Top-selling recording artists of all time
July 21, 2008
Let’s finally put this one to rest once and for all: Who are the top-selling recording artists of all time? The Recording Industry Association of America, the
same group that actually owns the copyright to the Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum and Diamond designations for record sales, compiled this definitive list, based on certified units sold.
Is the No. 1 artist any surprise? No. 2 might be, country’s favorite son Garth Brooks (right). But look at where the Stones landed! And why do we find it immensely satisfying to see George Strait finishing way ahead of Madonna? But AC/DC?!?! Who knew?!
Here is the top 20 and the number of certified units sold:
- The Beatles
: 170 million
- Garth Brooks
: 128 million
- Elvis Presley
: 118.5 million
- Led Zeppelin
: 111.5 million
- The Eagles
: 100 million
- Billy Joel
: 79.5 million
- Pink Floyd
: 74.5 million
- Barbra Streisand
: 71 million
- Elton John
: 69.5 million
- AC/DC
: 69 million
- George Strait
: 67.5 million
- Aerosmith
: 66.5 million
- The Rolling Stones
: 66 million
- Bruce Springsteen
: 63.5 million
- Madonna
: 63.5 million
- Mariah Carey
: 61.5 million
- Michael Jackson
: 60.5 million
- Metallica
: 57 million
- Van Halen
: 56.5 million
- Whitney Houston
: 54 million
For the rest, see the complete RIAA list.
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1 response so far ↓
1 artist - UsingEnglish.com ESL Forum // Dec 28, 2008 at 1:42 pm
[...] Song Lists) – Rate Your Music WikiAnswers – List of the top selling female recording artists Top-Selling Recording Artists of All Time | GetListy __________________ [...]
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