Unique, historic and in great condition, this is a 1972 MCA label award (i.e. non-RIAA) celebrating Elton John's Madman Across The Water album selling over one million copies.
The album was released on February 14, 1972 and was very quickly certified Gold by the RIAA on February 19, 1972 for one million dollars worth sold. Elton's fourth studio effort produced hits "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" which pushed the album to #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. By 1998 the album had been certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. (Note: This is not a RIAA award)
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Item Highlights:
- Record label in-house "platinum" record award for over one million in sales of Elton John's Madman Across The Water album
- Components, construction and condition are consistent with it being 51 years old
- Plate reads: "Congratulations from MCA to Stephen James for sales in excess of 1,000,000 copies 'Madman Across The Water' "
- In Very Good condition
- Award measures 15.5" x 15.5"
- Great, historic collectors item for any Elton John fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
The award is presented to Stephen James, who worked with his father Dick James (1920-1986), Sir Elton's first music publisher. Dick James and Brian Epstein established the Beatles' publisher Northern Songs. Later James founded, with son Stephen, the DJM record label and recording studios which signed Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
The components are all original with "platinum" disc, engraved metal plate, black matte, and the correct record label and frame. The award is in Very Good condition considering its' age with some very minor dusting on the inside of the glass. Its' "platinum" record is shiny with a bright label. The frame has some typical mars. The backing paper has its' original Creative Glassics manufacturer label.
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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 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