Talk:List of best-selling music artists/Archive 21

Archive 15

←

Archive 19

Archive 20

Archive 21

Archive 22

Archive 23

→

Archive 25

Backstreet have sold 200 million

The backstreet boys 130 million sales is only albums, if you combine singles their record sales are over 200 million. Lady Gaga's figures include albums singles and everything else so why is this not the same for the other artists? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.218.178.180 (talk) 12:56, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Kool & The Gang sold 70 million albums!

Kool & The Gang sold 70 million albums. Source: http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/kool_and_the_gang/artist.jhtml — Preceding unsigned comment added by SebbenSebben123 (talk • contribs) 18:37, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Since Kool & The Gang have over 19 million of certified albums and singles, we could consider putting them on the list if a source was located that states 70 million records, not just albums.--Harout72 (talk) 00:02, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Duran Duran's number is 85 million

Duran Duran's number seemed low; in every press release and article I read about the band, their sales are cited anywhere from 85-100 million records sold. To a point raised by another poster about another band, I'm sure this includes singles as well since their studio albums could not possibly account for all of the sales.

Below is an example from earlier in 2011: http://www.details.com/celebrities-entertainment/music-and-books/200709/duran-duran-is-still-rocking-out

I share it only because an older (but similar) article is used as the justification for the 70 million figure. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Cks72 (talk • contribs) 19:04, 28 September 2011 (UTC)

The source above is not a reliable source. But if there is a reliable source out there claiming 85 million records, we could consider updating their source along with their claimed figure. Duran Duran's available certified sales are 20.9 million, although low outside of the US and the UK and non-existent in many other music markets, it does meet the requirement of this list posted above, since they've first charted in 1981. But again the source must be a reliable one, preferably coming from a news service agency.--Harout72 (talk) 21:05, 28 September 2011 (UTC)

Luis Miguel

I have removed Luis Miguel from he list for now as his available certified sales (16.9 million) support the 75 million claim by 22.5%. Miguel has begun charting in 1985 (not in '87 as it is suggested at his discography page); therefore, he needs 28.3% in certified sales (21.2 million) for the 75 million claim. The current available certified sales (16.9 million) could support a claim figure of up to 59.7 million. Meaning, we could re-insert him if such a source is located.--Harout72 (talk) 21:55, 29 September 2011 (UTC)

There are a number of sources in Spanish from Google News archive saying 50m and more saying 60m but I haven't gone through the results to see if they are reliable enough sources. Mattg82 (talk) 22:10, 29 September 2011 (UTC)

I'm not familiar with the media of the Spanish speaking world, so even if I checked them myself, I wouldn't be able to tell what's reliable. There doesn't seem to be anything in English huh? At least I can't find any.--Harout72 (talk) 22:24, 29 September 2011 (UTC)

No nothing in English, I suppose we could put a post on WP:RSN and see what peeps there think of those sources. Mattg82 (talk) 22:40, 29 September 2011 (UTC)

Sure, maybe we can start with those that look more reliable.--Harout72 (talk) 22:47, 29 September 2011 (UTC)

From the 60m list the first handful of sources, El Colombiano, Informador, Ultima Hora & El Nuevo Diario seem to be newspapers, so we could put those forward to RSN. Also there is a source from El Universal (Mexico City) which is a broadsheet according to wp article. Mattg82 (talk) 23:13, 29 September 2011 (UTC)

Ok, an administrator at WP:RSN has looked at the articles published by El Nuevo Diario and El Universal and has confirmed that they are both reliable. I will re-insert Luis Miguel into the list with 60 million as his available certified sales (16.9 million), based on our requirements, are enough to support 59.7 million claim, which is close enough to the sales figure stated in both articles.--Harout72 (talk) 21:26, 30 September 2011 (UTC)

OK good. Mattg82 (talk) 22:02, 30 September 2011 (UTC)

Garth Brooks/edit request

It seems as though Garth Brooks claimed they have 128 million album sales, but they have over 150 million certified sales so should they be changed to the 150-199 million part of the list? I guess you could also call this an edit request.Happymeal33 (talk) 21:29, 2 October 2011 (UTC)

I and others can't find sources claiming higher figures than 128 million. If you come across a reliable source with higher claims please post it here, so we can update his source and the estimated figure. Brooks' actual sales should be somewhere between 160-180 million.--Harout72 (talk) 22:03, 2 October 2011 (UTC)

cetrtified sales are sources for themselves

Like the above point stated(which I meant to be my point, but I didnt write it out that way), shouldnt the amount of certified sales bump them up anyways? Anyways. I dont work on this article or anything, but I was just trying to point out something, but if claims are required, I will try to find a few that actual make sense compared to their certified sales since it is way above their claim already. Happymeal33 (talk) 03:15, 4 October 2011 (UTC)

Normally the actual sales are much higher than the certified sales. Some albums; however, may ship more than they sell, therefore, on individual cases, the certified sales of some albums may be higher than the actual sales of the same albums. But because record companies have to pay a certain fee to get records (albums, singles, videos) certified; the actual sales overall end up being higher than the certified sales. Therefore, the certified sales cannot replace the actual sales as the two are not immediately related to each other. We'd need reliable sources claiming higher figures to replace the current one(s).--Harout72 (talk) 05:59, 4 October 2011 (UTC)

Shakira's Number is over 150 Million.

If we talk about albums, Shakira's number is over 70-75 million. But if we count records, we should include 80+ Million singles she has sold. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Skyscrapermember (talk • contribs) 03:43, 7 August 2011 (UTC)

Falco

Does anyone know Falco's certified sales in total? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ich901 (talk • contribs) 15:23, 29 August 2011 (UTC)

Scorpions activity

The article says that Scorpions were active from 19xx-present. This should be changed, Scorpions officially retired sometime in the last year with Sting in the Tail being their final album and having completed their final tour. 205.133.164.108 (talk) 16:13, 7 October 2011 (UTC)

It seems like they're going to break up after they're done with their tour, which might stretch as far as 2013. So there is no specific year of retirement yet.--Harout72 (talk) 21:23, 7 October 2011 (UTC)

Shakira sold 70+ Million ALBUMS only, not records.

Shakira has sold 70-75 million ALBUMS so far (not including singles and dowloads sales) If we added her singles/download sales, which are around 80-90 million, she is over 150 MILLION RECORDS

She was confirmed by Forbes to have sold over 60 million in 2006, she is over 70 million by now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUShxpbz-As

All the sources that say 70 million refer to albums, not total records

http://www.lefigaro.fr/musique/2010/11/29/03006-20101129ARTFIG00756-shakira.php

http://concerttour.org/shakira-tour

http://www.mahalo.com/shakira-world-cup-performance/

http://www.break.com/topics/shakira/

http://entretenimiento.starmedia.com/fotos/artistas-latinos-momento.html

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/shakira-hits-one-billion-views-20110126-1a54h.html

http://www.generacionyoung.com/blogs/shakira/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by Skyscraperwalker (talk • contribs) 23:39, 9 October 2011 (UTC)

You might want to refer to the discussion above.--Harout72 (talk) 23:52, 9 October 2011 (UTC)

Jean Michel Jarre

I have removed Jean Michel Jarre from the list as his available certified sales are only 4,180,000. That supports his 70 million claim by 6%. We couldn't keep Jean Michel Jarre on the list even if we found a source that claimed 50 million in sales.--Harout72 (talk) 18:21, 12 October 2011 (UTC)

And Kelly Clarkson???

And Kelly Clarkson? She has sold over 11 million albums in the USA and 24 million worldwide, and 36 million singles! And Rihanna and Lady Gaga did not sell it all! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 189.34.89.158 (talk) 05:07, 14 October 2011 (UTC)

While some sources like NRL.com or People magazine claim that Kelly Clarkson has sold 23 million albums and 36 million singles (59 million in total), Clarkson's available certified sales are only 17.2 million. That supports the 59 million claim by only 29%. Since Clarkson has begun charting in 2002, she would need 54.5 % in certified sales, which would be 32.1 million in certified sales for the 59 million claim. See the requirements of this list above.--Harout72 (talk) 15:44, 14 October 2011 (UTC)

And Beyonce?

