RIAA Gold Album award for Yes album Tormato. Released on Sept. 22, 1978, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on Oct. 10, 1978 for 500,000 copies sold. Hard to find Yes award.
The ninth album from Yes was the last to feature lead vocalist Jon Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who both departed the group in 1980 (later reuniting). The animal rights track "Don't Kill The Whale" was released as a single. It reached #8 on the UK Album chart and #10 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and it also charted in several other countries. By November 1978 the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA for one million copies sold.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Album award
- First presentation award from 1978
- Presented to radio and record industry executive
- Letter of provenance included (see image)
- In VG condition
- All original including backing paper (see below)
- Known as a "floater" award because the components appear to "float" above the matte, they were made from 1975-1981. RIAA "floater" awards numbered only 25-50 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures 17" x 21"
- Great collectors item for any Yes fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation Yes RIAA Gold Album award that would have been manufactured in 1978, making it approximately 46 years old. It is presented to radio and record executive Lee Abrams, who worked in radio and as a consultant to major record labels and industry companies including Capitol Records, Island Records, XM Radio, MTV and others from the 70s into the 2000s. A notarized letter of provenance from Abrams is included with this award (see image).
This award is in VG condition with some typical frame wear and mars on the plexiglass. Its original backing paper is still present although it has been cut on three sides, likely to effect a repair of a fallen presentation plate or album miniature. The award's construction, record label, and manufacturer label adhesive residue on the backing paper indicates that it was made by the New York Frame & Picture Co.
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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