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New Faces and Classic Rockers Go Head To Head In February's RIAA Certifications; Columbia Mines Another Diamond® With "Aerosmith's Greatest Hits"

Washington, DC - In a month that can best be described as eclectic, the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) Gold®, Platinum® and Multi-Platinum™ certifications truly represented the musical landscape.

"A month that included certifications from a diverse group of artists including Shaggy, The Beatles, Moby, George Strait, and Cat Stevens is a clear indication that our member companies are not only bringing us new sounds from new artists but that they continue to answer the consumer demand for catalog titles," said RIAA President and CEO Hilary Rosen.

Leading the pack were ageless rockers Aerosmith who scored their first RIAA Diamond® award with "Aerosmith's Greatest Hits" which reached the 10 million mark. In addition, "Rocks" jumped from three million to four million, "Get Your Wings" now stands at three million and "Classics Live" reached Platinum® status. This brings their cumulative domestic certifications to 59.5 million units, making them the tenth highest certified artist in music history.

Once again making news this month were The Beatles who enjoyed another boost spurred on by the hype and subsequent release of their latest release, "1" which moved from five million to seven million. Also climbing the Multi-Platinum™ ladder were "The Beatles" (19 million), "The Beatles 1967-1970" (16 million), "The Beatles 1962-1966" (15 million) and "Abbey Road" (12 million). "Beatles For Sale" and the 16-disc "Boxed Set -- Multiselection" reached the Platinum® sales plateau for sales in excess of one million copies. All told, The Beatles' album certifications stand at 163.5 million units.

Yusuf Islam, the artist formerly known as A&M recording artist Cat Stevens, added a few million in certifications this month as "Cat Stevens Greatest Hits" jumped to four million while his 1971 classic "Teaser & The Firecat" went both platinum and three times Multi-Platinum™. "Buddha & The Chocolate Box" also achieved Platinum® status while he added two more Gold® albums to his collection with "Footsteps In The Dark: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2" and "The Very Best of Cat Stevens."

David Gray's critically acclaimed "White Ladder," released on RCA imprint ATO Records, received Platinum® honors this month as well. Self-financed and recorded in a London apartment, it marks Gray's first ever Platinum® album.

The year started off right for Jennifer Lopez as "J. Lo," her sophomore release for Epic Records was certified both Gold® and Platinum® this month. The record debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 chart at the same time her latest film "The Wedding Planner" held the top spot as the number one movie in America. Her debut "On The 6" is currently certified double Platinum®.

Critical darlings Radiohead earned their fourth consecutive Platinum® award for "Kid A" while label-mates Coldplay earned their first Gold® album for their major label debut "Parachutes."

364 days after receiving his first Gold® record, Moby's "Play," his first album for V2 Records, was certified for sales of two million copies.

Blues legend B.B. King earned his first multi-platinum award for "Ridin' With The King," his collaboration with guitar god Eric Clapton which was certified double platinum.

Pop music phenomenon Shaggy continues his incredible ride as "Hotshot," his first release for MCA Records, was certified four times Platinum®.

Country music legend George Strait picked up yet another Gold® record this month (his 27th) for his latest self-titled release for MCA Nashville bringing his total certifications to 50 million.

Just over a month after receiving their first Gold® single for "Liquid Dreams," O-Town earned their first Gold® and Platinum® honors for their self titled release on Clive Davis' J Records. It also marks the first Gold® and Platinum® album awards for the label as well.

Three other artists earned their first RIAA Platinum® awards this month when Crazy Town ("The Gift of Game"), and fellow Best New Artist Grammy nominees Jill Scott ("Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Volume 1") and Brad Paisley ("Who Needs Pictures") each had their albums certified for sales of one million copies.

Three new faces were certified this month as well when Lifehouse ("No Name Face"), Fear Factory ("Obsolete") and Dream ("It Was All A Dream") all struck Gold®.

The RIAA awarded a total of 26 Multi-Platinum™, 20 Platinum® and 21 Gold® albums in February. All certifications are calculated by Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman. Complete lists of all album, single and video awards for February 2001 are attached and can also be accessed at www.riaa.com.

*Note: In last month's release, "Double Live" by Garth Brooks was inadvertently credited with a release date of 1994. The correct release date is November 17, 1998.

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

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