Jimi Hendrix Experience “Axis: Bold As Love” – 1968 #3 LP – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Jimi Hendrix Experience “Axis: Bold As Love” – 1968 #3 LP – RIAA White Matte – Gold Record Award

Jimi Hendrix did more with an electric guitar than anyone before, or after him. “Hendrix’s music was perfectly tied to the times. It was a troubled, violent, confused, searching music on the one hand, an assertive, demanding, triumphant, sensual music on the other.” – Robert Hilburn, LA Times rock critic Axis: Bold As Love was […]

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Lionel Richie “Dancing On The Ceiling” – 1987 – Japanese Gold In-House LP Award

Thumbnail image for Lionel Richie “Dancing On The Ceiling” – 1987 – Japanese Gold In-House LP Award

Released in the United States in August 1986, and certified RIAA gold on October 16, 1986, Dancing On The Ceiling, was Lionel Richie’s last widely popular album, from the second stage of his amazing career. Here we see it celebrated with a unique Japanese Gold In-House Award. The presentation is also unique, being made from Hizuru “Shoo” […]

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Poison “Something To Believe In” – 1992 RIAA R Hologram – Gold Cassette Single Award

Thumbnail image for Poison “Something To Believe In” – 1992 RIAA R Hologram – Gold Cassette Single Award

Poison released their third album, Flesh & Blood, on June 21, 1990. It was a highly successful album, peaking at No. 2 and selling millions of copies. According to Wikipedia, the ballad “Something To Believe In” was dedicated to the band’s security guard and close friend James Kimo Maano who died. This celebration is an Authentic, […]

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Genesis “…And Then There Were Three” – 1978 – West German – Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Genesis “…And Then There Were Three” – 1978 – West German – Gold Record Award

Genesis … And Then There Were Three, was released in 1978, reaching No.3 in the UK and #14 in the United States (becoming their first RIAA certified Gold Album on 5/31/78).  The title comes from a verse of the children’s rhyme “Ten Little Indians” (“Four little Injuns up on a spree, One got fuddled and […]

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

Thumbnail image for 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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Chaka Khan “I Feel For You” – 1984 Album – BPI (British) Gold Record Award

Thumbnail image for Chaka Khan “I Feel For You” – 1984 Album – BPI (British) Gold Record Award

Chaka Khan (born Yvette Marie Stevens on March 23, 1953) is an American singer-songwriter whose career has spanned four decades, beginning in the 1970s as the frontwoman and focal point of the funk band Rufus. Often cited as the Queen of Funk, Khan has sold an estimated 200 million records worldwide.  I Feel for You […]

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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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Wishing You A Very Golden Christmas…

Thumbnail image for Wishing You A Very Golden Christmas…
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The Art Of Packing – For Shipping Awards

Thumbnail image for The Art Of Packing – For Shipping Awards

Collecting record awards inevitably leads to shipping and receiving them, and these days that can mean across the United Sates, Canada, Europe and even to Japan. The danger of course, is that once they are shipped, unintended bumps, or neglect anywhere on their journey, can cause damage. The art of packing – for shipping awards, is to […]

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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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Phil Collins “…But Seriously” – 1990 #1 Album – In House Award – 6 Million Sold

Thumbnail image for Phil Collins “…But Seriously” – 1990 #1 Album – In House Award – 6 Million Sold

Weighing over five pounds, this simulated marble award for …But Seriously by Phil Collins is inscribed with the names of all the album cuts. It’s a unique In-House award, presented by WEA Europe, to celebrate the enormous sales of 6 million units in Continental Europe…

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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

Thumbnail image for 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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RIAA Adds Digital Streams To Historic Gold & Platinum Awards Program

This year the RIAA officially included streams and downloads in the Gold and Platinum Awards Program. “On-demand audio and/or video song streams will now be counted towards the 500,000 (Gold), 1,000,000 (Platinum) and 2,000,000 plus (Multi-Platinum) thresholds required for G&P’s Digital Single Award certification.” They become the latest contributors to the creation of certified RIAA […]

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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

Thumbnail image for 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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Footloose Soundtrack – Awards Get BIGGGGGGGG!!!

Thumbnail image for Footloose Soundtrack – Awards Get BIGGGGGGGG!!!

By the mid 80’s record awards, around the world, were getting BIGGER! From the the standard single disc formats of the White Matte, Floater, and Strip-Plate, MULTI became the watchword of recognizing success. Multi-Disc and Multi-Platinum were the order of the day. Artists were selling millions of albums, and the music BUSINESS was was doing […]

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Sandy Denny and Keith Moon Photo With RIAA White Matte Award

Thumbnail image for Sandy Denny and Keith Moon Photo With RIAA White Matte Award

Two supremely talented artists, one rock, one folk, bought together by the RIAA Gold White Matte in this picture. What they talked about, and the reason they came together, is lost in time. And coincidentally both were lost to music, when they died within months of each other in 1978… Sandy Denny    Kieth Moon

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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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