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http://www.riaa.com/golda...=tblTopArt

Top Selling Artists

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First 1 2 3 Next Last
Artist Certified Units in Millions
BEATLES, THE 170
BROOKS, GARTH 128
PRESLEY, ELVIS 120
LED ZEPPELIN 111.5
EAGLES 100
JOEL, BILLY 79.5
PINK FLOYD 74.5
STREISAND, BARBRA 71
AC/DC 71
JOHN, ELTON 70
STRAIT, GEORGE 68.5
AEROSMITH 66.5
ROLLING STONES, THE 66
SPRINGSTEEN, BRUCE 64
MADONNA 63.5
CAREY, MARIAH 62.5
JACKSON, MICHAEL 61.5
METALLICA 58
VAN HALEN 56.5
HOUSTON, WHITNEY 54
ROGERS, KENNY 51
U2 50.5
DION, CELINE 50
FLEETWOOD MAC 48.5
DIAMOND, NEIL 48.5
KENNY G 48
TWAIN, SHANIA 48
JOURNEY 47
ALABAMA 46
GUNS 'N ROSES 43.5
SANTANA 43
CLAPTON, ERIC 42.5
JACKSON, ALAN 42.5
SEGER, BOB AND THE SILVER BULLET BAND 41
MC ENTIRE, REBA 40.5
PRINCE 39.5
SIMON & GARFUNKEL 38.5
CHICAGO 38
2 PAC 37.5
FOREIGNER 37.5
DYLAN, BOB 37
BACKSTREET BOYS 37
STEWART, ROD 37
NELSON, WILLIE 35
DEF LEPPARD 35
MC GRAW, TIM 35
BON JOVI 34
COLLINS, PHIL 33.5
TAYLOR, JAMES 33
KELLY, R. 33
QUEEN 32.5
DENVER, JOHN 32.5
DOORS, THE 32.5
MATTHEWS, DAVE BAND 32
SPEARS, BRITNEY 32
BOSTON 31
PEARL JAM 31
DIXIE CHICKS 30.5
RONSTADT, LINDA 30
PETTY, TOM 29
OSBOURNE, OZZY 28.75
PETTY, TOM & THE HEARTBREAKERS 28.5
'N SYNC 28
BOLTON, MICHAEL 28
LYNYRD SKYNYRD 28
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER 28
MELLENCAMP, JOHN 27.5
MANILOW, BARRY 27.5
BOYZ II MEN 27
EMINEM 27
SINATRA, FRANK 27
BROOKS & DUNN 26.5
ENYA 26.5
JAY-Z 26
JACKSON, JANET 26
BEE GEES 26
CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL 26
HILL, FAITH 25.5
CREED 25
ZZ TOP 25
VANDROSS, LUTHER 25
NIRVANA 25
RUSH 25
CARPENTERS, THE 24.5
MILLER, STEVE BAND 24.5
GILL, VINCE 24
KEITH, TOBY 24
MOTLEY CRUE 23.5
EARTH, WIND & FIRE 23.5
CARS, THE 23.5
BUFFETT, JIMMY 23
SADE 22.5
HENDRIX, JIMI 22.5
GREEN DAY 22.5
POLICE, THE 22.5
CHESNEY, KENNY 22.5
OUTKAST 22
TLC 22
KID ROCK 22
BEASTIE BOYS 22

There's so much crap on that list it proves that quality is not a major factor in sales.



And where's Stevie Wonder?!

This list scares me.....

- nevermind -
[Edited 9/25/09 8:49am]

I'm very skeptical of this list. how can Michael be at 17 with 61.5 million albums? Behind George Strait?

Pretty good,but how on earth can Billy Joel and Kenny Rogers be ahead of him
[Edited 9/25/09 9:39am]

This is a U.S.-specific list, so worldwide sales numbers and rankings would be different.

LondonStyle said:

I was going to comment on that.

I guess that on a worldwide list folks like Garth Brooks, George Strait, Bob Seger, the Dixie Chicks and Kenny Chesney would not 'score' so high.

One name high on the list that surprises me: Alabama. Who are they??? lol
[Edited 9/25/09 9:48am]

I'm amazed that Bob Seeger and the Silver Bullet Band is ahead of Prince.

Efan said:

ah ok, thanks. Thought it was a bit strange.

Trashcat said:

61.5 This list sucks

This list doesnt 'suck', it shows record sales... lol

People like Billy Joel, The Eagles and Pink Floyd simply have been active for a longer period then Michael Jackson, and as popular bands have therefore sold more albums then Mr. Jackson.

Or, are you suggesting they are cheating with this list?

Riverpoet31 said:

WTH-I like all of those people and yeah it's terrible and I was referring to Prince's rating

Why is this list terrible?

The fact so many people have brought Garth Brooks albums, does take away your pleasure from enjoying an artist that doesnt appear in this list?

Riverpoet31 said:

It's my opinion and any list that includes Michael Bolton with Prince is suspect And?

Riverpoet31 said:

Not necessarilly true. This list is only counting MJ as a solo artist. If the numbers of the J5 and Jacksons had been added, his number would be toward the top 5.

