RIAA Gold Single award for Dr. Hook's "Only Sixteen", which was released in December 1975 and certified Gold by the RIAA on May 17, 1976 for 500,000 copies sold.
A cover of the song written and originally performed by Sam Cooke, who took it to the top 15 in 1959, Dr. Hook's version went to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1976. As a result it became the most successful version of the song. While popular in the U.S. and Canada and some other markets, it was somewhat controversial and was actually banned by the BBC in the UK.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Single award with all proper components for the era: Gold colored frame, gold disc and gold presentation plate
- In VG condition with a few minor scratches on frame and a slight tear on record label
- First presentation award from 1976
- Presented to record executive
- Has been rebacked
- 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. 13" x 17"
- Fantastic collector's item for Dr. Hook fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Gold award that would have been manufactured in 1976 making the award 45 years old. This award is presented to Dave Sholin, then Music Director at KFRC in San Francisco.
The award is in VG condition with all original components but it has been rebacked. This award has some typical wear on the frame and very minor mars on the plexiglass.
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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 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