Effort to Recertify

John Denver's Recordings

Becomes a Reality at RCA Victor/BMG!

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There's great news for John Denver fans everywhere who feel that an effort must be made to ensure that the JD legacy not be forgotten.  But that it be enhanced and further strengthened..............that his world-wide  legacy of music, of environmental causes and of love for the welfare of all mankind continue for generations to come.

The RCA Victor division of BMG Music on May 3, 2001 and May 23, 2001, certified a complete update of their record sales for John Denver with RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). The previous RCA record certification by RCA for John's albums or singles was in December of 1983, for the album "Seasons of the Heart."  After an audit of their sales records, it's obvious that RCA discovered a tremendous amount of sales for John Denver material over the almost 18 intervening years.....an astonishing addition of 19 million units sold by the record label.

As of June 1, 2001, here are the updated certification totals for John's recordings:

     *  6 Gold Singles
     *  20 Gold Albums
     *  13 Platinum Albums
     *  7 Multi-Platinum Albums

Lou DeAngelis, of RCA, was given the responsibility by the music label's President in June, 1999, for making John Denver their next priority in RCA's recertification efforts.....as a result an email inquiry that I had sent to them.  Lou said that it would be a painstaking and time consuming effort to complete this task.  But after almost two years, he delivered for all people who love John Denver's music!

Concerning John's record sales and certification updates, RIAA issued a press release on June 1, 2001, which read:

Denver Gets His Due

On this web page you'll find a lot of information about Record Certification and how it relates to John Denver's musical legacy.  Be sure to BOOKMARK this page and return often. I plan to continue my efforts to keep the Certification of John's record sales current. Heartland Music and Reader's Digest have compilation albums that have sold very well in the United states.....not to mention "The Wildlife Concert" released by Sony/Legacy. And then there are John's music videos to be considered.  "The Wildlife Concert," will be one of the first that I'll be contacting people about.  Have 50,000 copies been sold yet?  I'll be trying to find out.

All of us owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mr. Lou DeAngeligis for all of his efforts.  Just as he got so much of Elvis' music recertified back in 1992 and 1993, he followed through with his promise to update John's work as well. You can find his email address in the Contact section below.



 

Click on the "GO" Button to go to a Specific Section of this Page

           ^{Most Current JD Recertification Information}

        ^{Certification Requirements of RIAA}

        ^{John's Gold & Platinum Albums}

            ^{Where to Find Out More or to Send Thanks}

            ^{The History of the Certification Effort}

           ^{Got any Comments or Questions?}

           ^{"Searching for Higher Ground" Home Page}

Here's the most current Certification status for John's music:

     *  6 Gold Singles
     *  20 Gold Albums
     *  13 Platinum Albums
     *  7 Multi-Platinum Albums

More emails will be going out to other producers of John's music and videos.  Also, I will be adding a section showing John's sales awards outside the United States.  So, the effort continues.....!

To make this section of the page even more worthwhile, here's a great picture of John that's shows the spirit of a man who remains loved and admired around the world:

"Thank God I'm a Country Boy" is the 7th Inning Stretch Song in Baltimore!

Below is a Chart which outlines the Sales Requirements that Music Recordings and Music Videos must meet in order to be Certified Gold, Platinum or Multi-Platinum.  Information concerning the new Diamond Award Category follows the chart.  This information was located at the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) Web Site.

Configuration

Quantity

Requirements

Quantity

Requirements

Quantity

Requirements

Single

500,000 units

All versions count once toward certification

*Must contain no more than four different songs

*Only one song is eligible

One million units. All versions count once toward certification

*Must contain no more than four songs

*Only one song is eligible

Two million units. All versions count once toward certification

*Must contain no more than four different songs *Only one song is eligible *Recertified at each million unit sales level

Short form Album/EP

500,000 units

*Must include at least three but no more than five different songs 

*Average minimum running time is 30 minutes

One million units

*Must include at least three but no more than  five different songs 

*Average minimum running time is 30 minutes

Two million units

*Must include at least three but no more than five different songs

*Average minimum running time is 30 minutes

*Recertified at each million unit sales level

Full-Length Album

500,00 units

Manufacturer's dollar volume at least $1 million based on 33 1/3%of suggested list price

