Key Significant Benchmarks in the African American Black Music industry. (Part 1)

The Temptations: 

                                                       

The original Temptations line up

The Temptations, one of the most popular vocal groups of all time, receive over 30 RIAA certifications. The Temptations collect their first Multi-Platinum™ album for their 1996 release, “The Temptations Greatest Hits.”

Two other albums by the group - “All The Million-Sellers” and “The Temptations Give Love At Christmas” - are certified Platinum®. The group collects four more platinum singles - “I Can’t Get Next To You,” “Ball Of Confusion,” “Just My Imagination” and “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone.”

Their single “My Girl” previously certified platinum in 1997. The Temptations are now second only to the Beatles as the group with the most RIAA certified Gold® singles. The Beatles have 24 while the Temptations have 16 total Gold® singles.

The Temptations are the most successful black male vocal group in music history ,with over forty gold and platinum certification in America according RIAA.

 The Preacher’s Wife Soundtrack:

The Soul Train Award winning soundtrack

This was the first gold and platinum certification by a black female artist recording who participated on a gospel soundtrack “The Preacher’s Wife” featuring Whitney Houston. “The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack was certified double platinum by that time it released across Europe. “The Preacher’s Wife” is the only gospel soundtrack to be certified platinum in Europe for one million copies sold according to The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) with international offices based in London England.

“The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack worldwide sales are estimated at 8 million copies. The soundtrack is the best-selling gospel soundtrack of all time so far. The soundtrack was recipient to several entertainment industry awards including  GMA(Gospel Music Association) Dove Awards for "Outstanding Mainstream Contribution to Gospel Music" and The Soul Train Award special award ;The 1998 Quincy Jones Award for "Outstanding Career Achievements in the field of entertainment".

                                   Researched and compiled by               
                                   Mr K Tomlin Music Historian                   
                                  ©RCM Music/Signaturesoundsonline2013-2014