RIAA Gold single award for Earth, Wind & Fire's single "Shining Star." Released on Jan. 1, 1975, the track was certified Gold by the RIAA on June 19, 1975 for one million copies sold.
This classic track hit #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B Songs charts. It appeared on EWF's 1975 album That's the Way of the World. "Shining Star" (or "Shinin' Star" as the plaque reads on this award) also won a Grammy award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals category. See image above for the RIAA sales certifications of this track*.
Mouse Over to Zoom/Click to Enlarge Photos
Item Highlights:
- RIAA "floater" Gold single award
- in Good to VG condition
- First presentation award from 1975
- Presentation to record executive
- Award measures approx. 13" x 17"
- Known as a "floater" award because the components appear to "float" above the matte, they were made from 1975-1981
- RIAA "floater" awards numbered only 25-50 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Gold single award from 1975. That makes it approx. 48 years old. It is presented to Sherry Santifer, who became the first female, African American promotions manager for CBS Records - New York and New Jersey. She also worked with Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Carole King, Redbone, Minnie Ripperton, The O'Jays and many others.
Here is Santifer with Earth, Wind & Fire and others (photo courtesy Sherry Santifer):
It is in Good to VG condition with typical frame wear, a couple of minor spots on the record and some mars and scratches on the plexiglass. The award has its's orginal backing paper (cut on three sides and it has been retaped to prevent dust intrusion) and New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker.
Interested in knowing more about RIAA awards and what makes them great to add to your collection? Subscribe to our free bi-weekly newsletter and get our 55+ page MusicGoldmine RIAA and Record Award Guide free plus a 15% discount code here.
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