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

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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

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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!

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“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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Wham! And “Make It Big” – 8,000,000 And Growing! (August 1985)

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There was a time, the 80’s to be exact, when Wham! was the biggest pop group in the world. With over 25,000,000 albums sold internationally they topped the charts and made it through a variety of challenges and changes. This large 27 X 23 In-House award, while technically not a record award, celebrates that incredible success, and […]

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A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words – Or In This Case A Few: Authentic, RIAA Certified, White Matte, First Presentation, First-State

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Steely Dan pose for a portrait at the gold record presentation for their debut album Can’t Buy A Thrill at ABC Records in 1973 in Los Angeles, California.  Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter, Denny Dias, Jim Hodder, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen… Credit: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

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

Thumbnail image for 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

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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?

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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

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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

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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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AWARD VIEWING OPPORTUNITY!! The Ringo Starr Auction At Juliene’s

Through this Saturday December 5th there is a rare opportunity to see record awards with perfect lineage – from Ringo Starr! Maybe even bid on a few. Julien’s auction of his career mementos can be seen here… http://www.juliensauctions.com/images/auctions/2015/ringo-starr-barbara-bach/flipbook-starr/icatalog.html  Search for record awards, and as you scroll the results you’ll see Ringo’s personal awards from around the […]

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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

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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”

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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”

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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

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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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Cars “Candy-O” – New Wave, Skinny Ties, Hot Girls, Quirky Nerds Become Super Stars!

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The Cars second album, Candy-O, was released in June 1979. Containing their first Top 20 single, Let’s Go and featuring an album cover created by the famed Playboy artist Alberto Vargas. The album reached No. 3 on Billboard and was certified RIAA Gold on 7/24/79. Here it’s honored with an In-House Platinum LP…

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Lou Rawls “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” Gold In-House 45

Thumbnail image for Lou Rawls “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” Gold In-House 45

Lou Rawls, after decades signing with the likes of Curtis Mayfield and Sam Cooke, had his most successful single in 1976, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine“. Certified RIAA Gold on 8/1/76, and becoming Rawls’ only certified million-selling single, it topped the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts, and went to #2 on the Billboard Pop […]

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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)

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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?

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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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Rare. Milestone. First Artist To. Surpass RIAA’s 100 Million Mark! Congratulations to Rihanna!

FYI and consideration… Until 1975 an artist received a certified RIAA Gold Award — there were no Platinum RIAA Awards — for one million dollars worth of LP sales, or one million copies of a 45 single. My how that has changed… The RIAA recently announced that musical artist Rihanna has surpassed over 100 million […]

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

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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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Richard Marx – A Guy From Chicago And A Canadian Certified Platinum Award

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Richard Marx released Rush Street in 1991, and it became his third consecutive platinum album. It was a success internationally and #1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary charts for 4 weeks running. Here you see a Canadian recognition of that success with a Certified (CRIA) Platinum CD Award…

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Prince Awards – Have Become Among The Most Collectible Around The World

Thumbnail image for Prince Awards – Have Become Among The Most Collectible Around The World

Prince has been a MAJOR figure in popular music for over three decades, and is renowned as an innovator, widely-known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, and wide vocal range. Here you see an Authentic, First Presentation, First-State “Flower Hologram” award for his 9th RIAA Gold LP … Lovesexy. Released in May of 1988, certified RIAA Gold on 12/5/88, it […]

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R B Greaves – His 1969 Smash Hit Was About Infidelity … And Moving On!

Thumbnail image for R B Greaves – His 1969 Smash Hit Was About Infidelity … And Moving On!

Shooting stars, flashes of light … and one hit wonders, hold a special place in music and the history of gold records. This hit by R B Greaves was one of them. Here you see it celebrated with an Authentic, First Presentation, Second-State, RIAA 45 White Matte. Take A Letter Maria was released in September 1969 […]

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Who’s “Odds and Sods” – Celebrating Historic Studio Outtakes And Rarities!

Thumbnail image for Who’s “Odds and Sods” – Celebrating Historic Studio Outtakes And Rarities!

In 1974 The Who released Odds and Sods. It reached #10 on the UK charts (and was certified RIAA gold on 12/9/1974). Here you see a British In-House Award. While it looks like a Certified BPI (British Phonograph Industries) award, it isn’t, because the BPI logo is missing on the presentation plate. John Jansen is a well know […]

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

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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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