RIAA Gold 45 "white matte" award for The O'Jays single "Love Train". The track was released on December 2, 1970 and certified Gold by the RIAA on Feb. 9, 1973 for one million copies sold.*
A single from the group's Back Stabbers LP, it reached #1 on the R&B Singles and Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #9 on the UK Singles Chart. Written by Philadelphia hit-makers Gamble and Huff, it became The O'Jays' only #1 single on the U.S. pop chart. In 2006 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold 45 award with white matte, gold disc, and gold info plate
- In VG condition with some typical scratches and mars on the frame
- Made in 1973
- Presented to record label executive
- Original back with 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 very rare collector's item for any fan of The O'Jays
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award was made in 1973 making it about 49 years old. The award is presented to Norm Ziegler, who was at Columbia Records and other labels during a 25-year career in the music industry.
This award is in Very Good condition, considering its age. There is some wear on the wood frame as is typical. The award has its original backing paper with New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker.
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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