The "Ultimate Gospel" compilation was awarded "Gold" by RIAA in the U.S. on february 18, 2009. The album was originally released in 2004.
RIAA Award For Ultimate Gospel
February 21, 2009 | Music
Sirbalkan wrote on
February 21, 2009
Where are the rests for the other issues? I learned from ee:uk that since 2004 Sony BMG hasn't updated Elvis' sales figures yet and I do think that they do not want to spend their time with it.
SHAME ON YOU SONY BMG!!!!
moodyblue1 wrote on
February 21, 2009
Great news,I'm with Sirbalkan. At least 30 #1 should at 5 million or more.30#1 has been on the top of billboard charts for 5 years.
Brian Quinn wrote on
February 21, 2009
Thanks for posting this great news. However, there are many, many more albums awaiting RIAA certification but Sony Music Entertainment appear unwilling to spend money on the process. At the last major upgrade in January 2004, Mitch Bainwol, the Chairman of the RIAA, stated that even after that upgrade there were at least 2 million more sales already in the pipeline awaiting certification. What I cannot understand is why has this latest GOLD award been given the green light for RIAA certification when the others haven't? Further, the List of Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum Awards on the official EPE site has not been updated since January 2005 despite an increase in the number being awarded by the RIAA namely: 'Ultimate Gospel' - Awarded GOLD status on 18th February, 2009. 'ALLC' (Remix) - Awarded GOLD status 0n 31st March, 2006. 'It's Christmas Time' - Awarded 2X Platinum status on 13th December 2005. Surely it is not too much to ask for Elvis' own site to keep this list up to date as and when awards are made!!
Mael wrote on
February 21, 2009
moodyblue1, According to Nielsen Soundscan "Elv1s 30#1 Hits" has sold 4,452,464 copies to date (2/15/09) in the US. But the thing is; RIAA certifies Albums depending on how much they’ve shipped, and Sony BMG should have shipped 5,000,000 copies of "Elv1s 30 #1 Hits" very soon. For the “Ultimate Gospel” certification, great news! Though I believe there are much left to certify...
Kenneth wrote on
February 22, 2009
Brian Quinn, excellent comments and questions. my understanding was that there was a woman at the top of riaa, have things changed that you know of?
joemin wrote on
February 22, 2009
There were comments in 2004 of "thousands of boxes of sales recipts" found in New York which have yet to be accredited. Also, rereleases of some of the original albums in recent years should on the laws of averages push some of them over the next threshold for upgrade. Are BMG waiting for the 75th birthday for a major certification event??
Brian Quinn wrote on
February 22, 2009
For Kenneth: Mitch Bainwol succeeded Hilary Rosen as the Chairman/CEO of the RIAA in 2003.
Kenneth wrote on
February 23, 2009
Thanks BRIAN, epe. site still says it's dealing with Hilary Rosen, it's like nobody but the fan's care anymore.
mholdr wrote on
February 23, 2009
gee Lex, thanks for taking the time to post that you don't care. I'm relieved now. I don't understand why BMG/RIAA wouldn't want the gold cert asap.
Steve V wrote on
February 23, 2009
Not only Lex, but a lot of us. This stuff is so inaccurate it means squat, plus Elvis is no longer around to appreciate it. I dont think Priscilla or LMP care at all at this point either.
JerryNodak wrote on
February 24, 2009
Some nights I lie awake worrying about one thing or another. However, Elvis' certifications ( or lack thereof) is never one of those.
dgirl wrote on
February 24, 2009
If this is all some of you have to worry about in life, well I wish I had your life.
Brian Quinn wrote on
February 24, 2009
Elvis getting his correct awards means EVERYTHING to me. This aspect of Elvis career is now my main interest in the Elvis world.
ta2k wrote on
February 24, 2009
I don't feel it is correct for people to ridicule others for wanting Elvis' sales to be correctly listed. This is an Elvis site and is therefore an Elvis issue. I don't know how these things are counted but it's only right that the King be awarded with correct and up-to-date figures. It is important as it's one way of acknowledging and recognising everything he has achieved. It's important whether he is here or not. TCB
Ruthie wrote on
February 24, 2009
In keeping with this last entry, I sometimes have to check 2 or 3 times to make sure I am actually on an Elvis site. Here we have such positive news & here we get the same downers & the usual sarcastic remarks. Too bad the rest of us Elvis fans aren't as intellectual & discriminating.
Sirbalkan wrote on
February 25, 2009
When I tell people that Elvis sold more than 1 billion records, they go " Michael sold 25 millions of copies of the Thriller, he has diamond awards a lot etc." "So what?"sometimes I say.. But at the end, you just want to see ur idol to be at the top of the music world with some visual displays and successes because he deserved it. Guys... What about an electronic signing campaign to reach this article to Lisa Marie or Priscilla... ?
samcra wrote on
February 25, 2009
I'm with Brian Quinn on this. If Elvis is indeed the top selling recording artist of all times...I want it duly noted.
Kenneth wrote on
March 04, 2009
Lex, if you don't care at all, then why do you even bother to come to this site?
Rev. Gerhard wrote on
March 06, 2009
I think of course a fan should have an interest that Elvis' sales are correctly listed. I could imagine that the tax is interested too. Thank you very much to Brian Quinn that this is his main topic. Elvis himself had been betrayed, and nowadays his fans. Even though the sales figures and trophies are one of the most important things even for the best selling artist. And not the worst way to keep him alive.