RIAA Gold Single "white matte" award for Billy Paul track "Me And Mrs. Jones". Released on Sept. 13, 1972, it was certified Gold by the RIAA on Dec. 4, 1972 for one million copies sold. Remember singer Billy Paul (1934-2016) with this award.
The hit single "Me & Mrs. Jones" was penned by Philly hitmakers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972, reached #4 in the UK and won a Grammy award for Paul for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. See image above for the RIAA sales certification of the track*.
See the RIAA white matte Billy Paul album award this track appeared on here.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Single white matte award
- In VG condition
- A first presentation award from 1972-73
- Presented to record industry distributor
- Original back with manufacturer sticker
- "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. 13" x 17"
- 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 Single award was made in 1972-73 making it about 51-52 years old. The award is presented to CL Sales - Los Angeles, which is thought to be a record distributor of the day.
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 minor record label fading. The award has its' original backing paper with New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker (half missing but original).
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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