RIAA Gold LP Award for Cat Stevens album Numbers (subtitled A Pythagorean Theory Tale). Released on Nov. 30, 1975, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on Jan. 15, 1976 for 500,000 copies sold.*
The ninth studio album from Stevens was a concept album about a fictional planet in a far-off galaxy named Polygor. It was accompanied by a booklet featuring pen-and-ink illustrations drawn by Stevens. While fairly non-commercial, it resonated with his fans and was fulfilling musically for him after producing much other "hit song" material.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP Award
- First presentation award from 1976
- Presented to artist manager/agent
- In Good to VG condition
- 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 collector's item for any Cat Stevens fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award was made in 1976, making it about 49 years old. The award is presented to Barry Krost, Cat Stevens' artist manager and agent. Krost brought Stevens to Chris Blackwell's attention, who signed him to Island Records for the UK and Europe (Stevens was on A&M for the USA).
This award is in Good to Very Good condition, considering its age. There are some finish loss and mars on the frame, along with minor album miniature fading. One back corner of the frame has some fair size chips (see image). The original backing paper is present but has tears and cuts that have been taped. The manufacturer sticker has fallen off but the award's construction and backing paper sticker adhesive residue indicate it was made by the New York Frame & Picture Co.
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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