The Auction at Graceland•January 8, 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/8/2020
This framed RCA Victor award dedicated to Colonel Parker contains a platinum-colored record mounted on green velvet above a plaque that reads “To Col. Tom Parker in appreciation of his contribution toward making A Big Hunk o' Love a Million Seller 1959.” "A Big Hunk O' Love" was released in June 1959, during the period when Elvis fans were starved for material since Elvis had been in the Army for over a year. Its ascension to the top of the Billboard charts is a testament to this fact. Only one year earlier, in 1958, had the the RIAA started awarding "certified" gold records for the recording industry. Prior to that, and for years afterward, RCA awarded their artists their own awards, such as the offered regal example given to Elvis Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker. RCA always made a point of lauding Parker during Elvis' career-they understood that his relationship with Elvis was instrumental to their ongoing success. The award measures 16 1/8 by 14 1/8 inches (40.95 x 35.87 cm) and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.
The award’s green felt presents very clean and supple, but the record has suffered from moderate oxidation and the frame has many scratches dents and other distresses. The back paper has been replaced with part of a poster for some clothier-classic Colonel cost-savings. Very Good to Excellent condition.