RIAA Platinum LP award for Julian Lennon album Valotte. It was released on Oct. 19, 1984. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA on May 13, 1985 for one million copies sold.
The album, which was released just a few years after his father John Lennon's life was tragically cut short, was notable in that the younger Lennon's vocals were at times remarkably similar in tone to his late father's. His physical similarity to his father was also evident in album jacket photos. The album produced much buzz at the time and "Too Late For Goodbyes" and the title track "Valotte" both reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album topped out at #17 on the Top 200 Albums chart. See image above for the RIAA sales certifications of this album*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Platinum LP award
- In VG condition
- First presentation award from 1985
- Presentation to record label executive
- All original
- Known as a "strip plate" award because the certification information is all on one plate, they were made from 1981-85
- RIAA strip plate awards numbered around 50-75 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Platinum award that would have been manufactured in 1985, since this "strip plate" style award was only produced until 1985 when this album was certified Platinum. That makes this award 37 years old. The award is presented to then Atlantic records executive Judy Libow Herschorn, who started in radio and worked at Atlantic Records for 16 years, much of the time as VP of Radio Promotion.
The award is in VG condition with minor frame wear, mars on the plexiglass, and a couple of minor tears on the backing paper (taped to help prevent dust intrusion). The backing paper is original and while the manufacturer's sticker is missing, there is adhesive residue in the shape and typical location of a New York Frame & Picture Co. label.
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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 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.
*RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com