Sly & The Family Stone's Greatest Hits white matte RIAA Gold LP Award presented to sax player Jerry Martini. This album was released ion November 21, 1970 and certified Gold by the RIAA on November 16, 1970 for one million dollars worth sold. Presumably the album "shipped Gold," meaning pre-orders of more than $1 million were placed, in order for the certification date to be prior to the official release date.
Released during a time when no new material was released, the album became the group's most successful. It featured classic tracks "Hot Fun in the Summertime", "I Want To Take You Higher", the curiously-titled "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" and "Everybody Is a Star". The album went to #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, was named to Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003 and subsequent years, and the album also was certified 5x Multi-Platinum in 2001. See image above for the RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP award with white matte, gold disc, album miniature, and gold info plate
- In VG condition with some typical mars on the frame
- A first presentation award from 1970
- Presented to Sly & The Family Stone sax player Jerry Martini
- Has an original backing paper with original New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer 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 Sly & The Family Stone fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award must have been made in 1970 given its certification date, making it 51 years old. The award is presented to sax player Jerry Martini, who played with the group throughout the most successful period of their career, including their appearance at Woodstock.
The award is in Very Good condition, considering its age. There are a few very minor mars on the frame but the disc, matte and presentation plate are all in excellent condition. The backing paper is original with original New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker but it has been detached and reattached with clear tape due likely to a repair done to re-secure the matte to the frame. The cut lines on the backing paper match the cut lines on the original paper stuck on the award's edges. A new wire hanger in the original style has been installed. The award also has a Christie's auction sticker on its back, dated Oct, 1, 2003. We have determined that this award was, in fact, sold in that auction in London, England.
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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