RIAA Gold white matte award for Billy Paul album 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul signed on its' back by Paul. This album was released in 1972 and certified Gold by the RIAA on Feb. 9, 1973 for one million dollars worth sold.
The fourth studio effort for soul/R&B singer Billy Paul (1934-2016) is best known for producing the hit single "Me & Mrs. Jones" penned by Philly hitmakers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and Cary Gilbert. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and won a Grammy award for Paul. A second single "Am I Black Enough for You?" rose to #29 on the Soul chart and #79 on the Pop chart. The album itself topped the Soul chart and peaked at #17 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. See image above for the RIAA sales certification of this album*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP award with white matte, gold disc, album miniature, and gold info plate
- In VG condition
- A first presentation award from 1973
- Presented to record industry distributor
- Original back with manufacturer sticker signed by Billy Paul (not independently-authenticated but believed real)
- "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 Billy Paul fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award was made in 1974 making it 48 years old. The award is presented to CL Sales - Cincinnati, which is thought to be a record distributor in the day. Making the award unique as well is the attribution and autograph by Paul on the backing paper. Paul adds "To Judy, God bless you!"
The award features the Philadelphia International label rarely seen on an RIAA award. It is in Very Good condition considering its age. There is some standard frame wear and a bit of clouding inside the glass over the label but it is minimally noticeable. It has a large tear on the backing paper which has been taped with removeable "magic tape" in order to help prevent any further dust intrusion. The award has its' original backing paper with New York Frame & Picture Co. 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