* May combine sale of all configurations

*Enhanced CDs must contain at least 75% of audio content of regular CD

One million units

Manufacturer's dollar volume at lest $2 million based on 33 1/3% of suggested list price

*May combine sale of all configurations

*Enhanced CDs must contain at least 75% of audio content of regular CD

Two million units

Manufacturer's dollar volume at least $4 million based on 33 1/3% of the suggested list price

*May combine sale of all configurations

*Enhanced CDs must contain at least 75% of audio content of regular CD

*Recertified at each million unit sales level

Multi-Disc Set

500,000 units

Package must include two or more Cds (or its tape and album equivalent)

*Each unit within set counts as one unit toward certification

*Minimum running time 100 minutes

One million units

Package must include two or more CDs ( or its tape and album equivalent)

*Each unit within set counts as one unit toward certification

*Minimum running time 100 minutes

Two million units

Package must include two or more Cds (or its tape and album equivalent)

*Each unit within set counts as one unit toward certification

*Minimum running time of 100 minutes

*Recertified at each million unit sales level

Music Video Single

25,000 units

*Must contain no more than two songs per video

*Maximum running time 15 minutes

50,000 units

*Must contain no more than two songs per video

*Maximum running time 15 minutes

100,000 units

*Must contain no more than two songs per video

*Maximum running time 15 minutes

* Recertified at each 50,000 unit sales level

Music Video Longform

50,000 units

*Defined as a title that has not been theatrically released prior to distribution

100,000 units

*Defined as a title that has not been theatrically released prior to distribution

200,000 units

*Defined as a title that has not been theatrically released prior to distribution

*Recertified at 100,000 unit sales level

Multi-Box Music Video Set

50,000 units

Package must include three or more video marketed as a set

*Each individual video within set is counted as one toward certification

100,000 units

Package must include three or more video titles marketed as a set

*Each individual video within set is counted as one unit toward certification.

200,000 units

Package must include three or more video titles marketed as a set

*Each individual video within set is counted as one unit toward certification

*Recertified at each 100,000 unit sales level

RIAA Awards Program (www.riaa.com)

Forty years ago, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) transformed the euphemism “Gold Record” into a formalized process honoring recording artists who achieve extraordinary success.  In addition to being the longest-running objective measure of achievement for sound recordings in the United States, the Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum® and now Diamond™ award programs provide an unmatched historical perspective on the success of countless recording artists.  The RIAA has certified the success of veteran artists such as Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller, The Beach Boys, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and the Backstreet Boys, as well as documented the popularity of soundtracks, live albums, multi-disc sets and music videos.

Diamond Award
On the advent of the Millennium, the prestigious Diamond Award represents the next quantum achievement in the music industry - U.S. sales of 10 million units for a single title. The inaugural recipients of the Diamond Award span four decades of musical milestones. 

Just like diamonds, no two Diamond Award recipients are alike. As of March 1999, 62 titles qualify for the award, an average of roughly two per year since the album market came of age in the mid-1960s. They cover all genres of music ranging from pop, R&B, rap, rock and country to soothing instrumentals; from 21 year-old newcomers to established veterans; from a hit single to a five-disc box set. A true diamond mine of musical talent.

The first 62 Diamond recordings have played a significant role in shaping our musical landscape and will continue to make their mark touching young and old, devoted and new fans alike.

By honoring all Diamond artists and their music, the RIAA once again underscores the importance of supporting the arts and the value music of all formats brings to America’s cultural vitality and national spirit. The rapid growth of the recording industry and popularity of the Diamond music guarantees that the Diamond Award list will continue to grow.  In fact, there are a number of artists fast approaching their Diamond milestone. And artists recording their first album or not yet born will one day join this exclusive club. 

Gold Award
The acclaimed Gold Award is bestowed upon artists who have sold 500,000 units of a single, full-length album or multi-disc set.  The RIAA awarded the very first Gold Award to Perry Como for his hit single, "Catch A Falling Star," on March 14, 1958. 
Four months later, the "Oklahoma!'" soundtrack became the first official Gold album. To date, more than 8,000 titles have been certified Gold by the RIAA. 

