Ampex Golden Reel award for Billy Joel album Storm Front presented to album recording studio The Hit Factory. Released on Oct. 17, 1989, the album was certified 4x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA by 1994* (Note: This is not a RIAA award).
Producing the singles "We Didn't Start The Fire", which became Joel's third #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, along with "I Go to Extremes", "And So It Goes", "The Downeaster 'Alexa'", and "That's Not Her Style". The album topped the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. It was also nominated for five Grammy awards including Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for "We Didn't Start The Fire".
Ampex Golden Reel awards were presented by the Ampex Corp. from approx. 1977 through the early 1990s for albums recorded entirely on Ampex recording tape which attained at least Gold sales in their country of origin. One award was given to the artist and one to the recording studio at which the project was recorded, making them rare awards. Especially so when considering that only around 500 albums received the honor.
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Item Highlights:
- Ampex Golden Reel award for Billy Joel album Storm Front
- Presented to The Hit Factory "Times Square" recording studio
- In VG condition
- Made around 1990
- Award measures approx. 13.5" x 17"
- One-of-a-kind collector's item for any Billy Joel fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a Ampex Golden Reel award dating to the early 1990s, making it about 35 years old. The award is in VG condition with a minor mar on the reel and mars on the center disc. The award is complete with California Gold Record Co. manufacturer sticker.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage record 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