Gold & platinum [WorldCat Entities]

"Gold & Platinum. Until 40 years ago, the phrase gold record was just a euphemism for big hit. That expression took on new meaning with the launch of the RIAA's Award Program in 1958, a formal certification process establishing Gold awards as the industry standard for success. Since then, the RIAA has been the only independent body to authenticate audio and video net shipments to retail. The association's Gold Platinum Awards Program is the longest-running, objective measure of achievement for sound recordings within the U.S. music industry."