Well, many people seem to love the music of Michael Bolton and Kenny G, welcome to the 'bad taste' of the mainstream public... lol

Riverpoet31 said:

Kenny G is one of my favs and I think you might want to address Prettyman's answer and stop trying to start something here

Riverpoet31 said:

You have to remember this. People like Kenny G, Michael Bolton, etc. were all marketed to so many different people. For instance, Kenny G. had a huge fan following that LOVED r&b music in the 90s. Same for Michael Bolton. These were the albums that you "hid" from your friends because you didn't want them to know you were rocking out to "Time Love and Tenderness".

A list like this also makes you wonder how some other artists fair in sales rankings. For instance, Millie Jackson has never really been a household name, but damn-near everyone knows the "Pfuck U Symphony".

That's a 2004 RIAA list.

nurseV said:

What's suspect about it? It's a list of sales figures. There's really no room for opinion here.

Once again:

Prince and sales figures, from a former post here on the .org:



Year - Album - Worldwide estimated sales = USA estimated sales + International (outside US) estimated sales

The 70's + 80's

1978 For You 930,000 = 550,000 + 380,000
1979 Prince 1,950,000 = 1,500,000 + 450,000
1980 Dirty Mind 2,015,000 = 1,085,000 + 930,000
1981 Controversy 2,650,000 = 1,550,000 + 1,100,000
1982 1999 6,075,000 = 4,320,000 + 1,755,000
1984 Purple Rain 19,880,000 = 14,480,000 + 5,400,000
1985 Around The World In A Day 4,585,000 = 2,845,000 + 1,740,000
1986 Parade 4,155,000 = 2,105,000 + 2,050,000
1987 Sign Of The Times 4,025,000 = 1,840,000 + 2,185,000
1988 Lovesexy 2,825,000 = 960,000 + 1,865,000
1989 Batman (Soundtrack) 4,790,000 = 2,500,000 + 2,290,000

Total 70's + 80's estimated worldwide all-time sales:
53,880,000 = 33,735,000 + 20,145,000

The 90's

1990 Graffiti Bridge 2,305,000 = 980,000 + 1,325,000
1991 Diamonds & Pearls 6,450,000 = 2,780,000 + 3,670,000
1992 Symbol 2,700,000 = 1,100,000 + 1,600,000
1993 The Hits/The B-Sides 1,000,000 = 650,000 + 350,000
1993 The Hits 1 2,750,000 = 2,000,000 + 750,000
1993 The Hits 2 2,250,000 = 1,750,000 + 500,000
1994 Come 1,000,000 = 500,000 + 500,000
1994 The Black Album 575,000 = 275,000 + 300,000
1995 The Gold Experience 900,000 = 550,000 + 350,000
1996 Chaos & Disorder 350,000 = 150,000 + 200,000
1996 Emancipation 1,200,000 = 700,000 + 500,000
1998 Crystal Ball 275,000 = 125,000 + 150,000
1998 Newpower Soul 425,000 = 225,000 + 200,000
1999 The Vault 250,000 = 125,000 + 125,000
1999 Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic 750,000 = 500,000 + 250,000

Total 90's estimated worldwide all-time sales:
23,180,000 = 12,410,000 + 10,770,000

The 00's

2001 The Very Best Of Prince 2,000,000 = 1,300,000 + 700,000
2001 The Rainbow Children 300,000 = 175,000 + 125,000
2004 Musicology 1,500,000 = 1,000,000 + 500,000 (concert sales NOT included)

(add 3121, Planet Earth, Lotus, MPLSound, let's say 1,5 / 2 millions)

Total 00's estimated worldwide all-time sales:
3,800,000 = 2,475,000 + 1,325,000

Total (Estimated) Career All-Time Album Sales Worldwide:

80,860,000 = 48,620,000 + 32,240,000


Wikipedia:

- 1 billion records or more:

The Beatles
Elvis Presley

- 500 million to 999 million records:

Bing Crosby
Michael Jackson

- 200 million to 499 million records:

AC/DC
A. R. Rahman (India)
ABBA
Alla Pugacheva (Rusia)
Bee Gees
Bob Marley
Celine Dion
Cliff Richard
The Drifters
Elton John
Herbert von Karajan (Austria)
Julio Iglesias
Led Zeppelin
Madonna
Mariah Carey
Nana Mouskouri (Grecia/Francia)
Pink Floyd
The Rolling Stones
Tino Rossi (Francia)
Wei Wei (China)

- 100 million to 199 million records:

