Good Rockin' Tonight
© Press Release from RIAA
With the Gold certification of "Good Rockin' Tonight" the sophomore single released by the incomparable Elvis Presley, the musical icon added another achievement to his legendary career after surpassing 50 million in U.S. single sales according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
"We're honored to be a part of yet another milestone is the legendary career of Elvis Presley," said RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Bainwol. "His contributions to the musical landscape are unchallenged and this announcement serves as yet another indication that he will never be forgotten."
January 8, 2005 - As part of the Elvis Presley Day Ceremony at Graceland Jon Hornyak, Senior Executive Director of the Memphis Chapter of NARAS, and Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, reveal the RIAA gold record award for "Good Rockin' Tonight" and the RIAA certification award for Elvis's 50 million-singles milestone.On Saturday, January 8th at 9:00 a.m., a special presentation took place on the grounds of the historic Graceland Mansion where Elvis Presley Enterprises was presented with an RIAA certified sales award commemorating the achievement.
Originally released on Sam Phillips' Sun Records in September 1954, sales documentation was recently uncovered that allowed SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, the parent company of the Elvis Presley catalog, to request a certification audit.
Once completed, the Gold certification, representing 500,000 in domestic sales, was awarded cementing Presley's grip as the artist with more certified singles than anyone in music history. Sir Elton John ranks a distant second, having sold more than 21 million singles over his four-decade career.
In all, Presley has earned 53 Gold singles, 27 of which have been certified Platinum with seven being certified multi-Platinum. His best selling single remains "Hound Dog / Don't Be Cruel."
In August 2002, the RIAA announced that Presley's album sales had finally passed the previously elusive 100 million sales mark and his overall U.S. album sales total currently stands at more than 116 million, maintaining his place as the best selling solo artist in history.
In addition to being the standard bearer for certified singles, Presley has received more Gold and Platinum records than any other artist with 97 Gold records, 55 of which have been certified Platinum, and 25 have gone on to multi-Platinum status. His highest certified album is Elvis' Christmas Album that has been certified for the sale of more than nine million copies.
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