Unique and historic, this is a label award (i.e. non-RIAA) celebrating the success of The Mindbenders "A Groovy Kind Of Love" in the summer of 1966.
The song was written by a 22-year old Carole Bayer Sager and 17-year old Toni Wine and featured lead vocals by the Mindbenders Eric Stewart,who would later go on to co-found 10cc. Its most famous two renditions were this one and Phil Collins equally successful 80s remake.
Ironically, while the award states that the song became the "Number 1 Record In The Nation", it actually only rose as high as #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May/June 1966, having been kept from #1 by Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves A Woman". Collins' version did hit #1, however, in 1988 and also earned him a Grammy Award nomination.
While we can't pretend to know the exact age of this piece or who owned it over the years, a close inspection of its components shows it to be all original, including the now-brittle backing paper and original framing company sticker. It also supports the most likely scenario, which is that this was produced by the Fontana label or possibly the artist's management in 1966 to celebrate the song's success.
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Item Highlights:
- Record company or artist management award for The Mindbenders "A Groovy Kind Of Love" in all original condition (Note: Not an RIAA award)
- Components and condition are consistent with it being 53 years old (although we do not know the exact age)
- In Good to Very Good condition with some scratches and mars on frame, minor clouding of the plexiglas, some fading of the matte and tears in the backing paper
- Engraved inscription reads: "A Groovy Kind Of Love", Number One Record In The Nation, June 1966
- Appears to have original backing paper and framing co. sticker "Jules Jaffe Advertising Specialties, Chicago, IL"
- Award measures 15" x 17"
- Cool, historic collectors item
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Interested in knowing more about record awards? Read our detailed article here.
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.