) Royalty

Thumbnail image for Bonham: The Emergence Of Drumming (And Label) Royalty

Bonham was Jason Bonham’s band, and Jason had superstar lineage as the son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Bohnam’s label had superstar lineage as well. The initials WTG stood for Walter Yetnikoff (president of CBS Records from 1975 to 1990), Tommy Motolla (In 1990, he replaced Yenikoff as Chairman CEO of the […]

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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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Cream “Wheels Of Fire” – 1968 #1 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

In the second half of the 1960’s the Beatles remained phenomenally successful, but the most exciting rock group for avid rock fans was Cream. Clapton on guitar, Bruce on bass, and Baker on drums, were the best rock had to offer – The Encyclopedia of Rock, Pop and Soul by Irwin Stambler. Cream White Mattes […]

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Don Henley “Dirty Laundry” RIAA Gold 45 Strip-Plate Record Award

Thumbnail image for Don Henley “Dirty Laundry” RIAA Gold 45 Strip-Plate Record Award

The Eagles Don Henley “Dirty Laundry”, was Don Henley’s first and biggest solo hit. Released in October of 1982, certified RIAA Gold on March 28, 1983, it reached a peak Billboard chart position of #3. Here it is celebrated with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State Gold 45 RIAA Strip-Plate. I call this award a Strip-Plate […]

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RIAA R Holograms (1989-1997) — The Shifting Formats Of “Record Awards”

Thumbnail image for RIAA R Holograms (1989-1997) — The Shifting Formats Of “Record Awards”

From 1958 to the early 1980’s the formats of RIAA record awards were stable, always an LP or a Single 45, with small changes in presentation plates and materials used. Beginning with Flower Holograms (1985-1989) the strict format requirements were lessened, and by 1989, with CD’s replacing LP’s in sales, and R Hologram awards increasing, […]

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Motley Crue “Shout At The Devil” 1984 RIAA Platinum LP Strip-Plate Record Award

Thumbnail image for Motley Crue “Shout At The Devil” 1984 RIAA Platinum LP Strip-Plate Record Award

“Shout at the Devil” is the second album by American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, released on September 26, 1983. It was the band`s breakthrough album,establishing Mötley Crüe as one of the top selling heavy metal acts of the 1980s. Certified gold on 1/12/84 and platinum on 2/7/84, it reached a peak Billboard chart position […]

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J.J. Fad “Supersonic” 1988 RIAA Gold LP Flower Hologram Record Award

Thumbnail image for J.J. Fad “Supersonic” 1988 RIAA Gold LP Flower Hologram Record Award

J. J. Fad gained popularity with a new line-up that included rappers: MC J.B. (Juana Burns), Baby-D (Dania Birks), and Sassy C. (Michelle Franklin). Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the group was one of the original Ruthless Records acts signed by Eazy-E. The album was produced by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella with Arabian Prince, shortly […]

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James Gang “Thirds” 1972 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

Thumbnail image for James Gang “Thirds” 1972 Gold RIAA LP White Matte Record Award

The James Gang was a rock band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1966. Thirds, their third studio album, was released in April, 1971, certified RIAA Gold on July 12, 1972, and reached a peak Billboard chart position of #27. Here you see an Authentic, First Presentation RIAA White Mattel, presented to Joe Walsh.

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Roxette “Look Sharp!” Gold RIAA LP R Hologram CD, Cassette & Record Award

Thumbnail image for Roxette “Look Sharp!” Gold RIAA LP R Hologram CD, Cassette & Record Award

Roxette is a Swedish pop rock duo, consisting of Marie Fredriksson (vocals) and Per Gessle (vocals and guitar). Roxette’s single Look Sharp was released in February 1989 and exploded to #1 on Billboard on April 4, 1989. The album “Look Sharp!” was released that same month and certified RIAA Gold on June 2, 1989. This […]

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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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Bob Dylan “Blonde on Blonde” Gold 1966 RIAA LP White Matte record award

Thumbnail image for Bob Dylan “Blonde on Blonde” Gold 1966 RIAA LP White Matte record award

“Blonde on Blonde” completed the trilogy of rock albums that Bob Dylan recorded in 1965 and 1966, starting with Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61 Revisited. Critics often rank Blonde on Blonde as one of the greatest albums of all time. -Wikipedia Released in May of 1966, certified RIAA gold on August 25, […]

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Beatles “Meet The Beatles” – 1964 #1 Album – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

“Meet the Beatles” was the first of The Beatles twenty-five RIAA certified awards. Released in January 1964, and certified gold on February 3, 1964, it was their first of fourteen #1 albums. Here it is celebrated with an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State, White Matte. Let’s let the pictures do the talking…

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