???????????????????????? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 189.34.89.158 (talk) 05:13, 14 October 2011 (UTC)

Not without a reliable source. Have you found any?--♫GoP♫_T^C_N 11:25, 14 October 2011 (UTC)

Iron Maiden

I have removed Iron Maiden from the list for now as they have only 15.6 million in certified sales from the markets that offer certifications. Iron Maiden have begun charting in 1980, per the requirement of this list, it requires their sales claim be supported by 21.6% certified sales. Their source on here claimed 85 million records, that is supported by 18.2% only. For 85 million claim, they'd need to have 18.3 million in certified sales which they don't. Given their 15.4 million in certified sales, we could re-insert Iron Maiden back into the list with a maximum of 71.6 million claim. However, if there are sources claiming 75 million records, I suppose we could use those too as for 75 million claim, they'd need 16.2 million in certified sales, which is not far away from what they already have.--Harout72 (talk) 23:46, 3 October 2011 (UTC)

I have re-inserted Iron Maiden into the section of 50-74 million using this source from October 2008. Although, it's almost three years old, the figure within works for their available certified sales. We can update their source later on, if newer sources claim some 70 million or maximum of 75 million records.--Harout72 (talk) 02:12, 4 October 2011 (UTC)

After much research through several sources, I have confirmed sales of 20,706,573. This passes the 18.3 million threshold I feel they should be reinstated.--Nerdtrap (talk) 22:20, 16 October 2011 (UTC)

The certified sales are only 15.6 million. Where are you getting 18.3 million? We cannot make up numbers.--Harout72 (talk) 22:27, 16 October 2011 (UTC)

I'm not making up any numbers! You said above that 18.3 million was what was needed to support 21.6% certified sales.

Excuse me, I was not edit warring and am frankly insulted that you're stating that I have made up figures. The first time round I placed in 15%, because this is what I though was required based on the article lead. I then returned to the article, looked at several more database and went over all my calculations to try ad pass the 21.6% target which you alerted me too. This took a long time to do, I spent ages going to different databases, translating their languages and tallying up results. I placed all the evidence in the article and yet you have ignored it. I've never seen anything like this and, quite frankly, I'm disgusted.--Nerdtrap (talk) 22:39, 16 October 2011 (UTC)

Don't be insulted please, some people are just not that familiar with certification-levels, and that's ok, it's understandable. I see you have posted incorrect figures here. Please see this uploaded file on Iron Maiden's certified sales, which I have put together. The figures on there have been converted from the certifications posted in the databases of certifying bodies. If you have any questions about those figures, feel free to ask me.--Harout72 (talk) 22:47, 16 October 2011 (UTC)

Black Sabbath sold more than 100 millions according to BBC

Here's the proof, it was used also in article about them on Wiki: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8075397.stm — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ernio48 (talk • contribs) 18:15, 18 October 2011 (UTC)

Since their available certified sales are 16.3 million and they have begun charting in 1970, we could list them with a source that claims 100 million records, not just albums as the source above claims.--Harout72 (talk) 00:37, 19 October 2011 (UTC)

Roxette's certified sales are low

Roxette have 15.1 million in certified sales which is not enough to support their 60 million claimed figure. The 60 million is supported by 25% certified sales (or 15.1 million), when it needs to be supported by 29.6% certified sales (or 17.8 million), since they've begun charting in 1986. That's 2.7 million short. Are there sources in Swedish maybe, that claim sales figures of 52 million maximum? I personally can't find any sources in English claiming lower than 60 million. I don't want to remove them unless we are sure that there are no such claims.--Harout72 (talk) 22:26, 22 October 2011 (UTC)

The only thing I have managed to find it this swedish source from 9 years ago which says 55m. There are some 700,000 uncertified soundscan sales (discounting Look Sharp sales which was already certified platinum), unfortunately Billboard's crappy website has lost the pages which support this info. Also Look Sharp was certified 3x Platinum according to Sverigetopplistan chart site; hopefully one day IFPI Sweden will update & fix the crappy 87-98 pdf, as I'm sure Joyride was multi-platinum too. There are some more sources on the Roxette talk page under Further evidence which give further sales figures. It might not change anything but I thought it was worth adding those things. Mattg82 (talk) 02:10, 26 October 2011 (UTC)

No doubt that Swedes need to fix their '87-'98 PDF for certifications, damned Platinum-awards are posted all the way at the bottom of the document when the titles of records are no longer visible. Yes you're right, Look Sharp is 3x Platinum (300,000 units) per www.sverigetopplistan.se. Now that we have 15.3 million in certified sales, the 55 million from the source above (which per Google translator states albums not records, the translation could be wrong) is supported by 27.8% certified sales which is close enough, although it should be 29% or 15.9 million. So, if there are no objections, we can move Roxette into the section of 50-59 million, and I will post their certifications along with others in that section, when I have them all ready.--Harout72 (talk) 03:51, 26 October 2011 (UTC)

Mills Brothers and Ink Spots

hello,

as per Mills Brothers, they sold more than 50 million records. Can you check if that is true. Ink Spots were also very popular; one of their songs, If I Didn't Care, sold more than 19 million times. That was their very fist single, and their success continued. They had numerous hits in the top-ten charts.--♫GoP♫_T^C_N 14:08, 29 October 2011 (UTC)

None of the certifying bodies has any certifications for Mills Brothers, I doubt if they've sold 50 million records as it is written on their wiki page without a source.--Harout72 (talk) 16:45, 29 October 2011 (UTC)

Kylie Minogue

I replaced Kylie Minogue's 68 million claimed sales figures with 60 million claims as Minogue has begun charting in 1987 and her available certified sales ([19.1 million) can support sales figures of up to 61 million.--Harout72 (talk) 18:02, 30 October 2011 (UTC)

Glay

I have removed Glay due to not having enough certified sales for their 56 million claimed figure. Glay have begun appearing on the charts in 1994 making their required certified sales 41%. For a claimed figure of 56 million, 41% certified sales translates into some 22.9 million. Their available certified sales are only 17.7 million at the moment. They're currently five million short in certified sales. Should this gap narrow down in the near future, we can re-insert them into the list.--Harout72 (talk) 21:41, 30 October 2011 (UTC)

Glenn Medeiros

Forget jackson, gaga, rihanna, eminimen etc... where is the biggest star of them all. He must have sold over 300 million albums. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.44.88.211 (talk) 23:16, 5 November 2011 (UTC)

The Monkees

I have found a source from The Telegraph which says 50m for them, what do there certifications add up to ? Mattg82 (talk) 23:33, 2 November 2011 (UTC)

Their certified sales are almost non-existent outside of the USA, but 24 million in total, most of which is from the U.S.. That supports the 50 million claim by 48% certified sales. That is more than enough to get them on the list with the 50 million claim since they've begun charting in 1966.--Harout72 (talk) 00:13, 3 November 2011 (UTC)

NSYNC

In the wikipedia's discography page it's said that they've sold more than 56 million albums worlwide. I don't see them in the list. Might they be revised. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.168.96.249 (talk) 00:28, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

What's the source?--Harout72 (talk) 01:14, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%27N_Sync_discography and bellow there are the platinum sales in the US

Don't forget to sign on here, so we can know who's the editor. That figure on there is unsourced and I have removed it. Was there another source you had in mind?--Harout72 (talk) 16:37, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a203875/jay-z-jls-will-be-as-big-as-n-sync.html

and in wikipedia, album by album:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Strings_Attached_(%27N_Sync_album) US: No Strings Attached led as the second top-selling album with 11,112,000 units sold, according to the list released by Nielsen SoundScan on December 8, 2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/*NSYNC_(album)

and there's more albums by them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebrity_(album)

I'm pcplus255 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.168.96.249 (talk) 20:16, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia pages cannot be used as sources. The sales figures must come reliable third party news services like CNN, BBC, Fox News, Washington Post etc. or highly regarded music related establishments such as MTV or VH1 etc.. Please see our reference section to get a clearer idea about the sources we accept here.--Harout72 (talk) 22:24, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

Shania Twain - Come On Over

Shania Twain - Come On Over was certified 17x platinum according to RIANZ. (chart #1216 - Sunday 2nd 2000) (Top 50 Albums chart). I believe this is way over 100,000 so can be inserted onto the list but I'm not sure of the exact figure. Mattg82 (talk) 03:15, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

It would be 17 x 15,000 = 255,000, but RIANZ seems to have made some changes to their site which doesn't allow us to verify pretty much anything. I personally leave New Zealand out every time I go over certifications, because 99% of the time the total for NZ doesn't add up to something notable, and it takes a long time to do their certifications since they don't have a database. In my opinion, we should be consistent with the use of our markets. In other words, we should not use NZ certifications for one artist and not use it for others. Anyways, let's wait for it to start fully function, maybe we can start with Shania Twain and also Pink Floyd, who also happen to have huge number of Platinum-awards posted for their earlier albums.--Harout72 (talk) 06:02, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

Gaga and Rihanna should be deleted. ...OR... Shakira should be added to the 150Million+ list.

