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Recorded in 1978-79 and released on November 21, 1980, Gaucho stands as one of the most meticulously crafted albums in popular music history. Created by Steely Dan—the studio-focused partnership of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker—the record represents both the peak of their perfectionism and a turning point in music production technology. At the center of its story is an unlikely “musician”: A custom-built drum machine named Wendel, invented by late recording engineer Roger Nichols (1944-2011), which would go on to receive its very own RIAA Platinum Album award. Roger Nichols and Wendel's RIAA Awards for Steely Dan's Gaucho album, along with...

The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! MAY 13: Happy birthday to Stevie Wonder born May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan! Few artists have shaped popular music like Stevie Wonder. Emerging as a child prodigy on Motown Records in the 1960s, Stevie quickly became one of the most influential musicians in history. With his soulful voice, masterful keyboard skills, and groundbreaking songwriting, he created timeless classics like “Superstition,” “Sir Duke,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You." What makes Stevie Wonder truly...

For most musicians, receiving a RIAA Gold or Platinum record is one of the ultimate career milestones. These framed awards symbolize hit albums, sold-out tours, and years of hard work in recording studios and on the road. But that has never stopped curious artists--and also collectors-- from wondering: “Does this thing actually play?” and "Is it my record or not?"   Over the years, musicians, producers, industry insiders, and collectors have shared stories about artists attempting to place their own Gold or Platinum awards onto turntables just to see what would happen. Sometimes the experiments worked, or worked briefly. Other times...

The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! MAY 8: Happy birthday Alex Van Halen! He helped redefine hard rock drumming with explosive energy, precision, and unforgettable grooves. Born May 8, 1953, in the Netherlands and raised in California, Alex formed Van Halen with his brother Eddie Van Halen, creating one of the biggest rock bands of all time. From massive hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Hot for Teacher,” Alex’s thunderous drumming became a key part of the band’s signature sound. Known for his huge drum kits and...

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 of their records. In 1979 a KISS display hanging over the cassette racks. Or by 1984 into the 90s, cardboard versions of Prince, Madonna, and...