RIAA Gold Single Award for Soul Asylum track "Runaway Train". Released on May 7, 1993, it was certified Platinum by the RIAA on Aug. 17, 1993 for 500,000 copies sold.
"Runaway Train", from the group's sixth album Grave Dancers Union, hit #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy award in 1996 for Best Rock Song. It helped drive the album to #11 on the Top 200 Albums chart. The track reached #2 in New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland and also did well in other European countries. The stirring music video for the song featured real missing children and teenagers, some of whom were found or cases resolved following the widespread airing of the video.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Single award
- In VG to Excellent condition
- First presentation award from 1993
- Presentation to music industry executive
- All original with manufacturer sticker
- Letter of provenance included
- Known as a "R hologram" award, they were made from 1990-97
- Award measures 13" x 17"
- Great collectors item for any Soul Asylum fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold Single award is a first presentation award that would have been manufactured in 1993, making this award 29 years old. The award is presented to Jerry Blair, a record executive who held roles at CBS, Chrysalis, and Columbia Records.
Blair played a key role in the success of artists including Soul Asylum, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, George Michael, Will Smith and many others. The award is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Blair's son, who later took possession of his father's awards and memorabilia (see image of letter, son's name is redacted on image, buyer will receive unredacted copy).
This award is all original with Ill Eagle manufacturer's sticker. The award is in VG to Excellent condition with only minor wear on the frame and a few mars on the plexiglass.
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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.