Platinum Award
Fueled in part by the disco craze, the volume of music sales skyrocketed by the mid-1970s, prompting the RIAA to introduce the Platinum Award category in 1976.  Platinum singles and albums are awarded for the certified sale of one million units.

Multi-Platinum Award
By the mid-1980s, the recording industry was enjoying another boom -- this time from the introduction of the CD.  The RIAA instituted Multi-Platinum Awards in 1984 for certified sales of two million or more units.   Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was one of the first Multi-Platinum Awards presented, and remains one of the top-certified albums of all time with 25 million in U.S. sales.

Certification Process
Each title submitted by record companies undergoes a certification process through the RIAA before it is eligible for an award.  The process entails an independent sales audit, which calculates the quantity of singles or albums shipped for sale, net after returns.  The audit surveys shipments to the entire music marketplace, including retail, record clubs, television sales, Internet orders and other ancillary markets.  Based on the certification of these shipments, a title is awarded Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum or Diamond status.  The firm Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman has been providing certification audits for the RIAA for more than 17 years.

What are the 88 Diamond Recordings Listed?  The Eagles and Michael Jackson lead the pack.

Source: RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) Web Site

Keep in Mind, This List May Likely Change

With any Certification Update!

You may GO to the RIAA detail page for each recording by clicking on the TITLE

To see the cover for an album, click the "Award Description" column

      Send E-Mail and Snail Mail to

                  * Lou DeAngilis at RCA Victor (He's doing all the work)

                  Lou.Deangelis@bmge.com

              *  Bob Jamieson (He gave Lou the authority to investigate)

                              President of RCA Records
                              BMG Entertainment
                              New York,  NY  10036-4039
                                     (212) 930-4000

       RIAA (Record Industry Association of America)

                   You'll find everything possible about music certification and
           the sales  milestones  of all your favorite recording artists
           and groups.In the Gold and Platinum area, RIAA has an ex-
           cellent search engine to direct you to the sales achievements
           of any specific music star.

        GO to My Home Page:

           "Searching for Higher Ground: A Tribute to John Denver"

        E-Mail Me at:  davesnouffer@accesstoledo.com

        Also, be sure to visit these 5 Great Sites

        *  Rory Young's "World Family Gathering Center"
             (Sit back, pass the 'Cherry Limeade' and join in Family conversation around the world.)

          *  Emily Paris' "Rocky Mountain High Fan Club" 
             (The lady who started it all for JD on the web. The source of all things John Denver.)

          *  Christine Smith's "John Denver Remembered"
             (Some of the most perceptive and beautifully written observations of John's life. And be
                                     sure to e-mail Christine about JD T-shirts and bears for her John Denver charity.....
                                    "Dreams of Freedom."  Also, visit Chrisitne's  "Art of the Mountains" page)

               *  Judy Jones' "Spirits of the Heart"
              ("It is my hope that each one of you discovers the light which is burning deep inside your
                                    own soul. The Spirit, which offers us love, is a constant, brilliant beam which shines 
                                   from heart to heart. This page will offer you words from my heart to yours. Poetry spoken 
                                   to me of Spirit and Light, in Faith and Love. That we might all, forever shine!"  - Judy Jones)

                *  Diana Taylor's "Yellowstone Wolf's Den"
                          (Everyone's John Denver friend, Diana Taylor.....along with her "Wolf Pup," Susan.....offer
                                   their efforts to save wolves in the wild.  Follow the John Denver link to some very personal
                                   remembrances of John, but also some fine pictures and descriptions of JD get-togethers.....
                                   from Columbus to Aspen.....and many points in between.)   

       Need Something to Do in July, 2000?

Meet many of your Internet Friends in Columbus, OH, at the 2000 John Denver Summer Celebration.  Just follow the underlined link to find out more.  You won't forget your trip to Ohio.....That's a Promise!  The JDSC is the next best thing to being in Aspen in October! 

OHIO, theof it All

"Martha" introduces Bald Eagle Ohio license plates in front of State Capitol in Columbus.

