The question of who received the "first gold record" has two primary answers, reflecting a distinction between an early, informal recognition and the official certification established by the music industry. While an unofficial gold-sprayed record was gifted to Glenn Miller in 1942, Perry Como was awarded the first official Gold Record by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for his song “Catch A Falling Star” in 1958.
The First Official Gold Record: Perry Como's Landmark Achievement
The modern concept of a "gold record" is synonymous with the official certifications issued by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The RIAA established its Gold & Platinum Awards program in 1958 to formally acknowledge singles and albums that achieved specific sales milestones, signifying widespread commercial success.
- Artist: Perry Como
- Song: "Catch A Falling Star"
- Year Awarded: 1958
- Significance: This marked the inaugural officially certified Gold Record by the RIAA. Como's single was recognized for selling over one million copies, setting a new benchmark for industry recognition and establishing the RIAA's standard for future awards. The song quickly became a classic, embodying the era's popular music success.
The Unofficial Predecessor: Glenn Miller's Early Recognition
Prior to the RIAA's formal program, record companies sometimes honored artists for their extraordinary sales through symbolic gestures. These early forms of recognition were not standardized across the industry but were significant personal acknowledgments.
- Artist: Glenn Miller
- Year of Gift: 1942
- Nature of Award: Glenn Miller received a "technically gifted an unofficial gold-sprayed record." This was a symbolic award from his record label, likely RCA Victor, to commend the exceptional sales of his music during a highly successful period in his career. While a significant honor, this particular record did not adhere to any industry-wide criteria or official certification body like the RIAA.
A Tale of Two "Firsts": Official vs. Unofficial
Understanding the two different contexts helps clarify the "first gold record" question.
| Aspect | Unofficial Gold-Sprayed Record (Glenn Miller) | Official RIAA Gold Record (Perry Como) |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient | Glenn Miller | Perry Como |
| Year | 1942 | 1958 |
| Awarding Body | Record label (e.g., RCA Victor) | Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) |
| Criteria | Informal sales achievement | 1 million units sold (singles) |
| Status | Symbolic, non-standardized | Standardized, industry-wide certification |
| Record | For exceptional sales of his music | "Catch A Falling Star" |
The Legacy of Gold Records
Following Perry Como's groundbreaking RIAA Gold Record, the program expanded to celebrate numerous artists.
- Laurie London: The RIAA's subsequent honoree after Como was Laurie London, recognized for his popular song "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands."
- Elvis Presley: A pivotal figure in music history, Elvis Presley became the third artist to receive an RIAA Gold Record, further solidifying the program's prestige and impact on measuring artistic success.
Over the decades, the RIAA's certifications have evolved to include Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and Diamond awards, reflecting increasingly higher sales thresholds. These certifications continue to serve as essential benchmarks for commercial success and enduring popularity within the music industry.
