RIAA Gold LP "white matte" award for Elton John's self-titled album, released on April 10, 1970. The release, Elton's debut in the U.S., was certified Gold by the RIAA on February 17, 1971 for one million dollars worth sold.
The album started it all for Elton John contained iconic breakthrough hit "Your Song", arguably he and Bernie Taupin's finest composition (and reportedly Elton's personal favorite). That track went top 10 in most countries. Other famed tracks on the album include "Take Me To The Pilot" and "Border Song". The album went top 5 in the U.S., U.K. and several other markets. It also garnered two Grammy award nominations including Album Of The Year. In 2012 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame. See image above for the RIAA sales history of this album*
Mouse Over to Zoom/Click to Enlarge Photos
Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP award with white matte, gold disc, album miniature, and gold info plate
- In VG condition with some typical scratches and mars on the frame (see more detail below)
- A first presentation award from 1971
- Presented to music publisher
- Has original back with original manufacturer's sticker
- "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 Elton John fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award would have been made in 1971 given the album's certification date. It features Elton's first U.S. label, Uni Records (later acquired by MCA), and has a gold disc made by Disc Award Ltd. with its distinctive dragon logo engraved in the dead wax area. The award is presented to Dick James (1920-1986), who was Sir Elton's first music publisher. James and Brian Epstein established the Beatles' publisher Northern Songs and later James founded, with his son Stephen, the DJM record label and recording studios, which signed Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
The award is 52 years old but is in VG condition, considering its age. There are a few mars, scratches, and imperfections on the wood frame as is expected but the record label, presentation plate, album miniature, gold disc and matte are in excellent condition and the glass is clear. It also has its' original backing paper (has been cut on three sides and resealed with tape) with original New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a coveted all-original RIAA white matte award for one of Sir Elton John's classic early releases.
Avoid paying auction fees/buyer's premiums and shipping by buying this RIAA award here on our site before it goes to auction. We take select items to auction a few times a year.
Interested in knowing more about RIAA awards and what makes them great to add to your collection? Subscribe to our free bi-weekly newsletter and get our 55+ page MusicGoldmine RIAA and Record Award Guide free plus a 15% discount code here.
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