RIAA Gold LP white matte award for Chicago III album. The double album was released on Feb. 4, 1971 and was certified Gold just a month later by the RIAA on March 1, 1971 for one million dollars worth sold. Remember Chicago guitarist Terry Kath (1946-1978) with this award.
Featuring the Billboard top 20 single "Free", penned by Robert Lamm and top 40 effort "Lowdown", written by Peter Cetera and Danny Seraphine, the album reached #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and #9 in the UK. By 1986 it was certified Platinum for one million copies sold by the RIAA. See the RIAA certification history for this album in the image above.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP white matte award
- First presentation award from 1971
- Presented to Chicago background singer
- In VG condition
- "White matte" awards (obviously so-named due to the white matte used) were made from from 1964-1974
- RIAA white matte awards numbered only 5-25 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Beautiful and rare collector's item for any Chicago fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award was made in 1971, making it about 52 years old. The award is presented to Steve Fagin, a background singer for Chicago (part of what was dubbed the "Caribou Kitchenettes" on the 1975 Chicago VIII album).
This award is in Very Good condition, especially considering its age. There are a few mars on the wood frame as is expected along with very minor disc tarnishing but the matte, album miniature, and presentation plate are all in VG condition. Its backing paper has its' original New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker.
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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 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