Gaga and Rihanna have sold just like 20 Million albums each, but the list is counting their records sold (inclusing singles and downloads), so Shakira should be added to the 150M+ List because they are only counting her album sales (75 Million) but not her single sales (Almost 90M Singles and downloads) for an average total of 160+ Million Records. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 186.85.4.86 (talk) 17:48, 2 October 2011 (UTC)

Our source provided claims 70 million records, that is singles, albums, videos (not just albums). Based on Shakira's certified albums, singles and videos (34 million), I don't see how her sales could be more than 70 million, which already seems inflated, but meets the requirement of this list.--Harout72 (talk) 18:32, 2 October 2011 (UTC)

Gaga should also be updated as the article is 14 months old and prior to the release of born this way which sold 1 million on it's day, 5 million in it's first month, is the biggest selling record of 2011 plus all the singles that came from it. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.73.234.71 (talk) 03:59, 23 October 2011 (UTC)

In order to updat Gaga's record sales you'll need an update article. Here's one, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15340049 from only one month ago. BBC reports her as selling over 23 million albums and over 64 million singles. So based on that she should be at least 87 million. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.204.173.216 (talk) 21:08, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Verbiage clarification

Hi there....the following sentence, in the first paragraph of this article, is very confusing and either doesn't make sense or needs to be reworded to be less confusing and convoluted:

"The tables the artists in which are listed with both their estimated sales figures and certified sales rank the artist/band with most sales/certified sales at the top."

As I'm not sure what is trying to be said, I cannot recommend actual verbiage for the change, but the particularly confusing and convoluted verbiage is "The tables the artists in which are listed with both...."...that's just a REALLY funky bunch of wording right there. Please review, and either respond to these comments with what is intended to be communicated so that I may assist with rewording, or simply change it to a more discernible wording. Introspectacle (talk) 17:30, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Yeah that is not very well worded, so we could change it to something like this: "The artists/bands in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figures and certified sales/shipments. Artists/bands are ranked in descending order, with the highest claimed figures and certified sales/shipments at the top." Mattg82 (talk) 02:39, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Enrique Iglesias

new sales certifications:

Dirty Dancer: US:Gold , AUS:Platinum

Euphoria: US Latin: 2xPlatinum

I Like It: GER: Gold link

his Russian certifications:

Singles:

Rythm Divine: Platinum(MT)link(200000copies each platinum)

Ring My Bells: 2xplatinu(MT)

Push: 2xplatinum(MT)link

Tired Of Being Sorry: 3xplatinum(MT)[[1]]

Takin'Back My Love: Gold(MT)link

Albums:

Insomniac: 6x Platinum link(20000copies each platinum)

Euphoeia: Gold

Enrique Iglesias: 95/08 Éxitos: Platinumlink

and his sales certifications in last update wasnt included by this countries: Spain, New Zeland , Denmark, Ireland

in last update his sales was 21.7 but now if consider this certificates his sales should be more than 24.3 million that covers a 40% of 60 million — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.158.84 (talk) 09:51, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

Enrique Iglesias' available certified sales are still only 22.2 million. Since he has begun charting in 1995, his claimed figures need to be supported by 42.5% certified sales. His current 22.2 million certified sales cover his current 55 million claimed figure by only 40.4%. He's still short by over 1 million units, but that's close enough for 55 million. The 60 million claim still cannot be used as for that he would need 25.5 million in certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 15:41, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

Many newspaper are writing that Enrique Iglesias has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide! --Moaw54 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.156.31.39 (talk) 14:00, 6 November 2011 (UTC)

there is a mistake in his US certifications: Quizas: 4xPlatinum(2002): 800,000 copies(The number of sales required to qualify for Gold and Platinum discs was higher prior to January 1, 2008. The thresholds were 100,000 units (Gold) and 200,000 units (Platinum)[[2]] so so far his available certified sales are 22.6 million

why dont you add German Gold Certificate for I Like It??!! why dont you add his Russian Certifications??! and why dont you add other countries' certifications i said above??!

and one more mistake Hero has gone 2 platinums in Australia [[3]] — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.158.84 (talk) 08:40, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

The album Quizas is 4x Platinum for 400,000, all Latin-type US certifications have received an automatic update, you need to read this, it states: Additionally, effective January 1, 2008, the RIAA Premios de Oro y Platino established new thresholds for certification requirements. The new certification levels are Oro - 50,000 units, Platino - 100,000 units, and multi-Platino - 200,000 units (in increments of 100,000 units). All titles certified under the Latin program prior to January 1, 2008 received automatic amendments to their certification levels.

As for your sources for Russian certifications, they do not work and even if they did, they wouldn't add up much as Russia's certification-levels for foreign artists are rather low (see these 1, 2).

The single Hero has received one Platinum only in Australia, here is the source, again your source doesn't work. The German Gold certification for "I Like It" is not yet posted on Bundesverband Musikindustrie, when it is, I will count it. Spanish available certifications are included on the file I uploaded, pay close attention please when going over it. Finally, New Zealand is an extremely small music market, meaning New Zealand's certified sales may or may not add up 100,000 units all together. As for Danish certifications, I see 15,000 (Gold) for "Heartbeat", 15,000 (Gold) for "Tonight (I'm Loving You)", I don't see anything else on there.--Harout72 (talk) 16:37, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

I know that his sales are still lower than to claim 60 million for him but i think his certificated sales can be so much more. he has many certficates in past but they are not counted now. for example one of his albums was 4 times platinum in spain but now they're not counted due to the changes of the database. and lots of databases have forgotten to add his certifications for example his album Enrique sold 2 million and was 2 times platinum in US but its not in database unfortunately. but about his sales of Quizas: go to data base and look at the certifications of it. it has 4 latin platinums and a standard Gold certification. so at least it has sold 500,000 copies. but im completely sure that this 4 platinums were added in 2001 and if its goonna be updated it should be 800,000 copies but they,ve forgotten to update it bcuz when it has a Gold it has to be 5 latin platinums!!!!!

i just want you to search more about his sales certifications. i dont really know why those links dont work they were working before.

tnx — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.158.106 (talk) 13:40, 12 November 2011 (UTC)

Beyoncé

I disagree about Beyoncé. She has sold more than 75,000,000 records. About 80-85. 109.13.203.99 (talk) 03:46, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow has sold 80m according to Reuters and The Telegraph. He has over 27m certified by the RIAA so can be inserted onto the list with that alone. I haven't looked at the other databases. Mattg82 (talk) 02:11, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Let me have some time to go over Manilow's certified sales (seems to be a lot for US), I need to have all of it ready because all the artists within the section of "75 million to 99 million records" are listed with certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 06:19, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

 Done Manilow's been inserted into the list with the sources above and all his available certified sales (36.3 million).--Harout72 (talk) 17:40, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

lady gaga

time to update the 64 million record sales figure, eh? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 108.7.208.185 (talk) 04:14, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Metallica

Needs updated, Metallica are now over 120million — Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.168.172.168 (talk) 23:24, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

20.0 million more like 82.44.88.211 (talk) 13:20, 17 November 2011 (UTC)

Janet Jackson

I have Changed Janet jacksons Sales to 130 Million. If you ever think it's wrong and want to change it back just read this.

