RIAA Gold 45 "white matte" award for Albert Hammond track "It Never Rains In Southern California", which was released in 1972 and certified Gold by the RIAA on Jan. 9, 1973 for one million copies sold.
This 70s pop classic was recorded with players from the infamous "Wrecking Crew", it reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. Trivia: It sometimes does rain in Southern California--especially this year, in record fashion... Also, Hammond's son, Albert Hammond Jr., plays guitar in The Strokes. See image above for the RIAA sales certification info on this single*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold 45 award with white matte, gold disc, and gold info plate
- First presentation award from 1972
- Presented to record distributor
- In VG condition with typical frame wear
- All original but has been rebacked
- "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. 13" x 17"
- Great collector's item for any Albert Hammond fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold single award was made in 1972 making it about 51 years old. It is presented to CL Sales - Boston, a record distributor who worked with CBS Records.
This award is in VG condition with some typical wear and mars on the wood frame. The award has been rebacked but otherwise is all original.
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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