Adriano Calentano (Italia)
Aerosmith
Backstreet Boys
Barry White
Billy Joel
Bon Jovi
Boney M (Alemania)
The Carpenters
Charles Aznavour
Cher
Chicago
Dave Clark Five
David Bowie
Deep Purple
Depeche Mode
Dire Straits
Dolly Parton
The Eagles
Electric Light Orchestra
Engelbert Humperdnicks (USA/UK)
Fats Domino
Fleetwood Mac
The Four Seasons
Frank Sinatra
Garth Brooks
Genesis
George Michael
Guns N' Roses
Iron Maiden
James Last (Alemania)
The Jackson 5
Janet Jackson
Johnny Hallyday (Francia)
Kenny Rogers
Lionel Richie
Luciano Pavarotti
Michiya Mihashi (Japón)
Mireille Mathieu (Francia)
Modern Talking
Neil Diamond
Olivia Newton-John
Patti Page
Paul McCartney
Perry Como (USA)
Pet Shop Boys
Phil Collins
Prince
Queen
Ricky Nelson
Roberto Carlos
Rod Stewart
Salvatore Adamo (Bélgica)
Status Quo
Stevie Wonder
Teresa Teng (Taiwán)
Tina Turner
Tom Jones
U2
Valeriya (Rusia)
The Ventures
Whitney Houston
The Who



French magazine:

1 - Beatles = 346.500.000 (12/2007)
2 - Michael Jackson = 205.500.000 (09/2008)
3 - Pink Floyd = 193.700.000 (02/2008)
4 - Madonna = 188.500.000 (01/2008)
5 - Elvis Presley = 187.000.000
6 - Elton John = 177.200.000 (01/2008)
7 - Queen = 170.100.000 (09/2008)
8 - Rolling Stones = 169.100.000
9 - U2= 166.400.000 (02/2008)
10 - Led Zeppelin = 165.500.000 (01/2008)
11 - Celine Dion = 163.000.000 (12/2007)
12 - Eagles = 147.800.000 (12/2007)
13 - Mariah Carey = 147.800.000 (12/2007)
14 - Rod Stewart = 140.100.000 (03/2008)
15 - Barbra Streisand= 139.800.000 (02/2008)
16 - Whitney Houston = 134.200.000 (12/2007)
17 - AC/DC = 133.700.000 (11/2007)
18 - Garth Brooks = 131.900.000 (02/2008)
19 - Bruce Springsteen = 130.900.000 (02/2008)
20 - Eric Clapton = 129.000.000 (02/2008)
21 - Billy Joel = 124.500.000 (12/2007)
22 - Bee Gees = 122.100.000 (12/2007)
23 - Phil Collins = 122.000.000 (12/2007)
24 - Bob Dylan = 119.800.000 (12/2007)
25 - Fleetwood Mac = 118.100.000 (12/2007)
26 - Santana - 117.700.000 (03/2008)
27 - Neil Diamond = 117.300.000 (02/2008)
28 - Aerosmith = 113.500.000 (11/2007)
29 - Bon Jovi = 107.200.000 (12/2007)
30 - Simon and Garfunkel = 105.100.000 (03/2008)
31 - ABBA = 104.200.000 (09/2007)
32 - Paul McCartney - 103.700.000 (02/2008)
33 - Dire Strait = 102.800.000 (12/2007)
34 - Metallica - 102.500.000 (01/2008)
35 - Prince = 99.900.000 (02/2008)
36 - Genesis = 98.000.000 (12/2007)
37 - David Bowie = 95.700.000 (12/2007)
38 - Van Halen = 94.000.000 (02/2008)
39 - Guns N' Roses = 93.200.000 (12/2007)
40 - Kenny Rogers = 90.400.000 (02/2008)
41 - The Doors = 89.700.000 (01/2008)
42- Julio Iglesias = 89.500.000 (03/2008)
43 - Stevie Wonder= 87.100.000 (03/2008)
44 - Bob Marley = 86.600.000 (01/2008)
45 - Backstreet Boys = 85.900.000 (02/2008)
46 - R.E.M. = 83.800.000 (02/2008)
47 - Eminem = 83.400.000 (12/2007)
48 - Neil Young = 79.900.000 (06/2008)
49 - Enya = 78.300.000 (12/2007)
50 - Kenny G = 77.900.000 (03/2008)

Credits: Thanks to the original poster..

I thought AC/DC was way higher, or at least according to Wiki.

BOO

how can people complain about an official list of album sales? They didn't make up numbers or rankings, these are the official actual US sales numbers. Prince certainly could have been right there with Madonna had he not sabotaged his own career.

thedance said:

im not exactly sure where this particluar list came from(though i have seen it before) but the original post for non-believers is from the actual RIAA website.however,that list only counts lps that have reach gold + status.not those lps that sold under 500,000.that being said..it's the most official your ever gonna get.oh...and it doesnt update itself either.the artist of record company has to ask for an audit of the catalogs.

nurseV said:

You are confusing your opinion with fact. Just because you don't like the list of recorded sales, doesn't change the list at all.
It was not and is not designed to be 'liked' by anyone.
If it's 100 degrees outside and you complain about the heat, it won't make it any cooler just because it's not what you like.
You didn't come to this thread thinking Prince was the best selling artist of all time did you? So where does the disappointment come in?

SUPRMAN said:

Like assholes we all have them and that's mine It's not changing because a couple of folks on here don't like it This is the only place where people think they can tell someone else how to think I said any list that includes Bolton any where near Prince is fucked up and it is.