RIAA Gold LP "white matte" award for Elton John's self-titled album, released on April 10, 1970, presented to Mr. & Mrs. R. Taupin, Bernie Taupin's parents. The release, Elton's debut in the U.S., was certified Gold by the RIAA on February 17, 1971 for one million dollars worth sold.
The album started it all for Elton John contained iconic breakthrough hit "Your Song", arguably he and Bernie Taupin's finest composition (and reportedly Elton's personal favorite). That track went top 10 in most countries. Other famed tracks on the album include "Take Me To The Pilot" and "Border Song". The album went top 5 in the U.S., U.K. and several other markets. It also garnered two Grammy award nominations including one for Album Of The Year. In 2012 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame. See image above for the RIAA sales certification of this album*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP award with white matte, gold disc, album miniature, and gold info plate
- In VG condition with some typical scratches and mars on the frame (see more detail below)
- A first presentation award from 1971
- Personally owned by Bernie Taupin and presented to Mr. & Mrs. R. Taupin (his parents)
- Has been rebacked but has original manufacturer's sticker
- "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. 17" x 21"
- Beautiful and very rare collector's item for any Elton John fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award would have been made in 1971 given the album's certification date. It features Elton's first U.S. label, Uni Records (later acquired by MCA), and has a gold disc made by Disc Award Ltd. with its distinctive dragon logo engraved in the dead wax area (see detail image). It is presented to Mr. & Mrs. R. Taupin (Bernie Taupin's parents). Elton's long-time lyricist and collaborator Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics to countless Elton John classics, from the ones on this album like their classic first hit "Your Song", to "Rocketman (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)", "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", "Candle In The Wind" and many, many more.
The award is in VG condition, considering its age of over 49 years old, with typical frame wear, including one somewhat significant scrape on the bottom frame rail (see image). The award was originally sold in a 2018 sale arranged by Bernie Taupin of his personal awards and memorabilia. In photos from the original sale, it shows that the label had fallen off the record inside the frame. Before we acquired the award this had been repaired by an unknown third party and, the award rebacked with an original New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker attached.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a coveted RIAA white matte award for one of Sir Elton John's classic early releases, that was personally owned by his legendary songwriting partner Bernie Taupin.
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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