Album Sales: Control - 14 Million, Rhythm Nation - 14 Million, Janet - 20 Million, Design OF A Decade - 10 Million, The Velvet Rope - 10 Million, All For You - 7 Million, Damita Jo - 3 Million, 20 Y.O - 1.2 Million, Discipline - 1 Million,

Calculate that up you get 80.2 Million Albums sold. Now heres the proof for her 50 Million single sales http://planetjanet.invisionzone.com/index.php?/topic/10-the-janet-jackson-sales-thread/page__st__240__p__249518#entry249518

Good Day. Enjoy! — Preceding unsigned comment added by Tombo671 (talk • contribs) 01:24, 16 November 2011 (UTC) § — Preceding unsigned comment added by Tombo671 (talk • contribs) 01:31, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Your source above is not reliable. Do not replace highly reliable sources with unreliable sources, that is disruptive editing. I would also like to remind you that this list is largely relied on what the certified sales of the artists look like. In other words, all sales figures need to be supported by certain percentage of certified sales, this information is posted at the top of this discussion page.--Harout72 (talk) 02:48, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin

Any Certifications for them available? I know they both had a few gold records and singles in the 60's which equaled platinum in those days but usually the record labels were shady back then. Any chance they could be added to the list or are there limited sources available?138.130.107.167 (talk) 09:35, 18 November 2011 (UTC)

Why is this being asked? Are there highly reliable sources that claim at least 50 million in records sales for these artists?--Harout72 (talk) 16:20, 18 November 2011 (UTC)

Britney Spears

Why are Gaga and Rihanna's singles sales being included? This is unfair!! If this is the case, put britney in the 180-200 Million sales mark. If you are going to include singles, be consistent. Britney Spears has sold over 90 million singles and they aren't being included!! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 110.33.75.217 (talk) 12:43, 18 November 2011 (UTC)

The source provided for Spears' sales clearly states "Records" (albums, singles, videos) not just "Albums". As for her posted available certified sales, all of her Singles, Albums and Videos are being counted.--Harout72 (talk) 16:18, 18 November 2011 (UTC)

ABBA

According to Universal music, ABBA have sold 375 million copies, not between 300 and 260 million copies. Only Michael Jackson, The Beatles and Elvis Presley have sold more, and why ABBA are behind Madonna, Queen and Led Zeppelin, who have sold less? — Preceding unsigned comment added by ABBAFAN97 (talk • contribs) 16:39, 12 November 2011 (UTC)

ABBA are behind Madonna due to not having enough certified sales for higher claimed figures as 370 million. You might want to refer to this archived discussion. Also, see the requirements of certified sales above at the top of this page.--Harout72 (talk) 16:51, 12 November 2011 (UTC)

The 15% rule seems to be too low. The global sales quoted by Universal cannot be broken down by country or by single or album. Claims of sales should surely be backed up by a much higher figure.

The 14.3m sales for the UK quoted are too low, however. The Official Charts Company says on their website that Gold has sold nearly 5m. Actually it's 4.9m. Greatest Hits is on 2.6m and Arrival on 1.6m - according to the Official Charts company in their 2006 All Time Chart. If we add in other album certifications and the fact that they sold 10.9m singles/downloads according to the O.C.C and quoted in the Virgin Book of Singles then official sales are at 22.8m for the UK. (Wikijjb (talk) 22:17, 21 November 2011 (UTC))

Andrews Sisters

The Andrews Sisters started performing in 1937 and sold over 90 million records. Source: http://www.cmgww.com/music/andrews/about/bio3.html — Preceding unsigned comment added by Andrewsisterfan (talk • contribs) 20:46, 20 November 2011 (UTC)

The source above is not a reliable one, and aside from that, Andrews Sisters don't have a single Gold/Platinum certification listed for any of the music markets including the US.--Harout72 (talk) 16:47, 21 November 2011 (UTC)

The latest official count by MCA records showed 75 million record sales. Since I am not a professional researcher, I do not know where to obtain original data, but I will dig around. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.229.128.107 (talk) 02:21, 22 November 2011 (UTC)

Jean Michel Jarre

Why is Jean Michel Jarre not on this list? He has sold "an estimated 80 million albums and singles" (Wikipedia). This should be looked into. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.76.35.237 (talk) 19:30, 23 November 2011 (UTC)

Due to lack of certifications, Jean Michel Jarre was removed from the list. See this archived discussion. Also, see the requirements on certified sales posted at the top of this discussion page.--Harout72 (talk) 00:13, 24 November 2011 (UTC)

Suzi Quatro has sold "over 50 million records" according to the BBC website

Suzi Quatro has sold "over 50 million records" according to a recent page on the BBC website. However, does Quatro have enough certified sales for inclusion?

She started selling records in 1964 as Suzi Soul in The Pleasure Seekers and started charting in 1972 (as a solo artist) with Rolling Stone (Suzi Quatro song).

Peter Loader (talk) 00:05, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

As you may already know, all artists that have begun charting before 1975 need to have their claimed figures supported by 15% certified sales, see the requirements above. Suzi Quatro has only 2.5 million in certified sales, and for a claimed figure such as 50 million (which is the lowest for this list), she would need to have 7.5 million in certified sales since she's begun charting in/around 1973. I'm afraid, she can't be on the list due to being 5 million short in certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 01:09, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

Suzi Quatro sold well in Australia, but the ARIA database does not contain Australian certifications before 1997. I could only find:

* Leather Forever DVD, 2007 - Gold (7,500 units???)

However, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's web site Quatro received the following Australian certifications:

* Rock Hard Album, 1981 - Platinum (70,000 units??)

* "Rock Hard" Single, 1981 - Platinum (70,000 units??)

This site also states: "1974 saw the release of Suzi's second album Quatro... This was Suzi's biggest selling album in Australia, and sat at No 1 for four weeks." It does not mention any certification even though the Rock Hard Album went platinum.

Peter Loader (talk) 21:20, 26 November 2011 (UTC)

Australia's certification-award-levels for albums in/around 1981 were: Gold=25,000, Platinum=50,000. All in all, we'd need her 50 million claimed figure supported by 15% (or 7.5 million) certified sales since she's begun appearing on the charts before '75.--Harout72 (talk) 22:33, 26 November 2011 (UTC)

Edit request from , 25 November 2011

This page has a major error, Rihanna has not sold 44 million records in the USA. I have checked several sources and she has only sold about 30 million in the USA. You all need to correct that.

Ninjaelite (talk) 00:01, 26 November 2011 (UTC)

The US certified sales for Rihanna are 44,050,000 at this very moment per RIAA. Note that all the certifications on the uploaded file come directly from certifying bodies.--Harout72 (talk) 00:52, 26 November 2011 (UTC)

The page has a big error,Lady Gaga not sold 42 million records worldwide,it is only 23 million and Gaga sold 8 million records in US not 24 million,please correct it. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ankit swifter (talk • contribs) 12:27, 28 November 2011 (UTC)

Lady Gaga has available certified sales of 42 million at the moment, which will be even bigger in the near future. By the way, are you editing with two different accounts?--Harout72 (talk) 16:19, 28 November 2011 (UTC)

Born This Way has now been certified 2xPlatinum by the RIAA. Mattg82 (talk) 22:19, 28 November 2011 (UTC)

Lady Gaga's available certified sales are 44 million now.--Harout72 (talk) 01:07, 29 November 2011 (UTC)

Queen sources

Can someone locate a source for Queen that claims 300 million "Records" and not just "Albums". None of the previously provided sources that claimed 150 million records/albums seems to work. And this source that supported the 300 million records doesn't seem to open up fully. We are currently stuck with this source, which although reliable, incorrectly claims 300 million "Albums" instead of "Records" (albums, singles, videos). Based on Queen's available certified sales, the 300 million in album-sales only is highly unlikely because their records sales, unlike a few artists on the list, are based on Albums, Singles and Videos, not only albums.--Harout72 (talk) 01:46, 1 December 2011 (UTC)

I've just played the BBC video and they say 300m albums, so we need to remove that also. The Time Magazine updated their website so the ref link died with it but I've found the article here. It says 150m albums. The Times recently pay-walled their website, so that ref is completely unsalvageable. Mattg82 (talk) 02:04, 1 December 2011 (UTC)

What should we do with the Billboard source that claims 300 million albums? Should we leave it on there just for now, until we locate another source claiming 300 million "Records"? In the meantime, I think we could support the 150 million figure with this article.--Harout72 (talk) 02:12, 1 December 2011 (UTC)

Yeah OK 150m albums will have do atm, I'm having trouble finding anything that says records. Here is a second source from the Washington Post saying 150m albums.