An "Extra" $25 fee for Bald Eagle plates helps Ohio Eagle Wildlife Preservation efforts

Below is a Listing of all the steps in the Process of RCA Victor/BMG deciding to bring up-to-date the RIAA Certification of John Denver's Recordings.  Most of the steps have involved only some leg work on the Internet and some E-mails, until the Persons with the Power to do Something were Contacted and agreed to take Action.

Thanks to all of you many JD fans who have so kindly sent e-mails and/or made posts on the major message boards to me concerning this effort.  I've really done very little.  Lou DeAngilis at RCA is the real workhorse in this project. He deserves our many thanks and expressions of gratitude.

As John said:  "If not ME, then who??  If not NOW, then when?"  Surely words to inspire us all to do whatever we can do.....in whatever small way!

Here is the History of Events.  Updates will be made as happenings occur or warrant:

1. June 2, 1999  After surfing into the RIAA web site and, of course, checking the status of John's gold and platinum albums, I noticed that his "Greatest Hits" recording was listed only as platinum, 1 million copies.  It hadn't even been certified as multi-platinum, indicating that 2 or more million copies had been sold.  I knew from all the news reports following John's death that RCA had given him an award for selling more than 10 million copies of his "Greatest Hits."  The discrepancy got my typing fingers moving, sending my first e-mail to RIAA.  I had no idea at the time how a recording received certification:

2. June 2, 1999   Wow!  Within  32  minutes  after  sending  my inquiry to RIAA, their representative, John Henkel, had e-mailed the following response back to me. But, alas, because of work, I didn't get to read his e-mail until June 3.

3. June 5, 1999, 2:27 a.m.    Having  read  the  RIAA message on June 3,  it was obvious that someone at RCA Victor/BMG had to be contacted to get an explanation about the "Greatest Hits" certification.  With trusty search engine at hand, it took all available time that day just to locate a place to send an inquiry.   The web sites at BMG are a real maze.  There are so many divisions and record labels around the world.  (Did you realize that BMG has purchased the book publishers  Doubleday and Random House?)   Finally, it seemed most advantageous to send  a direct web page correspondence from the BMG Classics page.....the only place  that could  be found  where such messages could be sent.   And,  then,  there was no e-mail address actually listed.   Well, here's the message  that was sent  to their  in-house address:  (I thought that I was ordering a CD with all the info they wanted just to send an e-mail.  Just as well, though.  Lou DeAngelis did send me a CD by guess who!)  (LOL)

4. June 7, 1999  Two days later,  some real pay dirt was struck. A response  from the Webmaster  at BMG indicating that my message had been forwarded to the President of the RCA Division!

5. June 23, 1999   FARR-OUT!!!   Unbelievable!!    Just Great! What   to my amazement and joy,  there in my  e-mail box  on June 23  was the following message  from  Lou DeAngelis  of  RCA Records.    The people  at the record  label  where  John  had recorded  for nearly  20 years  were REALLY going to take  the positive step  of updating  the the Certification of his album sales.    I  was  so  pleased  that  basically  one  e-mail  had  brought  about  at RCA/BMG what thousands  of messages  from  around  the  world  had  not ac- complished  in over  a year-and-a-half  with  the executives  atA&E/Biography. Read the Good News:

6. June 24, 1999    After receiving  such positive news from the people at RCA/BMG,  I thought that  it was important  to thank Lou DeAngelis for  his  forthcoming  efforts  on behalf  of  John's  music  legacy.   E-mails of thanks from John Denver fans around the world would be a positive expression for BMG's  new   recertification plans.  Here's my personal Thank You:

7. The Future Well,  up  to  #7!   How Auspicious.  This  area  will contain further developments  as they  become available.   The research effort by by Lou DeAngelis may take quite some time.  He surely is busy and has many other job responsibilities.   I'll try to get progress reports  from him from time to time and  will post them  here......So,  surf  on  back  in the future.  Until then,  just re-  member  that  we're  one  big  world-wide family.  As the  photo  below  indicates, John could find friends most anywhere!

"Friends With You"

davesnouffer@accesstoledo.com