RIAA Gold Album award for Yes album Tales From Topographic Oceans. Released on Dec. 7, 1973, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on Feb. 8, 1974 for 500,000 copies sold. Hard to find Yes award.
The sixth album from Yes is considered a prog rock gem by fans and the double album featured lengthy compositions. It topped the UK Album chart and reached #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, despite having no radio-friendly track lengths. Each of the album's four tracks were an LP-side long. The album also charted in several other countries. See image above for RIAA certification of this album.*
Mouse Over to Zoom/Click to Enlarge Photos
Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Album award
- First presentation award from 1974
- Presented to radio and record industry executive
- Letter of provenance included (see image)
- In VG condition
- All original although rebacked
- Known as a "floater" award because the components appear to "float" above the matte, they were made from 1975-1981. RIAA "floater" awards numbered only 25-50 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures 17" x 21"
- Great collectors item for any Yes fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation Yes RIAA Gold Album award that would have been manufactured in 1974, making it approximately 50 years old. It is presented to radio and record executive Lee Abrams, who worked in radio and as a consultant to major record labels and industry companies including Capitol Records, Island Records, XM Radio, MTV and others from the 70s into the 2000s. A notarized letter of provenance from Abrams is included with this award (see image).
This award is in VG condition with some typical frame wear and mars on the plexiglass. Its original backing paper has been replaced. The award's construction and record label indicate that it was made by the New York Frame & Picture Co.
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 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 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