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We Are The World Platinum Record Award
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
We Are The World Platinum Record Award
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

We Are The World Platinum Record Award

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.03142011-52-1
Object Type Award
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium metal, adhesive, paper, plastic, ink
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 22 5/8 in x W 18 5/8 in x D 1 1/8 in (57.5 cm x 47.3 cm x 2.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionBlack-framed RIAA Platinum record display for Michael Jackson's album 'We Are the World' produced by Quincy Jones. The award is personalized for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. There is a silver-toned phonograph record with a red label above a plaque containing a photograph of Quincy Jones, text, and a map of the world. At the bottom from left to right: CD for USA for Africa; CD cover for We Are The World featuring a group portrait of the artists featured on the album; and a personalized plaque with a letter from Quincy Jones.
Inscriptions and MarkingsText of center plaque: PRESENTED TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA & FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA TO COMMEMORATE WORLDWIDE SALES IN EXCESS OF 20,000,000 COPIES OF THE COLUMBIA RECORDS ALBUM AND CASSETTE "WE ARE THE WORLD" Text of lower right plaque: My Dear Mr. President and First Lady: You are both the realization of a dream come true to so many people, including me. You are also both my hometown folks, and I could not be more proud of who you are. Deep Love, Quincy Inscribed on reverse in pencil: [illegible text]
Historical NotePresident Barack Obama presented composer, producer, and arranger Quincy Jones with the 2010 National Medal of Arts on March 2, 2011. Quincy Jones was the producer of USA for Africa's single "We Are the World", which was certified quadruple-platinum on April 1, 1985. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62
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    Related Links
    An article from NPR highlighting the 2010 National Medal of Arts ceremony at the White House: "Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones Receive National Medal Of Arts"