A Lost Art: 1970s-90s Record Store StandeesBefore streaming playlists and social media promotion, record labels had a much more physical way of grabbing fans’ attention: giant cardboard standees, hanging mobiles, oversized album displays, and elaborate in-store cutouts that transformed record shops into miniature music museums. During the 1970s and 1980s in particular, these promotional displays became a defining part of music retail culture. Walk into a mall record store in 1974 and you might see a towering Queen standee near shelves...
Iconic Labels: Elektra RecordsThis is the seventh in our series of profiles of iconic record labels, exploring the label's history and some interesting stories about the artists they signed, and music they released. Look for more label profiles coming up soon and check them all out here. The history of Elektra Records is one of the most fascinating evolutions in the music industry, tracing a path from a tiny folk label founded in a college dorm room to a major force within the global recording business. Over more th...
Music People We Lost In 2025While 2025 brought some great legacy moments, one example being the Black Sabbath reunion, it also brought some sad moments including the poignant loss of Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne in July, less than three weeks after the reunion concert. Ozzy Osbourne 1948-2025 Other major music figures lost this past year include Brian Wilson, the legendary co-founder and creative force behind The Beach Boys, R&B songstress Roberta Flack, Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist of KISS, known as “T...
Prettier Than RIAA Awards? DiscAward Ltd '60s-'70s AwardsIn the history of recorded music, the iconic gold and platinum records that adorn the walls of recording studios, artist's homes, and music professional's offices have become some of the most recognizable symbols of commercial success. Most people immediately associate these plaques with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)—the trade organization that, beginning in 1958, formalized sales recognition in the United States. Yet nestled within the annals of music memorabil...
Iconic Labels: Columbia RecordsThis is the sixth in our series of profiles of iconic record labels, exploring the label's history and some interesting stories about the artists they signed, and music they released. Look for more label profiles coming up soon and check them all out here. Columbia Records stands as one of the oldest and most influential record labels in the history of recorded music. With roots stretching back to the dawn of the phonograph era, Columbia has continually reinvented itself, shaping popula...
40 Years Ago: How “We Are The World” Came TogetherForty years ago in 1985, the music world witnessed an unprecedented moment of unity when dozens of the biggest stars of the era gathered to record “We Are The World.” On its 40th anniversary, here’s a look at why and how the famed charity single came together, along with its impact and legacy. Released in 1985 under the banner of USA For Africa, the track became not only a cultural milestone but also a humanitarian triumph. It raised millions for famine relief in Africa and showcased the abil...
This Week In Music History Apr 21-May 4The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! APR 21: Happy birthday to Robert Smith! The iconic frontman, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the British band The Cure was born on April 21, 1959, in Blackpool, England. Smith is known for his distinctive look—wild hair, smudged red lipstick, and pale complexion—which became emblematic of the gothic rock movement. He formed The Cure in 1976, and the band rose to pr...
Collecting Picture Discs: Shapes, Colors, and RarityIn a world where music is often reduced to digital files and streaming playlists, there’s something delightfully tactile, nostalgic, and visually captivating about collecting picture discs. These unique records—pressed with colorful images, artist/band photos, logos, or conceptual artwork—represent more than just sound. They’re miniature canvases, time capsules, and love letters to music fans who value both the aesthetic and the emotional connection to the music they adore. Collecting picture...
The Resurgence Of CassettesIn an era dominated by streaming platforms and digital convenience, one might assume that physical music formats have faded into obscurity. While an obvious exception is vinyl, which is certainly enjoying renewed popularity, another unexpected revival has taken root: the resurgence of cassette tapes. Once relegated to thrift shops and dusty basements, cassettes are now experiencing a renaissance, fueled by nostalgia, collectability, and a desire for tangible connections to music. This resurge...
April 12 Is Record Store Day For 2025While every day is kind of a record store day, in our opinion, this year's "official" Record Store Day takes place on April 12, 2025. The day always presents a great opportunity to get some limited edition vinyl, box sets, and other special releases. You can also just relive the your past memories of flipping through some vinyl, cassettes, and maybe even CDs (which are just now almost getting vintage as well) in the shelves and racks of your local record store. You can check out t...
This Week In Music History Feb 10-23The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! Bra FEB 10: Today in 1978: Van Halen's self-titled debut album was released on February 10, 1978. The album showcased the band's electrifying sound, driven by Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary guitar playing, David Lee Roth’s dynamic vocals, and a tight rhythm section featuring Michael Anthony (bass) and Alex Van Halen (drums). Featuring iconic tracks like "Run...
Diamond: Exploring The RIAA's Most Prestigious AwardOn March 16, 1999 the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the organization that issues music product sales awards, launched the RIAA Diamond Award program. It was created to recognize albums which have achieved the impressive milestone of selling 10 million copies or more in the U.S. The award was designed by renowned crystal designer Peter Yenawine. Yenawine was a (continued below...) ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ...
