RIAA Gold Single 45 "white matte" award for Robert John track "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (originally written and known as "Mbube"). Released in 1971, the track was certified Gold by the RIAA on March 15, 1972 for one million copies sold.*
This song, written originally by South African musician Solomon Linda, was previously covered by many artists including The Weavers, The Tokens and others, and also became a major hit for Robert John in 1972. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and West Germany.
Includes MusicGoldmine.com Letter Of Authenticity
Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Single "white matte" award
- In VG condition
- Award from 1972
- Presented to WEA New York
- Original parts, rematted
- RIAA "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 Robert John fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold Single white matte award was made in 1972, making it about 54 years old. It is presented to WEA New York (Warner/Elektra/Atlantic).
The award is in Very Good condition, considering its age. It has undergone minor restoration with the matte being replaced and the record label is also not the original. The award was rebacked due to the restoration.
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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