Vintage and in great condition, this is a 1974 "platinum" label award (i.e. non-RIAA) celebrating Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album selling over one million copies. The legendary album, released in 1973, went on to huge success, spawning hits ranging from the title track to U.S. #1 "Bennie and the Jets", "Candle in the Wind", "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding". The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003 and is estimated to have sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
It is presented to Elton's long-time lyricist and collaborator Bernie Taupin, who wrote the lyrics to countless Elton John classics, from the ones on this album to "Your Song" to "Rocketman (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)" to "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and many more.
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Item Highlights:
- Record label in-house "platinum" record award for Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album (Note: Not an RIAA award)
- Presented Elton's long-time lyricist and collaborator Bernie Taupin
- Made in approx. 1974 making it 48 years old
- In VG to Excellent condition with shiny "platinum" record and only a few very minor mars on the frame, excellent glass and black velvet matte
- Award measures approx. 14" x 14"
- Great historic collectors item for any Elton John or Bernie Taupin fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
This award is in VG to Excellent condition, despite its 48-year age. Although it has the usual nicks and mars on the frame (nothing major) it was obviously well kept over the years, resulting in very little fading of the matte and label and no tarnishing of the "platinum" record. It was originally acquired in a 2019 auction sale by Taupin of many of his personal awards from his lengthy career of successes working with Elton John and others.
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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 20- to 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.