1974 Capitol Records award for Steve Miller Band track "The Joker". Released in October 1973, it was certified Gold by the RIAA on Jan. 9, 1974 for 500,000 copies sold. (Note: This is not a RIAA award).
One of the most famous hits of Miller's career, and certainly the one that put him firmly on the map, the track went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1974. It would repeat at #1 in the UK years later in 1990 after being used in a Levi's commercial. It would also go on to being certified 5x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA and is still played on rock and classic rock radio worldwide.
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Item Highlights:
- Capitol Records "Gold" Single Award
- In VG condition
- Award dates to 1974
- Presented to radio personality and executive
- Provenance letter included (see image)
- All original with manufacturer stamp
- Award measures approx. 11.5" x 13.5"
- Beautiful and rare collectors item for any Steve Miller fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This Capitol Records single award was made in 1974, making it 50 years old. It is presented to David Kraham, a DJ and radio music director active in the 70s and 80s, including at KJOY in California. A notarized letter of provenance from Kraham is included with this award (see image).
This award is 50 years old and yet is in VG condition, considering its age. There are a few mars on the frame, and some minor fogging from dust on the inside of the glass, but otherwise it is in terrific condition. The stamp of the award manufacturer appears on its' original backing paper. NOTE: By request upon purchase, the award can be opened up and cleaned to alleviate the fogging prior to shipping. It has been left as original for now with unopened back.
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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 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