I don't want to see 300m albums on here though but I've just noticed something rather alarming, we have Elvis' 600m and 1bn refs which say albums and not records, I think we need a broader consensus on how high claimed album sales can go before coming unacceptable and whether we should include sources which say albums at all. This page is meant to be about absolute sales not just albums, it doesn't look consistent. The Beatles 1bn ref is only partially viewable we need to look into that as well. Mattg82 (talk) 02:52, 1 December 2011 (UTC)

In my opinion the term "Albums" can only be used for those artists whose 95-99% of record sales rely on albums alone. For example, if a source claims 70 million albums for someone like Enya, it is quite OK to use that, because good 95% of her certified sales are based on albums, she has no videos certified, and has only one or two singles certified. For the time being, I'll replace Queen's non-functioning sources for the 150m with the ones you have located, thanks for that BTW. I'm also going to remove Presley's second source which claims 1 billion albums, that is absolutely ridiculous, we need to pay more attention to all this. BTW, can we try and locate a source The Beatles claiming 1 billion "Records"?--Harout72 (talk) 04:59, 1 December 2011 (UTC)

Dido

she has began her career in 1995. I think her certifitions can at least cover 50 million sales for her. so plz check it out!! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.158.110 (talk) 20:05, 1 December 2011 (UTC)

I will go over Dido's certified sales only if there are highly reliable sources claiming at least 50 million records for her. Are there?--Harout72 (talk) 00:52, 2 December 2011 (UTC)

i dont know maybe. but i think certifited sales are much more important. like the job you did for Rihanna and Gaga(i mean you just noticed their certifications) but i read somewhere that she has sold 40 million albums alone. i think that she has sold more than 10 million singles at least. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.158.215 (talk) 08:22, 2 December 2011 (UTC)

The Ventures

Been performing steady since 1958, one of the "Big In Japan" artists, said to have sold 100 million records and have made the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The Japan Times tells of their claim of 100 million records sold, The Japan Times, The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame says that they charted with 38 albums between 1960 and 1972 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well as being the most successful instrumental rock band ever, and The Rolling Stone also mentioned their sales figures upon reporting the death of a founding member Rolling Stone Sorry if this is not perfect, it's my first discussion submission ever, but if you could check them out that'd be great.--Tachikoma0 (talk) 10:08, 8 December 2011 (UTC)

In order for us to include The Ventures on the list, they would need to have their claimed figure, which is 100 million supported by 15% certified sales (or 15 million certified sales) per the requirements of this list. They seem to have 1.5 million in certified sales coming from US only. They don't have certified sales anywhere else including the UK, Germany Canada, France, Finland etc. etc.--Harout72 (talk) 22:52, 8 December 2011 (UTC)

Garth brooks

His certified sales are much larger than the claimed sales. He should be placed so his claimed sales are at least equal if not more than certified sales. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.214.164.105 (talk) 00:14, 9 December 2011 (UTC)

Duran Duran

Official Duran Duran sales are 20 million this had it marked at 70 million, Duran Duran have only sold about 45-49 million albums to date. News websites and other sites like to go over the top with Duran's record sales. Most of their albums have been mega flops so no way it's anywhere near 70 million. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.182.111.140 (talk) 20:45, 9 December 2011 (UTC)

Linkin Park DID NOT sold 29 million records in the US

Ok I'm here to say that went you look at Linkin Park's certified sales it says 29.7 million! Woah, Linkin Park did NOT sold that much records on the US. Also, when you click the link it brings you to that RIAA website's homepage. Where's the proof? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Drecool1 (talk • contribs) 16:45, 10 December 2011 (UTC)

As I already explained to you on your own talk-page, you need to refer to the levels of RIAA's Gold/Platinum awards, which once again are these here. For albums: Gold=500,000, Platinum=1,000,000, and the levels of the Digital singles since September, 2006 have been the same as the levels for Physical singles: Gold=500,000, Platinum=1,000,000. Again, Linkin Park's certified sales which is 29.1 million are based on Albums (19.5 million), Singles (9.5 million) and Videos (100,000). And that brings the total to 29.1. Here you can see the details of their certifications I've put together, all retrieved from certifying bodies' sites.

Instructions to retrieve RIAA certifications:

1) Enter the artist name in the main search-box

2) Click on search

3) Click on Advanced [+]

4) Enter Linkin Park in Artist Name

5) Finally select your desired format Singles or Albums or Videos

By the way, all artists' certified sales are supported the same way, don't expect to see the figure 29.1 million for Linkin Park when you click on RIAA's source, that is not how it works. You simply need to convert certifications into figures by using their certification-award-levels. We have the levels of each music market supported by sources at the footnotes.--Harout72 (talk) 17:24, 10 December 2011 (UTC)

kylie minogue

kylie has sold 68 million albums (not 60) and over 100 million records if your including her single sales....please fix the lady gaga and rihanna figures to and either include all record sales or just albums... — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.25.72.197 (talk) 21:49, 11 December 2011 (UTC)

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_records_has_kylie_sold "Kylie minogue has sold over 65 million albums ans 30 million singles between 1986 - 2007"

"Kylie Minogue has sold over 90million's albums todate..." http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_albums_has_Kylie_minogue_sold — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.25.72.197 (talk) 21:57, 11 December 2011 (UTC)

The word "wiki" in the links you provided is one clue that those are not reliable sources. It appears that I can go there and edit the numbers to be anything I want. — JohnFromPinckney (talk) 01:47, 12 December 2011 (UTC)

Minogue has sold more than 68 million records worldwide, according to this source. Lucas RdS (talk) 18:43, 19 December 2011 (UTC)

We can't use the 68 million claim due to Minogue not having enough certified sales per our requirement posted at the top of this discussion page. Also, refer to this brief archived discussion.--Harout72 (talk) 23:41, 19 December 2011 (UTC)

Tina Turner sales exceed 180 million

y punto — Preceding unsigned comment added by Hilltusk (talk • contribs) 21:53, 16 December 2011 (UTC)

Main artist vs. featured artist

I think certifications shouldn't count for main & featured artist. If we do this for all, many other artists would reach over 50 million for example lil wayne, kanye west, 50 cent and maybe snoop dogg or T-Pain

Ich901 (talk) 16:26, 22 December 2011 (UTC)Ich901

When news services publish sales figures, those figures include the sales of all records, both solo and duo (featured). Therefore, certifications received for featured artists should count also. As for the artists you named above, I haven't seen reliable sources claim 50 million+ record sales for any one of them. If they did, I would be willing to go over their certified sales. It's highly doubtable; however, that any one of those above could have reached the 50 million sales mark, even with all the collaborations they've done.--Harout72 (talk) 16:42, 22 December 2011 (UTC)

the certifications in lil waynes discography added together are over 50mio. for the others I don't know but they could come very close if we count certifications from features.Ich901 (talk) 16:50, 22 December 2011 (UTC)Ich901

They all need to be verified, we have so many fans on wiki posting non-existent certifications. And if they are all true, then, there should be a corresponding sales figure published somewhere.--Harout72 (talk) 16:57, 22 December 2011 (UTC)

Gaga and Rihanna

What a lie, it's so fake.--186.91.134.184 (talk) 05:15, 29 December 2011 (UTC)

Modern Talking

From the Modern Talking article: "Global sales of Modern Talking, after the duo's second and final break-up in 2003, had reached 120 million singles and albums combined,[14] making them the biggest-selling German music act in history,[14] so far outselling even Frank Farian's projects Boney M. and Milli Vanilli, Michael Cretu's Enigma, Sandra as well as Scorpions and Rammstein."

Why aren't they listed on this page AT ALL in that case? 79.117.223.243 (talk) 14:54, 22 December 2011 (UTC)

according to the german discography they have 8,266,000 in certified sales.Ich901 (talk) 15:03, 22 December 2011 (UTC)Ich901

This list largely relies on certified sales, not just sales figures claimed by sources. Modern Talking's available certified sales are only 9.1 million including 5.7 million from Germany. Since they've begun charting in 1984, per our requirements posted above, they would need their 120 million claim supported by 27% certified sales, which translates into 32.4 million certified units. Which is not the case with them, therefore, they're not on the list.--Harout72 (talk)

16:32, 22 December 2011 (UTC)

some certifications are missing: Russia, Hong Kong, Latvia but it would be still under 10 mio I guess.

I've found a German source from Bild here, which says 60 million for them. Mattg82 (talk) 17:07, 30 December 2011 (UTC)

Unfortunately, their 9.1 million in certified sales can only support some 33.7 million claim. Because they've begun charting in 1984 and their claim should be supported by 27% certified sales. I don't see how they could get on the list, really. At least, the news services are beginning to realize that the MT could not have sold as much as they all once used to claim, 100-120 million.--Harout72 (talk) 00:23, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

Pink Floyd - update sales in Australia

Hello,

Figure is updated from 2 tot 2,67 million:

• Pink Floyd The Dark Side Of The Moon EMI 14x PLATINUM (980.000)
• Pink Floyd The Wall EMI 11x PLATINUM (770.000)
• Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here EMI 7x PLATINUM (490.000)
• Pink Floyd The Best of Pink Floyd 1x PLATINUM (70.000)
• Pink Floyd The Wall dvd 10x PLATINUM (150.000)
• Pink Floyd DSOTM dvd 4x PLATINUM (60.000)
• Pink Floyd PULSE dvd 10x PLATINUM (150.000)

So, in total at least 2.670.000 certificated sales as of 1997.

