RIAA Gold Single "white matte" award for Elton John hit "Bennie and the Jets", which was released on Feb. 4, 1974. The track was certified Gold by the RIAA on April 8, 1974 for one million copies sold.
This track first appeared on the 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and became another of John's early U.S. #1 hits. It charted highly in many other countries as well. While most listeners have always assumed it is a live recording, it actually was only made to "sound live" in the studio by producer Gus Dudgeon. By 2018 the single had been certified 2x Multi-Platinum. See image above for more RIAA sales certifications of this track through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP award with white matte, gold disc, album miniature, and gold info plate
- In VG condition
- A first presentation award from 1974
- Presented to music publisher/label owner
- Original back with 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. 13" x 17"
- Beautiful and 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 Single award would have been made in 1974, making it approx. 48 years old. The award is presented to Stephen James, who worked with his father Dick James (1920-1986), Sir Elton's first music publisher. Dick James and Brian Epstein established the Beatles' publisher Northern Songs. Later James founded, with son Stephen, the DJM record label and recording studios which signed Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
The award is in VG condition, considering its age with typical scratches on the wood frame as is expected. The record label, presentation plate, and gold disc (made by Disc Award Ltd. and featuring their distinctive dragon logo) are in excellent condition. The original backing paper is also intact with original New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a coveted all-original RIAA white matte award for one of Sir Elton John's classic early hits.
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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