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Michael McDonald If That's What It Takes RIAA Gold Album Award

Regular price $895

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RIAA Gold Album award for Michael McDonald album If That's What It Takes. Released on Aug. 3, 1982, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on Oct. 13, 1982 for 500,000 copies sold.* 

Michael McDonald's debut solo effort featured "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" and "I Gotta Try" which peaked at #4 and #44 respectively on the Billboard Hot 100. It featured a who's who of L.A. studio musicians including Steve Gadd, Steve Lukather, Dean Parks, Michael Omartian, Greg Phillinganes, Jeff Porcaro and more, and background vocals from Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and Brenda Russell. The album reached #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, also charting in Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe.

Includes MusicGoldmine.com Letter Of Authenticity

Item Highlights:

  • RIAA Gold Album award
  • Award from 1982
  • Presented to recording engineer
  • All original
  • In VG condition
  • Known as a strip plate award because the presentation plate, RIAA logo and album miniature are on one metal strip, they were made from 1982-1985
  • Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
  • Great collector's item for any fan of Michael McDonald
  • FREE insured shipping to U.S. and Canada
  • International shipping available

Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold Album award was made in 1982, making it about 44 years old. It is presented to legendary recording engineer Donn Landee, who engineered this album along with many Doobie Brothers albums, the other act McDonald appears in. He also engineered the first eight Van Halen albums from the 1978 debut to 1988's OU812 and many other albums by artists including The Doobie Brothers, Little Feat, Michael McDonald, Montrose, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and more.

This award is in Very Good condition with only minor wear on the frame and mars on the plexiglass. It has its' original backing paper and although the manufacturer sticker has torn off, remnants of it remain and the award was made by Creative Glassics.

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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