Christo jones (talk) 11:46, 29 December 2011 (UTC)

In Australia, the certification-levels in/around the 1970s and even in the 1980s were Platinum=50,000, Gold=25,000, for example see articles like this and this. Therefore, as stated on ARIA's site for 2011 album-certifications, the 14x Platinum for The Dark Side of the Moon translates into 700,000, the 11x Platinum for The Wall translates into 550,000, and the 7x Platinum for Wish You Were Here translates into 350,000. Pink Floyd's Australian total according to certifications posted on ARIA's site is 2,030,000. See this file that I have put together for their detailed certified sales. You had also changed their Argentina's certified sales claiming in this edit: updated Pink Floyd's sales in Argentina (dvd sales 60.000, etc.). CAPIF has only 4 DVDs certified for Pink Floyd, each Platinum at 8,000. Where is the 60,000 coming from? As for Argentinean Audio certification,the total is 580,000. I'm not sure how you turned 612,000 to 750,000 here.--Harout72 (talk) 16:28, 29 December 2011 (UTC)

In Australia, the DSOTM is certified 14x Platinum, meaning 980.000 copies sold. If you go to the ARIA site --> charts --> accreditations, than you will see that Platinum means 70.000 units & Gold 35.000 units. Since album sales are decreasing, it's unlogical that artists should sell more units (20.000) to obtain Platinum than in the past (like you've said 50.000). In fact more than one million copies are sold in Australia of the album as mentioned in this source:[4] or [5]. So, an update is surely required for the Australian sales. The site of CAPIF was not clear enough to me concerning the gold or platinum for DVD's. I based my figures on the Wikipedia article: [6] There's mentioned that platinum equals 15.000 copies. If platinum equals only 8.000 copies, than that is very low for such a big country.

• As of 01/01/2001: gold = 20.000, platinum = 40.000
• Before 01/01/2001: gold = 50.000, platinum = 100.000

• Dark Side of The Moon: 2 times platinum in 1991 and 1994, so in fact 400.000 copies (but take 200.000 copies).
• The Wall: 1x platinum in 1999 = 100.000
• Wish You Were Here: 1x gold in 1999 = 50.000
• Pulse: 1x gold in 1999 = 50.000
• Delicate Sound of Thunder: 1x gold in 1989 = 50.000
• A Momentary Lapse of Reason: 1x platinum in 1987 = 100.000
• Echoes: 1x platinum in 2001 = 40.000

So, total sales in Argentina: at least 690.000 albums + 60.000 DVD's = 750.000. Also to be changed at least to 690.000 copies. Christo jones (talk) 14:19, 30 December 2011 (UTC)

The Billboard sources that I have provided are very reliable and clearly support that the Platinum certification-level in Australia in the '70s and '80s was 50,000. Those certification-levels (Gold=35,000, Platinum=70,000) that you are referring to, are for releases after 1989. What exactly makes Report Spotlight and accessmylibrary.com reliable sources?

As for Argentina's DVD certification-levels, they have raised their levels sometime after 2009. Refer to the following IFPI certification-levels, in 2007, Platinum was 8,000, in 2009, Platinum was 8,000, in 2011, Platinum is 15,000. And all of the Pink Floyd's Videos have been certified before 2009. As for Argentina's album-levels, the 100,000 units was for Various Compilation albums, possibly 2CD / 2Cassette / 2Vinyl, which was suppressed in 2001. Before 2001, Argentina's levels for Cassettes /Vinyl / CD (although not mentioned) albums were: Gold=30,000, Platinum=60,000, also see this Billboard article. By the way, the size of a country alone doesn't determine the certification-levels. The certification-levels are based on two factors, 1)Economy, 2)Population. In other words, huge population with weak economy doesn't translate into large Market. Similarly, strong economy with small population doesn't translate into large Music Market either. Both factors must be present in order for countries to have large Music Markets with high certification-levels. --Harout72 (talk) 00:07, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

Certified sales > Certified units

Since some certifications are based on shipments rather than just sales, would it be better to put Total certified units and Total available certified units within the tables Mattg82 (talk) 15:09, 30 December 2011 (UTC)

A valid point. I think it should be "Total certified units". Scieberking (talk) 15:42, 30 December 2011 (UTC)

Yes I think it would be OK to replace Sales with Units as the latter is more accurate in our case.--Harout72 (talk) 16:23, 30 December 2011 (UTC)

Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Look: http://northamerica.mtvema.com/?category=bestworldstage — Preceding unsigned comment added by Soleado1997 (talk • contribs) 22:27, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

Iglesias doesn't have enough certified units to support 100 million claim, we largely rely on certified sales here, see the requirements posted above. Also, you might want to refer to this archived discussion here.--Harout72 (talk) 22:50, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

Michael Jackson has sold 1 billion records

According to estate, Michael Jackson has sold 1 billion records worldwide.

"Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. To date Jackson has sold an estimated 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

SOURCE The Estate of Michael Jackson

• http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-estate-of-michael-jackson-plans-graumans-chinese-theatre-hand--footprint-ceremony-celebrating-the-king-of-pop-january-26-2012-136740033.html --193.64.22.23 (talk) 09:58, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

 Not done - Two issues with your proposition. First off, you see the source? The estate of Michael Jackson, most probably in the form of a record label etc. We can only use reliable third-party sources, not re-prints of information from his team. Also, his certifications only equal 156 million, not even close to the required amount for that inflated number.--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 10:55, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Here's some source http://www.thestreet.com/story/11366583/1/the-estate-of-michael-jackson-plans-graumans-chinese-theatre-hand-footprint-ceremony-celebrating-the-king-of-pop-january-26-2012.html --ADKIc3mAnX (talk) 20:18, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

The figure within thestreet.com comes from PR Newswire also. Which is a figure released by Jackson's Estate, and that automatically makes the figure unreliable. Besides, the 750 million is inflated enough based on Jackson's available certified units.--Harout72 (talk) 20:33, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

Should Rihanna's Total be Increased?

The official reference for Rihanna's 80 million unit sales is from a biography of her from German MTV. According to her official site, she has sold 130 million units worldwide. Here is a link: http://www.rihannanow.com/bio/

Since she has undoubtedly sold more than half of that total (nearing 70 million, according to the main article), perhaps she should be bumped up into the 120-149 Million group. — Preceding unsigned comment added by TJ327 (talk • contribs) 01:03, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

Rihanna's 69.1 in certified sales can support up to 115 million claim. Since she's begun charting in 2005, per our requirements posted above, Rihanna's claimed figures need to be covered by 60% certified sales. By the way, the source that you've provided above cannot be regarded as reliable. Figures should come from third party sources, preferably news services.--Harout72 (talk) 01:36, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

I have found a new source that says 130 million units: http://n91live.com/featured-talent.html Ilikeriri (talk) 20:14, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

Sorry but the source above doesn't cut it as a reliable source. This pages requires highly reliable sources, see the references section for examples of the type of sources that are required.Mattg82 (talk) 20:33, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

You know that the source of German MTV is a copy of an older version of the German Wikipedia Rihanna article?! And in the present article is also written 30 million album and 100 single units. Ilikeriri (talk) 21:08, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

MTV Germany copied from the German wikipedia or the editors of the German wikipedia copied from the MTV Germany? Probably the latter. Whatever the case might be, the German wikipedia's figure for Rihanna is supported by Rihanna's official site, which is not reliable.--Harout72 (talk) 23:19, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

User:Ilikeriri is right, the creative commons link at the bottom of the page link back to German Wikipedia. We are circular referencing here. Mattg82 (talk) 17:47, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

OK, any reliable sources for Rihanna that claim total of up to 115 million units?--Harout72 (talk) 22:52, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

We have the same problem for Paul McCartney who is also referenced from MTV Germany. Mattg82 (talk) 18:33, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

Lady Gaga

Obviously Lady gaga has not sold 68 million records. She has sold 24 million records and 45 million SINGLES.. but single sales do not count. In that case shakira Has sold 125 million. So lady gaga has not be in that list.. she's a newbie.

