RIAA Gold LP white matte award for Grand Funk Railroad album We're An American Band. Released on July 15, 1973, it was certified Gold just a month later by the RIAA on Aug. 21, 1973 for one million dollars worth sold.
The group's seventh album, on which the group was billed as "Grand Funk," was produced by Todd Rundgren. It featured the classic title track, which became the trio's first #1 single. "Walk Like A Man" also charted to #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album peaked at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and also did well in Canada and several European countries, By 1991 it was certified Platinum for one million copies sold by the RIAA. See the RIAA certification history for this album in the image above.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP white matte award
- First presentation award from 1973
- Presented to artist manager
- In VG condition
- "White matte" awards (obviously so-named due to the white matte used) were made from from 1964-1974
- RIAA white matte awards numbered only 5-25 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Beautiful and rare collector's item for any Grand Funk Railroad fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award was made in 1973, making it about 51 years old. It is presented to Arthur Robbins, who managed Billy Squier, Tears For Fears and other high profile artists. This award was acquired directly from family of the recipient.
This award is in Very Good condition, especially considering its age. There are a few mars on the wood frame as is expected along very minor tarnishing on the edges of the gold disc, but overall the award is in VG condition. The award maker even took care to use the shiny gold foil album cover for the album miniature instead of a photo paper version, the latter being typical for white matte awards. While it is cut on three sides (to reattach the record label onto the gold disc), the backing paper on the award is original, complete with New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker.
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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 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