Top-Selling Recording Artists of All Time

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:

1. The Beatles: 170 million
2. Garth Brooks: 128 million
3. Elvis Presley: 118.5 million
4. Led Zeppelin: 111.5 million
5. The Eagles: 100 million
6. Billy Joel: 79.5 million
7. Pink Floyd: 74.5 million
8. Barbra Streisand: 71 million
9. Elton John: 69.5 million
10. AC/DC: 69 million
11. George Strait: 67.5 million
12. Aerosmith: 66.5 million
13. The Rolling Stones: 66 million
14. Bruce Springsteen: 63.5 million
15. Madonna: 63.5 million
16. Mariah Carey: 61.5 million
17. Michael Jackson: 60.5 million
18. Metallica: 57 million
19. Van Halen: 56.5 million
20. Whitney Houston: 54 million

For the rest, see the complete RIAA list.