♫Rumor Has It!♫

On February 16, 2016, Awakenings posted ♫The Blue Ribbon of Music♫ that led to identifying the recipient (musician & song) of the first Gold Record. This reminds me of the phrase "As Seen on TV" with the connotation that a product HAS to be good if 'seen' on TV. Today a more appropriate phrase has become "As Read on the Internet" meaning if it is posted on the Internet it HAS to be true. FALSE!!!

Today in Music History: February 10, 1942. Considering the year, one might think this is truly the first.

Glenn Miller received the first ever gold record for the sale of 1.2 million copies of "Chattanooga Choo Choo". It was presented to him at the CBS Playhouse in New York City. The composition was nominated for an Academy Award in 1941 for Best Song from a movie.

'Chattanooga Choo Choo' by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra became the first recording to be awarded a Gold record. It was actually just a master copy of the disc sprayed with gold lacquer by RCA as a publicity stunt. The actual award recognized today as a Gold Record would not be initiated for another sixteen years when the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) borrowed the idea and trademarked the Gold Record. The first Gold single was awarded to Perry Como in 1958 for 'Catch A Falling Star' and the first Gold album was given to Gordon McRae for the soundtrack to 'Oklahoma'.

This appears to be more official...As Read on the Internet!

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." 

Historical reportings can often be very confusing! At least both recording artists were awarded something of gold!

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. . .