RIAA Gold 45 "white matte" award for the Elvis Presley track "Hard Headed Woman" presented to Elvis Presley. The single was released on June 30, 1958 and certified Gold by the RIAA on August 11, 1958 for one million copies sold, reportedly becoming the first rock and roll record ever certified Gold by the RIAA.
The track was released as a single off the soundtrack for Presley's 1958 film King Creole, and also included on that album. It went to #1 on the Billboard "Best Sellers In Stores" (as the main chart was called at the time) just as Elvis was at Fort Hood, Texas for his army basic training. It also reached #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B and Hot Country charts. It also topped Canada's chart and did well in several other countries in Europe and elsewhere. On March 27, 1992 the single was certified Platinum by the RIAA.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold 45 white matte award
- Made sometime between 1964 and 1968
- Presented to Elvis Presley
- In VG condition
- All original with manufacturer sticker
- Includes Letter Of Authenticity from Graceland
- "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 Elvis Presley fan
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Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold Single "white matte" award would have been made sometime between 1964 and 1968, making it about 57-61 years old. Note that while the track was certified Gold in 1958, the RIAA didn't introduce white matte style awards until 1964. It is presented to Elvis Presley.
Despite its' age, the award is in VG condition. There is very minor wear on the wood frame as is expected and some light wear on the presentation plate but the matte and record are in very good shape. The backing paper appears original with New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker, which features the pre-1969 Fulton Street address (NYF&P moved to 29 John St. in 1969).
Don't miss this rare opportunity to get a highly-coveted early Elvis Presley RIAA white matte award presented to The King himself, for the first rock and roll ever certified Gold by the RIAA.
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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