RIAA Gold 45 "white matte" award for the Tommy James and the Shondells single "Hanky Panky". The single was originally released in limited regions in 1964 and more broadly in 1966 and certified Gold by the RIAA on Aug. 24, 1966 for one million copies sold.
The Shondells recorded the track in 1964, but reissued it in 1966 under the band's new moniker "Tommy James and the Shondells." The track reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 and also charted in numerous other music markets around the world. See image above for the RIAA sales certification of this single*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold 45 award with white matte, gold disc, and gold info plate
- In VG condition with some typical scratches and mars on the frame
- Made in 1966
- Presented to artist manager/record executive
- Letter of provenance included
- Has unopened original back 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 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 Tommy James and the Shondells or 60s classics fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award was made in 1966 making it about 55 years old. It is presented to Zach Glickman (d. 2015), who managed Dion, a member of Earth Wind & Fire, Frank Zappa and many others through a 50+ year career in the music industry. The award is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Glickman's son Benny who took possession of his late father's awards after he passed away and who also worked extensively in the music industry (see image of letter).
This award is in Very Good condition, considering its age. There is some wear on the wood frame as is typical. The award also has its original backing paper with New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker still present.
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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