RIAA Gold LP white matte award for Cat Stevens album Foreigner. Released in July 1973, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on Aug. 1, 1973 for one million dollars worth sold.*
The album, Stevens' seventh studio outing was self-produced and Stevens has said it was influenced by artists such as Stevie Wonder and The Blue Notes. The single "The Hurt" garnered some airplay, and the 18 minute-long track "Foreigner Suite" took up all of side one. The album reached #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and UK, and also hit the top 10 on album charts in Australia, Canada and several other world markets.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP white matte award
- First presentation award from 1973
- Presented to artist manager/agent
- In VG condition
- All original (see details below)
- "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 Cat Stevens fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award was made in 1973, making it about 51 years old. The award is presented to Barry Krost, Cat Stevens' artist manager and agent. Krost brought Stevens to Chris Blackwell's attention, who signed him to Island Records for the UK and Europe (Stevens was on A&M for the USA).
This award is in Very Good condition, considering its age. There are some mars on the wood frame, as is expected, along with minor label and album miniature fading, and matte discoloration. All the components of this award are original but its' original backing paper has been cut on all sides since the presentation plate had fallen down and was reattached. To effect this repair the original backing paper was cut on three sides but it is still present with New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer 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