1958-
The Gold® record award is introduced. The Gold® album is awarded for $1 million in sales based on the manufacturer's wholesale price. The Gold® single signifies one million copies sold.
Perry Como's "Catch A Falling Star" (RCA Records) is the first Gold® single officially certified by the RIAA® on March 14.
1976 -
The Platinum® award is introduced. The Platinum® album is awarded for 1 million copies sold, with $2 million in sales at the manufacturer's wholesale price. The Platinum® single is awarded for two million copies sold.
The Eagles' Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the first Platinum® album certified by the RIAA®.
Johnny Taylor's Disco Lady is the first Platinum® single.
1984
The RIAA® introduces the Multi-Platinum™ category in December. The popularity of cassettes and the introduction of compact discs led to the implementation of this award for sales of two million copies or more.
Certified at 20 million, Michael Jackson's Thriller is one of the first Multi-Platinum™ awards presented.