The list includes single sales. The second sentence at the top of the article reads: The sales figures within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation-albums, videos as well as downloads of singles and full-length albums. Certified singles are also counted. Mattg82 (talk) 19:53, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

The Moody Blues

On The Moody Blues wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Moody_Blues it says that the band has sold in excess of 70 million albums. There is no source for it, and if it is true, shouldn't it be on this list? — Preceding unsigned comment added by JCole416 (talk • contribs) 05:15, 10 January 2012 (UTC) JCole416 (talk) 05:19, 10 January 2012 (UTC)

Edit request on 10 January 2012, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath record sales

In the list of best selling music artists there are two promenant mistakes regarding sales statistics for at least two artist. It states in the list that Iron Maiden have sold 70 million records, where as this artist wiki page and many other references state they have sold over 85 million (please see Iron Maiden's wiki page and : Pfanner, Eric (5 September 2010). "Die-Hard Fans Follow Iron Maiden Into the Digital Age". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/business/media/06maiden.html?_r=2&ref=music. Retrieved 10-11-2010. ) And in the list it stated that Black Sabbath have sold 50 million records, where as this artist wiki page and many other references state they have sold over 70 million (please see Black Sabbath's wiki page and : ^ "Black Sabbath Is Back". Black Sabbath. 11 November 2011). This is misleading as different wikipedia pages are contradicting each other and I believe these should be updated.

Clayden82 (talk) 12:36, 10 January 2012 (UTC)

The claimed figures used on here must be supported by certain percentage of certified sales. That information is posted in the second box from the top on this talk-page. That said, Iron Maiden's available 15.5 million certified sales can support claimed figures of up to 71 million considering the year of their first chart appearance. As for Black Sabbath, this source which is being used to support the 70 million claim on their wiki page is not a reliable source.--Harout72 (talk) 16:29, 10 January 2012 (UTC)

Ridiculous

I think this list s ridiculous! It's like Mariah fans Vs. Whitney fans and each side pumping their sales up. Then you have newcomers like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry etc.. All their crazy fans cos there doing well at the moment thinking their legends now and should be in this list so make false claims up.

If that's the case why isn't Kelly ROWLAND here? 40 million album sales with Destiny's Child and 20 million singles. 4 Million solo album sales and 18 million solo/duet single sales. Total of 82 million!! All the sources is on her wiki page, So let's add her in this case. If Rihanna, Beyonce and GaGa is on this list so let be Ms. Rowland.

I don't think we have had Mariah fans or Whitney fans around this page for sometime. There overall sales have been static for quite a while and have not been pumped up by fans coming here and editing them. It would soon be reverted if such changes were made. As for Kelly Rowland, we only count sales of records that solo artists have recorded themselves. We don't include sales of when they were part of a band/group. Mattg82 (talk) 02:54, 16 January 2012 (UTC)

Is BET a reliable source?

Various artist's sales are based on confirmations by either VH1 or MTV, so I was wondering if BET, short for Black Entertainment Television, is regarded reliable as well? Thanks for your replies. Malcolmo (talk) 22:57, 14 January 2012 (UTC)

Editors, note that Malcolmo has an answer sitting already at his talk-page.--Harout72 (talk) 09:23, 15 January 2012 (UTC)

Ray Charles

I was wondering if we could add Ray Charles to the list around where Dolly Parton is. The only reference I found claiming 50 million records or more is from ABC news and it claims 100 million albums sold (http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=107381&page=1#.TxRq0WO3Amk).

In addition, I did a bit of research and Charles has sold 13 million in the U.S. alone (Type "Ray Charles" in the artist field in advanced search at http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php) Once we add in other certifications, he could reach the required 15 million mark. Mauri96 (talk) 19:03, 16 January 2012 (UTC)

The sources that you have above can't be used as it claims 100 million albums. I see that Charles' U.S. certified sales are based on Albums, one Single and two videos; therefore, the source should claim Records (albums, singles, videos). BTW, RIAA contains 7.5 million certified album-units, 1 million certified single-units and 150,000 certified video-units, total is 8,650,000. I don't think we'll be able to pull some 6.5 million from the rest of the markets. The BPI has only 200,000 certified album-units. Music Canada has 300,000 certified album-units, and 10,000 certified video-units. Bundesverband Musikinustrie has 200,000 certified album-units. SNEP has 500,000 certified album-units. All in all, it's not going to reach the 15 million mark.--Harout72 (talk) 00:31, 17 January 2012 (UTC)

Oh well, then. I guess we'll have to wait some 30 years or so until he reaches 15 million. XD Mauri96 (talk) 18:15, 17 January 2012 (UTC)

Backstreet Boys higher sales

Since Gaga and Rihanna have been included due to singles, The Backstreet Boys sales are over 2000 million. Its obvious that not all artists entire records are counted, the majority just have their albums counted. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.220.231.60 (talk) 10:21, 17 January 2012 (UTC)

Cyndi Lauper 60 million albums and singles worldwide

In Brazilian Label/Record official site (Lab 344) of Cyndi Lauper page,say that she sold more than 60 millions of copies worldwide (albums and singles). http://www.lab344.com.br/site/artista-8.html — Preceding unsigned comment added by 187.2.228.119 (talk) 14:25, 10 June 2011 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 189.29.121.23 (talk)

Another source said that her has sold more than 50 millions of copies worldwide. http://www.ticketwarehouse.com/concert-tickets/pop/cyndi-lauper.php — Preceding unsigned comment added by 189.29.121.23 (talk) 22:48, 21 January 2012 (UTC)

The famous and respected Brazilian Newspaper "Gazeta do Povo" said that her has sold 60 millions of copies worldwide. http://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/cadernog/conteudo.phtml?id=767860

Cyndi Lauper gold and platinum certification worldwide

US (Source RIAA and Nielsen SoundScan/Billboard):

ALBUMS (www.riaa.com , http://www.google.com.br/search?q=cyndi+lauper+a+night+to+remember+1989&hl=pt-BR&tbo=1&prmdo=1&tbm=bks&ei=RIUoTqOUK-XY0QHTu6T7Cg&start=10&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=591#pq=cyndi+lauper+a+night+to+remember+1989&hl=pt-BR&ds=bo&cp=13&gs_id=d&xhr=t&q=cyndi+lauper+A+Night+to+Remember+in+1989%2C+half+a+million&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&tbo=1&prmdo=1&tbm=bks&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=cyndi+lauper+A+Night+to+Remember+in+1989,+half+a+million&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&fp=1&biw=1366&bih=563&bs=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&cad=b , http://www.billboard.com/news/ask-billboard-1984866.story#/news/ask-billboard-1984866.story , http://www.billboard.com/news/ask-billboard-2043727.story#/news/ask-billboard-2043727.story , http://www.billboard.com/features/ask-billboard-1000463343.story#/features/ask-billboard-1000463343.story and http://www.billboard.com/news/ask-billboard-tina-turner-top-selling-rap-1003841940.story#/news/ask-billboard-tina-turner-top-selling-rap-1003841940.story)

She's So Unusual has sold more than 6,000,000 copies

True Colors has sold more than 2,000,000 copies

A Night To Remember has sold 500,000 copies (Tom & Sara Pendergast, (1999). St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, Volume 3. St. James Press. ISBN 1-558-62400-7 (set) ISBN 1-558-62403-1 (v.3))

Hat Full Of Stars has sold 119,000 copies

Twelve Deadly Cyns...and then some has sold 565,000 copies

Sisters Of Avalon has sold 56,000 copies

Merry Christmas...Have A Nive Life! has sold 26,000 copies

Shine has sold 41,000 copies

At Last has sold 276,000 copies

The Essential Cyndi Lauper has sold 15,000 copies

Bring Ya To To The Brink has sold 33,000 copies

SINGLES (www.riaa.com)

Girls Just Want To Have Fun has sold 2,000,000 copies

Time After has sold Time 500,000 copies

She Bop has sold 500,000 copies

All Through The Night has sold ½ million units (http://www.cyndilauperdiscography.moonfruit.com/#/antr-us-marketing-in/4522964112)

Same Ol' Story has sold 5,000 digital copies

Into The Nightlife has sold 16,000 digital copies — Preceding unsigned comment added by 187.2.225.19 (talk) 18:09, 22 January 2012 (UTC)

DVD (www.riaa.com)

At Last has sold 25,000 copies

UK (Source BPI):

ALBUMS (http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx)

She's So Unusual has sold 100,000 copies

True Colors has sold more than 60,000 copies

Twelve Deadly Cyns...and then some has sold more than 600,000 copies

SINGLES (http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx)

Girls Just Want To Have Fun has sold 200,000 copies

Time After Time has sold 200,000 copies

Hey Now (Girls Just Want To Have Fun) has sold 200,000 copies

GERMANY (Source BVMI):

