RIAA 3x Multi-Platinum Album Award for Cher album Believe. Released on Nov. 10, 1998, by July 22, 1999 the album was certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA.
Featuring Billboard Hot 100 #1 and worldwide hit "Believe", which was one of the first widely popular tracks to make use of Auto-Tune "vocal pitch bending," the album was a comeback of sorts for icon Cher. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums and #7 on the UK Top Albums charts, along with scoring top chart positions in many other countries. The single "Believe" won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, and the album was nominated for Pop Vocal Album. By later in 1999 the album was certified 4x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for four million copies sold. See image above for RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA "serial number bar hologram" 3x Multi-Platinum award
- In VG condition
- First presentation award made in 1999
- Presented to marketing and promotions exec
- Plexiglass has been replaced but has original backing with manufacturer's label
- Known as a "RIAA bar hologram" award with a serial number hologram, they were made from 1998 to present
- Award measures appox. 30" x 30"
- Great collectors item for any Cher fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S. (great deal on this large award)
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA 3x Multi-Platinum award was made in 1999, making it approx. 24 years old. It is a first presentation award that was presented to late dance music marketing and promotions executive Orlando Puerta, who was a major champion of Cher's work, including helping make "Believe" a #1 hit. He also worked with Bette Midler, Linkin Park, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Depeche Mode, New Order, Orgy, Static X, Michael Bublé and Seal.
Here's what Madonna told a Billboard reporter when Puerta passed away in April 2020: “I am forever indebted to Orlando and he will be sorely missed. His passion and commitment to dance and club music had no limits and he was a very big reason I had 50 number ones on the dance charts. Thank you Orlando. RIP.”
The award is in VG condition. The plexiglass was replaced at some point and the award only has minor mars on the plexiglass and frame. It retains its original Ill Eagle Enterprises manufacturer sticker on the backing board.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards like this one: 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