A Lost Art: 1970s-90s Record Store Standees
Before streaming playlists and social media promotion, record labels had a much more physical way of grabbing fans’ attention: giant cardboard standees, hanging mobiles, oversized album displays, and elaborate in-store cutouts that transformed record shops into miniature music museums. During the 1970s and 1980s in particular, these promotional displays became a defining part of music retail culture. Walk into a mall record store in 1974 and you might see a towering Queen standee near shelves...
Iconic Labels: Elektra Records
This is the seventh in our series of profiles of iconic record labels, exploring the label's history and some interesting stories about the artists they signed, and music they released. Look for more label profiles coming up soon and check them all out here. The history of Elektra Records is one of the most fascinating evolutions in the music industry, tracing a path from a tiny folk label founded in a college dorm room to a major force within the global recording business. Over more th...
Music People We Lost In 2025
While 2025 brought some great legacy moments, one example being the Black Sabbath reunion, it also brought some sad moments including the poignant loss of Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne in July, less than three weeks after the reunion concert. Ozzy Osbourne 1948-2025 Other major music figures lost this past year include Brian Wilson, the legendary co-founder and creative force behind The Beach Boys, R&B songstress Roberta Flack, Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist of KISS, known as “T...
Prettier Than RIAA Awards? DiscAward Ltd '60s-'70s Awards
In the history of recorded music, the iconic gold and platinum records that adorn the walls of recording studios, artist's homes, and music professional's offices have become some of the most recognizable symbols of commercial success. Most people immediately associate these plaques with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)—the trade organization that, beginning in 1958, formalized sales recognition in the United States. Yet nestled within the annals of music memorabil...
Iconic Labels: Columbia Records
This is the sixth in our series of profiles of iconic record labels, exploring the label's history and some interesting stories about the artists they signed, and music they released. Look for more label profiles coming up soon and check them all out here. Columbia Records stands as one of the oldest and most influential record labels in the history of recorded music. With roots stretching back to the dawn of the phonograph era, Columbia has continually reinvented itself, shaping popula...
40 Years Ago: How “We Are The World” Came Together
Forty years ago in 1985, the music world witnessed an unprecedented moment of unity when dozens of the biggest stars of the era gathered to record “We Are The World.” On its 40th anniversary, here’s a look at why and how the famed charity single came together, along with its impact and legacy. Released in 1985 under the banner of USA For Africa, the track became not only a cultural milestone but also a humanitarian triumph. It raised millions for famine relief in Africa and showcased the abil...
This Week In Music History Apr 21-May 4
The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! APR 21: Happy birthday to Robert Smith! The iconic frontman, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the British band The Cure was born on April 21, 1959, in Blackpool, England. Smith is known for his distinctive look—wild hair, smudged red lipstick, and pale complexion—which became emblematic of the gothic rock movement. He formed The Cure in 1976, and the band rose to pr...
Collecting Picture Discs: Shapes, Colors, and Rarity
In a world where music is often reduced to digital files and streaming playlists, there’s something delightfully tactile, nostalgic, and visually captivating about collecting picture discs. These unique records—pressed with colorful images, artist/band photos, logos, or conceptual artwork—represent more than just sound. They’re miniature canvases, time capsules, and love letters to music fans who value both the aesthetic and the emotional connection to the music they adore. Collecting picture...
The Resurgence Of Cassettes
In an era dominated by streaming platforms and digital convenience, one might assume that physical music formats have faded into obscurity. While an obvious exception is vinyl, which is certainly enjoying renewed popularity, another unexpected revival has taken root: the resurgence of cassette tapes. Once relegated to thrift shops and dusty basements, cassettes are now experiencing a renaissance, fueled by nostalgia, collectability, and a desire for tangible connections to music. This resurge...
April 12 Is Record Store Day For 2025
While every day is kind of a record store day, in our opinion, this year's "official" Record Store Day takes place on April 12, 2025. The day always presents a great opportunity to get some limited edition vinyl, box sets, and other special releases. You can also just relive the your past memories of flipping through some vinyl, cassettes, and maybe even CDs (which are just now almost getting vintage as well) in the shelves and racks of your local record store. You can check out t...
This Week In Music History Feb 10-23
The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! Bra FEB 10: Today in 1978: Van Halen's self-titled debut album was released on February 10, 1978. The album showcased the band's electrifying sound, driven by Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary guitar playing, David Lee Roth’s dynamic vocals, and a tight rhythm section featuring Michael Anthony (bass) and Alex Van Halen (drums). Featuring iconic tracks like "Run...
Diamond: Exploring The RIAA's Most Prestigious Award
On March 16, 1999 the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the organization that issues music product sales awards, launched the RIAA Diamond Award program. It was created to recognize albums which have achieved the impressive milestone of selling 10 million copies or more in the U.S. The award was designed by renowned crystal designer Peter Yenawine. Yenawine was a (continued below...) ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ...
