RIAA Gold Album Award for Yes album Fragile signed by Jon Anderson. Released on Nov. 26, 1971, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on Mar. 10, 1972 for 500,000 copies sold.
The group's fourth studio album was the first to feature keyboardist Rick Wakeman. The album drew major attention once single "Roundabout" started being played on rock radio. An edited version of the track hit #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Long Distance Runaround" also received airplay. The album itself reached #4 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and #7 on the UK Albums tally. By 1998 the album was been certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for two million copies sold.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Album award
- In Good to VG condition
- Signed on plexiglass by Yes lead vocalist Jon Anderson (autograph faded)
- Award made in 1975-76
- Presented to radio industry personality and executive
- All original
- Letter of provenance included
- MusicGoldmine Authenticity Guarantee
- Known as a "floater" award because the components appear to "float" above the matte, they were made from 1975-1981
- RIAA floater awards numbered only 25-50 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Great collectors item for any Yes fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is RIAA Gold Album award was manufactured in 1975-76, making it about 49-50 years old. The award is signed on the plexiglass by Yes lead singer Jon Anderson, although the autograph is faded. It is presented to radio and record executive Lee Abrams, who worked in radio and as a consultant to major record labels and industry companies including Capitol Records, Island Records, XM Radio, MTV and others from the 70s into the 2000s. A notarized letter of provenance from Abrams is included with this award (see image).
It is in Good to VG condition with some mars on the frame and somewhat loose top corners. It has its original backing paper with some tears (taped to help prevent dust intrusion) and manufacturer sticker residue in the distinct shape, location and size of a New York Frame & Picture Co. label.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards: 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