Unique, historic and in great condition, this is a 1971 MCA label award (i.e. non-RIAA) celebrating Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection album selling over one million copies.
The album was released in January 1970 and was certified Gold by the RIAA on March 22, 1971 for one million dollars worth sold.* (Note: This is not a RIAA award). Elton's third full length release, the concept album peaked at #5 on the Billboard Albums chart and #2 in the U.K. It featured popular tracks "Burn Down The Mission" and "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" among others.
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Item Highlights:
- Record label in-house "platinum" record award for over one million in sales of Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection album
- Made in 1971 making it about 54 years old
- Plate reads: "Congratulations from MCA to Stephen James for sales in excess of 1,000,000 units 'Tumbleweed Connection' "
- 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 are all original with "platinum" disc, engraved metal plate, black matte, and the correct record label and frame. The award is in Very Good condition considering its' age with some minor frame wear. Its' "platinum" record is shiny with a bright label. The backing paper has its' original Creative Glassics manufacturer label.
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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