ALBUMS (http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin_datenbank/?action=suche&strTitel=She%27s)

Shes's So Unusual has sold 250,000 copies

CANADA (Source Music Canada):

ALBUMS (http://www.musiccanada.com/GoldPlatinum.aspx)

She's So Unusual has sold 800,000 copies

True Colors has sold 200,000 copies

A Night To Remember has sold 50,000 copies

SINGLES (http://www.musiccanada.com/GoldPlatinum.aspx)

Girls Just Want To Have Fun has sold 20,000 copies

Time After Time has sold 10,000 copies

She Bop has sold 5,000 copies

All Through The Night has sold 5,000 copies

The Goonies 'R' Good Enough has sold 5,000 copies

True Colors has sold 5,000 copies

FRANCE (Source Info Disc)

ALBUMS (http://www.infodisc.fr/Certif_Album.php)

She's So Unusual has sold 100,000 copies

True Colors has sold 100,000 copies

A Night To Remember has sold 100,000 copies

Twelve Deadly Cyns...and then some has sold 300,000 copies

SINGLES (http://www.infodisc.fr/Single_Certif.php)

Girls Just Want To Have Fun has sold 500,000 copies

The World Is Stone has sold 250,000 copies

Total Amount:1,629,000 copies (http://www.infodisc.fr/Single_Vente_Artiste.php)

HONG KONG (Source IFPI Hong Kong)

ALBUMS (http://www.ifpihk.org/www_1/go10e.php and http://www.ifpihk.org/www_1/go9e.php)

She's So Unusual has sold 10,000 copies

True Colors has sold 10,000 copies

JAPAN (Source Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970-2005,2006. ISBN 4871310779 and http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~yamag/album/al_cyndilauper.html)

ALBUMS

She's So Unusual has sold 372,000 copies

True Colors has sold 404,000 copies

A Night To Remember has sold 145,000 copies

Best Remixes has sold 9,000 copies

Hat Full Of Stars has sold 70,000 copies

Twelve Deadly Cyns...and then some has sold 1,000,000 copies (http://www18.ocn.ne.jp/~hbr/jp1mal_e.htm)

Sisters Of Avalon has sold 95,000 copies

Merry Christmas...Have A Nice Life! has sold 5,000 copies

The Body Acoustic has sold 18,000 copies

SINGLES

Girls Just Want To Have Fun has sold 110,420 copies

Time After Time has sold 23,820 copies

She Bop has sold 38,040 copies

The Goonies 'R' Good Enough has sold 42,920 copies

True Colors has sold 11,240 copies

SWITZERLAND (Source IFPI Switzerland)

ALBUMS (http://www.swisscharts.com/search_certifications.asp?search=Cyndi+Lauper)

She's So Unusual has sold 50,000 copies

Twelve Deadly Cyns...and then some has sold 25,000 copies

AUSTRALIA (Source ARIA Charts)

ALBUMS (http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupageshttpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2008Albums.htm ,to A Night To Remember album certification please send a e-mail to ARIA to confirmation because this real)

A Night To Remember has sold 35,000 copies

Great Cyndi Lauper has sold 35,000 copies

BRAZIL (Source ABPD,Brazilian Magazine Veja and Brazilian CBS Records (now Sony Music))

ALBUMS (http://www.abpd.org.br/certificados.asp search 'Cindy Lauper',http://www.flickr.com/photos/56495733@N05/5301319390/in/photostream/ and http://veja.abril.com.br/acervodigital/home.aspx) 'Veja' #950 11/19/1986

She's So Unusual has sold 105,000 copies

True Colors has sold 200,000 copies

A Night To Remember has sold 100,000 copies

Twelve Deadly Cyns...and then some has sold 100,000 copies

PHILIPPINES (Source OctoArts International, who was the distributor of CBS Records at that time and http://carlodelarosa.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/200th-post-cyndi-lauper-donated-to-the-typhoon-victims-in-the-philippines-in-1989/)

ALBUMS

She's So Unusual (won 2x platinum certification) has sold 80,000 copies

True Colors (won platinum certification) has sold 40,000 copies

— Preceding unsigned comment added by 187.2.225.19 (talk) 15:54, 22 January 2012 (UTC)

I went over Lauper's certified sales which is some 16.6 million. A few tips for you about your insertions above.

• US certification-levels for Video Longforms are: Platinum=100,000, Gold=50,000.
• Don't post sales figures, we are to rely strictly on Certifications coming directly from certifying bodies. Artists sites should not be used at all.
• UK certification-levels for Singles before 1989 were: Platinum=1,000,000, Gold=500,000, Silver=250,000, see BPI Timeline.
• Canada's certification-levels for Physical Singles from February 1982 until sometime in 2002, were: Platinum=100,000, Gold=50,000.

With regards to your source from Brazil, it seems to state 60 million albums and 6 million singles, correct? Is there an English language reliable source (preferably newspaper) that claims a similar figure for Lauper?--Harout72 (talk) 19:16, 22 January 2012 (UTC)-->

Yes,the Brazilian famous and respected Newspaper/Journal online it said that her has sold 60 millions albums worldwide and 6 million singles worldwide. http://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/cadernog/conteudo.phtml?id=767860 The Label LAB344 said that Cyndi Lauper has sold 45 million albums, 20 million singles and 1 million DVD. Total amount of 66 millions of copies worldwide. http://www.lab344.com.br/site/artista-8.html

BBC claims that Lauper has sold 50 million records. CBS claims that Lauper's sold 25 million records, which to be honest is a logical figure considering that her available certified sales sits at 16.6 million. Claiming 65 million records is quite inflated it seems. I Believe Lauper shouldn't be inserted into this list with anything more than 50 million records. That's high enough as she doesn't have enough certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 01:05, 23 January 2012 (UTC)

The Journal The Times said that She's So Unusual Album has sold 16 million copies worldwide. http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article4429585.ece

Twelve Deadly Cyns...and then some has more than 3 million copies worldwide. http://books.google.com.br/books?id=0QsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA57&dq=billboard+10+jun+1995&hl=pt-BR&sa=X&ei=Ds4dT7TrK6K62gX6h7ngDg&ved=0CE4Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Cyndi%20Lauper&f=false

Note that this information was 1995 and this albums to be sold (to drag on) until 1997 where won gold certification in US and in U.K. this album has sold nearly 900.000 units. http://books.google.com.br/books?id=0QsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA57&dq=billboard+10+jun+1995&hl=pt-BR&sa=X&ei=Ds4dT7TrK6K62gX6h7ngDg&ved=0CE4Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Cyndi%20Lauper&f=false

The A Night To Remember album has sold nearly 500,000 copies in US. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/14/arts/pop-music-the-marketing-muscle-behind-mariah-carey.html?pagewanted=5&src=pm

The 'So What Media' said that albums She's So Unusual, True Colors, A Night To Remember and Hat Full Of Stars has sold collective sales of over 20 million in 1995. Read article here: http://www.cyndilauperdiscography.moonfruit.com/#/twelve-deadly-cyns/4522644698

I guess that her sold over 50 million, because this information about 25 million is old. Yore was the Company Records who gave the platinum and gold certifications worldwide but latter was created The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). And ancient certifications had lost its value (Ex: in Brazil Cyndi Lauper won gold and platinum certifications in 1989 with albums She's So Unusual, True Colors and A Night To Remember documented with photos, but it not appear in Brazilian ABPD). Another example is Australian ARIA that was created in 1988 and before it was Kent Music Report (which was later renamed as the 'Australian Music Report') was gave the certifications. Therefore that albums of Cyndi Lauper She's So Unusual, True Colors and A Night To Remember not appear certified. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 187.2.226.4 (talk) 22:42, 23 January 2012 (UTC)

I can't view the 16 million that The Times says about She's So Unusual, it requires subscription nowadays. 16 million seems inflated though, for She's So Unusual as the certified units for that album don't agree with anything higher than 10 million max. Yes, I understand that we can't see the certifications for some of the medium size music markets because they didn't have certification-systems until early '90s including Italy and Spain. As for Australia, their earlier certified albums appear on ARIA's web site when they get re-certified. Hopefully, they do get re-certified, that way we can have Australia's certifications also. But let's bear in mind that U.S., German, U.K., French and Canadian markets (the certification for which we have) generate good 60% of the global sales. Anyways, I've inserted Lauper into the list using BBC Radio 2's article.--Harout72 (talk) 03:56, 24 January 2012 (UTC)