Vintage and in great condition, this is a 1973 "platinum" label award (i.e. non-RIAA) made by Disc Award Ltd. recognizing success of The DeFranco Family track "Heartbeat - It's A Love Beat". Thirteen year-old Tony DeFranco sang the vocal and was accompanied by veteran Wrecking Crew musicians Hal Blaine, Larry Carlton, and Max Bennett on this hit teen pop track released in May of 1973. The song reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Top Singles chart in Canada. It also hit #6 in Australia.
The award is presented to Russ Regan, who also signed and/or worked with Elton John, Olivia Newton John, Neil Diamond, Barry White and many others. The award is all original including having the Disc Award Ltd. logo engraved on the "platinum" disc, engraved plate, black felt matte and award manufacturer's stamp on the rear.
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Item Highlights:
- Disc Award Ltd. record label in-house "platinum" record award for The DeFranco Family track "Heartbeat - It's A Love Beat" (Note: Not an RIAA award, although Disc Award Ltd. awards are typically seen as the most valuable of in-house awards)
- Made in 1973 making it about 51 years old
- In VG condition with shiny "platinum" record and a few mars on the frame
- Award measures approx. 12" x 12"
- Great historic collectors item for any fan of The DeFranco Family
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
This award is in VG condition, despite its 51-year old age. Although it has the usual nicks and mars on the frame it was obviously well kept over the years, resulting in very little fading of the matte and label and no tarnishing of the record. It also has the distinctive "dragon logo" engraved in the dead wax area, along with its original wood back with "Disc Award Ltd" stamp.
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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