RIAA Gold 45 award for The Staple Singers track "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)". Released in October of 1973, it was certified Gold by the RIAA on Dec. 19, 1973 for one million copies sold. (The track is listed in the RIAA database as "If You're Ready").

The song, released on the infamous Stax label, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and #9 on the Hot 100 tally. It also charted well in Canada and the U.K.

Item Highlights:

• RIAA Gold 45 award with white matte, gold disc and gold info plate
• In VG condition
• First presentation award from 1973
• Presented to record executive
• All original, rebacked
• "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 13" x 17"
• Beautiful and rare collector's item for any fan of The Staple Singers

Detailed Item Description: This first presentation RIAA Gold white matte 45 single award made in 1973 making it about 51 years old. The award is presented to Bud O'Shea, who was in record promotion at Capitol, RCA and CBS along with other roles.

The award is in VG condition considering its age with frame wear as is typical. The award is all original with New York Frame & Picture Co. manufacturer sticker. It is signed on the backing by its' recipient.

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.