RIAA Gold Album Award for Santana album Abraxas. Released in Sept. 1970 after the group's performance at Woodstock, it was certified Gold by the RIAA on Oct. 20, 1970 for one million dollars worth sold.
Featuring the classic hits "Black Magic Woman" and Tito Puente-penned "Oye Como Va", it introduced leader Carlos Santana's distinctive guitar style to the world. The album, actually the group's second, also featured keyboards from Greg Rolie, who a few years later would go on to found Journey. It went to #1 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and charted in the top 10 in many other world territories. It was eventually certified 5x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for five million copies sold on April 3, 2000.*
Mouse Over to Zoom/Click to Enlarge Photos
Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold white matte album award
- In VG condition
- First presentation award from 1973
- All original 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. 17" x 21"
- Beautiful and rare collectors item for any Santana fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold Album award is a first presentation award that would have been manufactured in 1970 making it approximately 55 years old. It is presented to Bud Herbert. It is thought that this recipient may be Walter James Herbert II, who worked first as a roadie with Santana and later in management with Journey and other artists, although this cannot be confirmed.
The award is in VG condition, especially considering its' 55-year-old age, with wear on the frame , some fading of the record label, and minor tears on the backing paper. It has a New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker present.
Interested in knowing more about RIAA awards and what makes them great to add to your collection? Subscribe to our free bi-weekly newsletter and get our MusicGoldmine RIAA and Record Award Guide free plus a 15% discount code here.
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