This is an Ampex Golden Reel award for Journey's Departure album. It was released on Feb. 29, 1980 and by 1994 was certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for three million copies sold. (Note: This is not a RIAA award).
Journey's last album with Gregg Rolie, it featured the hit "Anyway You Want It", a top 25 Billboard Hot 100 chart hit sung by Steve Perry. "Walks Like A Lady" and "Good Morning Girl/Stay Awhile (medley)" also charted. The album reached #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The award is presented to Kevin Elson, who produced the record and also references The Automatt in San Francisco, the recording studio at which the album was recorded.
Ampex Golden Reel awards were presented by the Ampex Corp. from approx. 1977 through 1989 for albums recorded entirely on Ampex recording tape which attained at least Gold sales in their country of origin. One award was given to the artist and one to the recording studio at which the project was recorded, making them rare awards. Especially so when considering that only around 500 albums received the honor.
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Item Highlights:
- Ampex Golden Reel award for Journey's 1980 Departure album
- Presented to the album's producer and the recording studio at which the album was recorded
- In VG to Excellent condition
- Made around 1980
- Award measures approx. 12.5" x 15.5"
- One-of-a-kind collector's item for any Journey fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a "early style" (1977-1980) Ampex Golden Reel award dating to 1980, making it about 42 years old. It is presented to Kevin Elson, producer of the record, and The Automatt, where the album was recorded.
The award is in VG to Excellent condition. The "golden reel" is still bright although it has been polished and has a slightly uneven finish from age. The smoke-colored plexiglass and presentation plate are in great shape and practically mar free.
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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 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