Unique, historic and in great condition, this is a 1974 "platinum" label award (i.e. non-RIAA) celebrating Elton John's Greatest Hits album selling over one million copies.
Sir Elton's first greatest hits album, it covers the years from 1970 to 1974, compiling everything from his breakthrough hit "Your Song" to equally iconic tracks "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting", "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)", "Bennie and the Jets", "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", "Crocodile Rock" and more. The album went to #1 in both the U.S. and U.K. and in several other markets, and became the best-selling album of 1975. It was certified Diamond (10M sold) by the RIAA in 1993 and by 2016 had reached over 17 million copies sold in the U.S. alone. (Note: This is not a RIAA award)
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Item Highlights:
- Record label in-house "platinum" record award for over one million in sales of Elton John's Greatest Hits album
- Components, construction and condition are consistent with it being 48 years old
- Plate reads: "Congratulation (sic) from MCA to Stephen James for sales in excess of 1,000,000 copies 'Greatest Hits' "
- In Very Good condition
- Award measures 15.5" x 15.5"
- Great, historic collectors item for any Elton John fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
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 components appear original with "platinum" disc, engraved metal plate, black matte, and the correct record label and the award has a metal frame. The award is in Very Good condition considering its' age with shiny "platinum" record and bright label, some typical scratches, dings and mars on the metal frame. It has a cord hanger, often seen on awards displayed in the U.K.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage record 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