This is an Ampex Golden Reel award for the 1986 Top Gun soundtrack album. Released on May 13, 1986 and certified 9x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for nine million copies sold. (Note: This is not a RIAA award).
The soundtrack for the film included Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" which won both an Academy Award for Best Original Song and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. The album also included tracks from Kenny Loggins, Cheap Trick, Ann Wilson and Mike Reno, Harold Faltermeyer, REO Speedwagon and more. The album reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and #4 on the UK Top Albums chart.
Ampex Golden Reel awards were presented by the Ampex Corp. from approx. 1977 through 1989 for albums recorded entirely on Ampex recording tape which attained at least Gold sales in their country of origin. One award was given to the artist and one to the recording studio at which the project was recorded, making them rare awards. Especially so when considering that only around 500 albums received the honor.
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Item Highlights:
- Ampex Golden Reel award for the Top Gun soundtrack album
- Presented to recording studio at which the album was assembled
- In Good condition
- From 1986
- Award measures approx. 13.5" x 17"
- One-of-a-kind collector's item for any Top Gun fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a Ampex Golden Reel award dating to 1989, making it about 32 years old. It is presented to Can-Am Recorders.
The award is 34 years old and is in Good condition with some tarnish on the "golden reel" and presentation plate (see images). The black plexiglass is in VG condition. The award also has its original California Gold Record Co. manufacturer's label on it's back.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage record 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.