RIAA Gold Album award for Paul Simon album One-Trick Pony. Released on Aug. 12, 1980 and certified Gold by the RIAA on Oct. 14, 1980 for 500,000 copies sold.*
This was Paul Simon's fifth album, released in conjunction with the film of the same name, which also starred the artist. "Late In The Evening" which was a hit from the album, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The title track also became a Top 40 hit. The album peaked at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, #17 in the UK and it also charted in the top 20 in many other world music markets. In addition, the track "Late In The Evening" was nominated for a Grammy award.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Album award
- In VG condition
- Award from 1980
- Presented to recording studio
- Known as a "strip plate" award, which were produced 1981-85
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Rare and excellent collectors item for any Paul Simon fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a RIAA Gold Album award that would have been manufactured in 1980 making it about 45 years old. The award is presented to The Hit Factory®, the famous recording studio in NYC, at which portions of the album were recorded.
The award is in VG condition with some typical scratches and mars on the frame and plexiglass. It is all original and while the manufacturer sticker is missing, the construction details tell us it was most likely made by Creative Glassics.
However, it does appear to have been rebacked since it would normally have a brown craft paper backing, but it is also possibly an award manufactured by a "grey area" award-maker, as is often seen during this period for Warner Bros. releases. (You can read more about this type of awards in our guide here). Regardless, the provenance on this award is airtight since it was bought directly in a sale of all of The Hit Factory's awards after the studio closed. The numbered sticker on the back of the award is an inventory number from the recording studio.
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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 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
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