RIAA Gold Single 45 "white matte" award for Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show track "The Cover Of 'Rolling Stone'". Released on Oct. 26, 1972, the track was certified Gold by the RIAA on April 4, 1973 for one million copies sold.* Remember Dr. Hook's George Cummings, Jance Garfat, Bob Henke, Ray Sawyer, Bill Wolters, and Bill Francis with this award.
This song, written by Shel Silverstein, reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. The satirical track did in fact lead the group to a cover of sorts on Rolling Stone when three of the band members appeared as cartoon characters on the cover of the magazine's March 29, 1973 issue, billed as "What's-Their-Names Make the Cover". The track also charted in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Includes MusicGoldmine.com Letter Of Authenticity
Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Single "white matte" award
- In VG condition
- Award from 1973
- Presented to Columbia Records
- All original parts, rebacked
- RIAA "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 Dr. Hook fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold Single white matte award was made in 1973, making it about 53 years old. It is presented to Columbia Records.
The award is in Very Good condition, considering its age, with a minor stain on the very bottom of the matte. The award has been rebacked.
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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