RIAA Gold 45 award for The Doors "Light My Fire" presented to Jim Morrison. This single released on January 1, 1967 and certified Gold by the RIAA on Sept. 11, 1967 for 1 million copies sold.
"Light My Fire" went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart nearly a year after its recording. Written mainly by guitarist Robby Krieger (although credited to all four Doors members) it is a track off The Doors 1966 debut album. In 1968, a year after its' first success, it re-entered the Hot 100 following the success of José Feliciano's version of the song. It also did well in numerous other markets around the world. On Sept. 28, 2018 it was certified Platinum by the RIAA for one million copies sold. See image above for RIAA sales certifications of this single*.
*Avoid paying auction fees/buyer's premiums by buying our RIAA awards here on our site before they go to auction. We take select RIAA awards to auctions a few times a year.
Mouse Over to Zoom/Click to Enlarge Photos
Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold 45 award with white matte, gold disc and gold info plate
- Presented to Jim Morrison
- In VG condition
- First presentation award from 1967
- Original backing paper with manufacturer sticker
- "White matte" awards (obviously so-named due to the white matte used) were made from from 1964-1974
- RIAA white matte awards from the 1960s numbered only 5-25 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures 13" x 17"
- Beautiful and very rare collector's item
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold 45 single award is presented to Jim Morrison. Artist presentations like this are the most valued by collectors. It was made in 1967 making it approx. 55 years old and 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). The award has the coarse textured, off-white Bainbridge matte board used 1967 and prior.
The award is in VG condition although it does have a few minor mars and scratches on the frame as is typical and some minor discoloration of the gold disc and presentation plate. The backing paper is original with only a minor tear (repaired with tape) and the New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker is present.
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.
Interested in knowing more about RIAA awards and what makes them great to add to your collection? Subscribe to our free bi-weekly newsletter and get our 55-page MusicGoldmine RIAA and Record Award Guide free plus a 15% discount code here.
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