RIAA Gold LP "white matte" award for The Doors debut album presented to Elektra Records. The album that started it all for the group was released on Jan. 1, 1967 in the U.S and was certified Gold by the RIAA on Sept. 11, 1967 for one million dollars worth sold.
The album debuted the classic hits "Light My Fire", "Break On Through (To the Other Side)", "The End", "The Crystal Ship" and more. The album reached #2 on the Billboard Albums chart (held from #1 by the Beatles Sgt. Pepper) and also did well worldwide, going Gold in many world markets. The album along with "Light My Fire" were both inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. By 2007 the album was certified 4x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. See image above for the RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP award with white matte, gold disc, album miniature, and gold info plate
- In VG condition
- A first presentation award from 1967
- Presented to Elektra Records
- Has original backing paper with manufacturer's sticker
- "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. 17" x 21"
- Beautiful and rare collector's item
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award was made in 1967 and this is a first presentation award. The award is presented to Elektra Records.
The award features the correct style presentation plate reading "to commemorate more than one million dollars worth of the Elektra Records long-playing record album..." etc. It is 54 years old but is in Very Good condition. There are a few mars and scratches on the wood frame, but it is complete with original backing paper and New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker. The manufacturer's sticker is correct with the pre-1969 141 Fulton St., NY address. (After 1969 the company moved to 29 John St., NY address).
Accompanied by a notarized letter of provenance from the collector who owned the award since the early 1990s. Provenance letter can be seen in images with collector's name obscured for privacy. Item buyer will receive a non-obscured copy of the letter.
Don't miss this very rare opportunity to acquire a coveted RIAA white matte award of The Doors classic debut album.
Learn about the top 10 highest prices attained by RIAA awards sold in the marketplace in our article here.
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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