RIAA Gold 45 award for ELO's hit "Telephone Line" , which was released on May 21, 1977. The 45 rpm single was certified Gold by the RIAA on Sept. 23, 1977 for one million copies sold.
From the group's 1976 album A New World Record the track went into the top 10 on the charts in the U.S., U.K., Australia and to #1 in Canada. It reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also charted in several other music markets worldwide and became ELO's first Gold single in the U.S. and U.K. The track was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2021. See image above for RIAA certifications of this track over the years.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold 45 award with gold frame, gold disc and gold info plate
- In VG condition
- First presentation award from 1977
- 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 13" x 17"
- Great collectors item for any ELO fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation Electric Light Orchestra RIAA Gold award that would have been manufactured around 1977. That makes this award approximately 45 years old. The award is presented to the Mark Levinson. It is not known what role Levinson played in the creation or marketing of the record.
This award is in VG condition with some frame wear and mars on the plexiglass. Its backing paper appears aged but the award was likely rebacked at some point since no manufacturer sticker is present and a newer hanger has been installed.
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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