NEW YORK-The Recording Industry Association of America formally launched a Master Ringtone Sales Award, updating its 47-year-old Gold and Platinum program to recognize the growing popularity of ringtones on cellular phones.
In the inaugural group, RIAA awarded 84 Gold, 40 Platinum and four Multi-Platinum Master Ringtone certifications. Like RIAA’s existing program, Gold tracks must have 500,000 downloads, Platinum status is achieved at 1 million downloads, and Multi-Platinum status starts at 2 million downloads.
“As our industry evolves and offers fans new ways to enjoy music from today’s best artists, so too should the G&P Program,” said Mitch Bainwol, chairman of the recording association. “The marriage between music and wireless communications is a perfect one. It’s an instant, personalized connection to fans’ favorite music. And it’s an important new way for the industry to recognize a return on its investment in music.”
Columbia Records’ Bow Wow, Bubba Sparxxx, Dem Franchize Boyz, and Mario picked up their awards during a ceremony at the Time Warner Center here.
A&M artists Black Eyed Peas earned a Multi-Platinum award for “My Humps,” as did Universal artist Chamillionaire for “Ridin’.” Atlantic Records’ artist D4L grabbed a Multi-Platinum award for “Laffy Taffy,” and Jive’s T-Pain also went Multi-Platinum for “I’mLuv (Wit a Stripper).”
Older songs also achieved honors. AC/DC picked up a Platinum certification for “Back In Black.” Gold status was awarded to The Beastie Boys for “Brass Monkey;” Cyndi Lauper for “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun;” Marvin Gaye for “Let’s Get It On;” and Waylon Jennings for “The Dukes of Hazard” theme song.
