In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) award certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. The award was launched in 1958.
When RIAA started awarding gold records in 1958, the very first one that Elvis received was for his single “Hard Headed Woman”.
Record label Awards (known as “in-house” awards) and other industry awards: These awards are made for record labels or artist management at their direction only (not involving the RIAA) and can be identified by the record company name on the plaque instead of the RIAA logo.
Unfortunately, not many photos of Elvis receiving RIAA Awards.
Houston Astrodome, March 1, 1970
After the final show there was a Press Conference at which Elvis was presented with gold records for 5 of his 1969 releases.
At the Sunday afternoon Press Conference (This Press Conference has always been wrongly dated as being from February 27 1970, but no Press Conference was held on that date.).
RCA executives, Harry Jenkins & Rocco Laginestra present Elvis with 5 Gold Records –
From Elvis In Memphis Album, From Memphis to Vegas / From Vegas to Memphis Double Album, In The Ghetto Single, Suspicious Minds Single and Don’t Cry Daddy Single.
International Hotel, August 1, 1972
Elvis with George Parkhill of RCA receiving an award for the LP As Recorded at Madison Square Garden.