RIAA Gold 45 "white matte" award for the Steve Miller Band's "The Joker", which was released in October 1973 and certified Gold by the RIAA on Jan. 9, 1974 for 500,000 copies sold.
One of the most famous hits of Miller's career, and certainly the one that put him firmly on the map, the track went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1974. Interestingly, it would repeat at #1 in the UK years later in 1990 after being used in a Levi's commercial. See image above for the RIAA sales certification info on this single*.
*Avoid paying auction fees/buyer's premiums by buying our RIAA awards here on our site before they go to auction. We take select RIAA awards to auctions a few times a year.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold 45 award with white matte, gold disc, and gold info plate
- In Good to VG condition with some typical scratches and mars on the frame
- First presentation award from 1974
- Presented to Capitol records executive and founder of RSO label
- Has unopened original back with 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. 13" x 17"
- Beautiful and rare collector's item
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold 45 single award was made in 1974, making it 46 years old. It is presented to the late Al Coury, a record executive who helped develop the careers of Miller along with the Beatles, Nat King Cole, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Glen Campbell, Bob Seger, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, Don Henley, Cher and Linda Ronstadt. (Below: Coury with John Lennon)
This award is 50 years old and yet is in VG to Excellent condition, considering its age. There are a few mars and scratches on the wood frame and tears on the backing paper as is expected. The backing paper is original with New York Picture & Frame Co. label. Note also the "MASTERED BY CAPITOL" engraving in the dead wax area.
Don't miss this chance to own a coveted white matte for a classic rock track that helped define 70's rock.
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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
Al Coury/John Lennon photo credit: CalinicoFire - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63773048