RIAA Platinum album award for George Michael's album Faith. The album, Michael's debut as a solo artist, was released on October 30, 1987. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA on January 18, 1988 for one million copies sold.
A major success for Michael due in large part to the smash success of the title track, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, this release also contained the hits "Father Figure", "One More Try" and "Monkey", all of which also went to #1 on the Hot 100. The album went to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, UK Top Albums chart and in many world territories. It also won Album Of The Year at the 1989 Grammy Awards. By 1996 the album earned a RIAA Diamond award for selling 10 million copies. See image above for all the RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Platinum album award
- In VG condition
- First presentation award from 1988
- Presentation to record label executive
- All original award
- Letter of provenance included
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Known as a RIAA l"flower hologram" award, they were made from 1986-1989
- Great collector's item for any George Michael fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Platinum award that would have been manufactured in 1988 making it approx. 35 years old. The award is presented to Jerry Blair, who was at the time a record executive at Columbia Records.
Blair played a key role in the success of artists including Billy Idol, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Billy Joel, Ricky Martin, George Michael, Will Smith and many others. The award is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Blair's son, who later took possession of his father's awards and memorabilia (see image of letter, son's name is redacted on image, buyer will receive unredacted copy).
This award is in VG condition, with only minor mars on the frame and plexiglass. Although it is not clear, the backing paper appears original. However, the manufacturer sticker is no longer present.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 20 to 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.
*RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com