RIAA Gold Album award for Johnny "Guitar" Watson album Ain't That A Bitch. Released in 1976, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on June 2, 1977 for 500,000 copies sold.* Remember Johnny "Guitar" Watson (1935-1996) with this award.
Watson's blend of blues and funk produced this, his most successful album. It contained the hits "Ain't That a Bitch" and "Superman Lover" (which has been sampled by artists from Redman to Ice Cube). Artists Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steve Miller and Frank Zappa are also said to have been influenced by Watson's work.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Album award
- First presentation award from 1977
- Presented to music industry executive
- In VG condition
- All original award with original backing paper
- 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 approx. 17" x 21"
- Cashbox and one other music industry magazine ad plaque also included (see images)
- Great collector's items for any Johnny "Guitar" Watson fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Gold Album award that was made in 1977, making it approximately 46 years old. 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, along with releasing this album by Watson and others.
The award is in VG condition considering its' age with some frame wear and fading of the matte. It has its' original backing paper that has been cut on three sides (cuts have been taped to help prevent dust intrusion) and while its' manufacturer sticker is missing, it has aged adhesive residue in the correct size, shape and location of a New York Frame & Picture Co. 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 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