RIAA Gold LP "white matte" award for Neil Young album Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere. Released on May 1, 1969 the album was certified Gold by the RIAA on Oct. 16, 1970 for one million dollars worth sold.

This album spawned legendary Neil Young hits including the title track, "Cinnamon Girl", "Down by the River" and "Cowgirl in the Sand". It is said that Young wrote all four in one day while experiencing a 103 degree fever. The album peaked at #34 in the U.S. and is listed on Rolling Stone magazines 500 Best Albums of All Time. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1985 from one million copies sold.

Item Highlights:

• RIAA Gold LP award with white matte, gold disc, album miniature, and gold info plate
• In VG condition with some typical scratches and mars on the frame (see more detail below)
• A first presentation award from 1970
• Has original back with original 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 for any Neil Young fan

Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award would have been made in 1970 given the album's certification date. It has a gold disc made by Disc Award Ltd. with its distinctive dragon logo engraved in the dead wax area. The award is presented to Ed Rothberg. It is not known what role he played in the creation or promotion of the record.

The award is 53 years old but is in VG condition, considering its age. There are a few mars, scratches, and imperfections on the wood frame as is expected but the record label, presentation plate, album miniature, gold disc and matte are in excellent condition and the glass is clear. The award was rebacked and a new hanger installed at some point but it is otherwise all original.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a coveted all-original RIAA white matte award for one of Neil Young's classic early releases.

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.