This 1970 label award made by Disc Award Ltd. recognizes success of the classic Norman Greenbaum track "Spirit In The Sky". The track appeared on Greenbaum's 1969 album of the same name. The "boogie rock" song's unique guitar tone came from Greenbaum playing a Fender Telecaster guitar with a fuzz-tone circuit built into the body. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #1 in Australia, Canada, and the UK. The track was in fact certified Gold by the RIAA in April 1970 and went on to 2x Multi-Platinum certification on January 8, 2025.* (Note: This is not a RIAA award).
Includes MusicGoldmine.com Letter Of Authenticity
Item Highlights:
- Disc Award Ltd. record label in-house gold record award for Norman Greenbaum track "Spirit In The Sky" (Note: Not an RIAA award, although Disc Award Ltd. awards are typically seen as the most valuable of in-house awards)
- Presented to radio station and industry executive
- Made in 1970
- In VG condition with minor restoration (see details below)
- Award measures approx. 12" x 12"
- Great and rare collectors item for any Norman Greenbaum fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
This award is presented to Sharon Nelson and KHJ. Nelson was a program director at the Los Angeles station in the 70s. The award has the customary Disc Award Ltd. "dragon" logo engraved on the "gold" disc and an engraved presentation plate.
It is in VG condition, despite its 56-year old age. It has the usual nicks and mars on the frame, which may have been touched up with black paint. The black felt matte has been replaced. It has been rebacked as a result but otherwise is all original.
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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