RIAA Gold 45 award for Olivia Newton-John track "I Honestly Love You". Released in August 1974, it was certified Gold by the RIAA on October 9, 1974 for one million copies sold.* (As is often the case, the RIAA website lists an incorrect number of units sold for a Gold single certified first during the 1964-75 "white matte" award period). Remember Olivia Newton-John (1948-2022) with this first presentation award for her first U.S. #1 single.
This was Newton John's first #1 in the U.S. and Canada and it also topped the charts in her native Australia. It won her Grammy awards in 1975 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. In addition, it was nominated for Song of the Year. The track also charted well in several other world markets and became one of the late artist's signature tunes.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold 45 award with white matte, gold disc and gold info plate
- In VG condition (see details)
- First presentation award from 1974
- Presented to MCA Records
- All original, 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 13" x 17"
- Beautiful and rare collector's item for any Olivia Newton-John fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This first presentation RIAA Gold white matte 45 single award is presented to MCA Records, Inc. It was made in 1974 making it 48 years old. This particular award also features a gold disc made by Disc Award Ltd. with its distinctive dragon logo engraved in the dead wax area (see detail image).
The award is in VG condition considering its age. It has mounting holes on the top and bottom of the frame (see detail images) where it was fixed to a wall, presumably in MCA Records offices, and a few minor scratches on the frame as is typical. The award is all original except the torn backing paper was replaced with new backing paper.
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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