Catch a Falling Star

Today in Music History: March 14, 1958


The first official designation of a "gold record" by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) was established for singles in 1958, and the RIAA also trademarked the term "gold record" in the United States.

Perry Como was the first record certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as selling over a million copies. Therefore, the very first Gold Record was presented to Como on March 14, 1958. Many records dating back to the 1920s sold more than a million copies but "Catch a Falling Star" was the first 'Certified' Gold. 

This 'certified' award is not to be confused with the Gold Record awarded to Glenn Miller in 1942. Until RIAA took over awarding Gold records, labels sometimes awarded them to their artists. RCA, Glenn Miller's label, awarded him the gold record for "Chattanooga Choo-Choo." 

1962, Bruce Channel started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Hey! Baby', it made No.2 on the UK chart. 

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times. . .