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RIAJ Gold/Platinum Awards (under the Old Criteria)

Artists with 250 million or more worldwide sales

Michael Jackson (マイケル･ジャクソン)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Thriller (スリラー) Gold ― March 1994
  • BAD Gold ― November 1994
  • HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (ヒストリー パスト、プレズント・アンド・フューチャー ブック1) ― 2×Platinum ― July 1995
  • Blood on the Dance Floor (ブラッド・オン・ザ・ダンス・フロア/ヒストリー・イン・ザ・ミックス) ― Gold ― May 1997
  • Invincible (インヴィンシブル) ― Platinum ― October 2001
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.9 million units (900,000 albums)
Elvis Presley (エルヴィス・プレスリー)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Mega Elvis ― Gold ―　November 1995
  • ELV1S ― Platinum ―　November 2002
Singles
  • "A Little Less Conversation" ― Gold ―　May 2003
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Jul '03
  • 0.35 million units ― (300,000 albums + 50,000 singles)
Madonna (マドンナ)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Like a Virgin (ライク・ア・ヴァージン) ― Gold ―　March 1994
  • True Blue (トゥルー・ブルー) ― Gold ―　March 1994
  • Erotica (エロティカ) ― 2× Platinum ―　November 1994
  • Bedtime Stories (ベッドタイム・ストーリーズ) ― Platinum ―　November 1994
  • Evita: Original Soundtrack (エビータ) ― Gold ―　January 1994 (NOTE: counted as the album by Madonna)
  • Something to Remember (サムシング・トゥ・リメンバー) ― 2×Platinum ― May 1997
  • The Immaculate Collection (ウルトラ・マドンナ～グレイテスト・ヒッツ) ― 4×Platinum ― February 1998
  • Ray of Light (レイ・オブ・ライト) ― 2×Platinum ― May 1998
  • Music ― Platinum ― September 2000
  • GHV2 (グレイテスト・ヒッツ VOL.2) ― Platinum ― December 2001
Singles
  • "La Isla Bonita" (ラ・イスラ・ボニータ) ― Gold ― October 1995
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 2.95 million units ― (2,900,000 albums + 50,000 singles)

There also seems to be a Platinum-award (200,000 units) for Ballad Collection by Madonna, posted in January 1996. But I cannot verify the certification you've posted for the single "La Isla Bonita" in December 1995 . The following "ラ・イス弓・ボニータノマドシナ(WJ)" translates into something else by Google. Is that the one? I have yet to get to the rest you've posted as I've gone through only the years 1994, 1995, 1996. I will most likely add all of the certifications when I'm though with all of the years. I should be done sometime in the next week. --Harout72 (talk) 16:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Sorry, I mistook the Japanese title for Something to Remember album. In Japan, it was released under the Japanese subtitle Best of Madonna: Ballad Collection (ベスト・オブ・マドンナ～バラード・コレクション). Ballad Collecton seems the same release as Something to Remember. --Fugreena (talk) 18:25, 14 July 2013
>Is that the one?
Yes. --Fugreena (talk) 18:29, 14 July 2013
Led Zeppelin (レッド・ツェッペリン)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Led Zeppelin ― Gold ―　November 1993
  • BBC Sessions (BBCライヴ) ― Gold ―　December 1997
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.2 million units ― (200,000 albums)
Elton John (エルトン・ジョン)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • The Very Best of Elton John (ベリー・ベスト・オブ・エルトン・ジョン) ― Gold ― March 1995
  • Made in England (メイド・イン・イングランド) ― Gold ― May 1995
  • Love Songs ― Gold ― December 1995
  • Your Song: Elton John Greatest Hits (YOUR SONG～エルトン・ジョン・グレイテスト・ヒッツ)(NOTE: expanded reissue of 1974 Greatest Hits compilation) ― Gold ― July 1996
  • Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (グッバイ・イエロー・ブリック・ロード)(NOTE: retitled edition of 1996 Your Song compilation, not 1973 same-titled album) ― Platinum ― December 2000
Singles — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (愛を感じて) ― Gold ― March 1995
  • "Your Song" (僕の歌は君の歌) ― Gold ― July 1996
  • "Candle in the Wind 1997"/"Something About the Way You Look Tonight" (キャンドル・イン・ザ・ウィンド～ダイアナ元英皇太子妃に捧ぐ) ― 4×Platinum ― October 1997
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 1.1 million units ― (600,000 albums + 500,000 singles)　NOTE: excluding sales for Gold-certified Lion King soundtrack released in 1994, because it was not regarded as Elton John's album by the RIAJ.
Pink Floyd (ピンク・フロイド)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • The Division Bell (対～TSUI) ― Gold ―　November 1994
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.1 million units ― (100,000 albums)

200 to 249 million

Mariah Carey (マライア・キャリー)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Music Box― Million ―　April 1994
  • Any Time You Need a Friend (エニタイム・ユー・ニード・ア・フレンド)(EP) ― Gold ―　Novemeber 1994
  • Mariah Carey (マライア・キャリー) ― 3× Platinum ―　January 1995
  • Daydream (デイドリーム) ― Million ―　October 1995
  • Emotions (エモーションズ) ― 4× Platinum ―　May 1996
  • Merry Christmas (メリー・クリスマス) ― 2× Million ―　December 1996
  • Butterfly (バタフライ) ― Million ―　September 1997
  • MTV Unplugged (MTVアンプラグド) ― 2× Platinum ―　October 1998
  • #1's (Number Ones) ― 3× Million ― December 1998
  • Rainbow ― 4× Platinum ―　November 1999
  • Glitter (グリッター) (soundtrack) ― Platinum ―　September 2001
  • Greatest Hits (グレイテスト・ヒッツ) ― Platinum ―　December 2001
  • Charmbracelet (チャームブレスレット) ― Platinum ―　November 2002
Singles — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (恋人たちのクリスマス) ― Million ―　January 1995
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 12.3 million units ― (11,300,000 albums + 1,000,000 singles)
Whitney Houston (ホイットニー・ヒューストン)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • The Bodyguard (ボディガード～オリジナル・サウンドトラック) (Soundtrack, as featured artist) ― 2× Million ―　December 1994
  • Waiting to Exhale' (ため息つかせて～オリジナル・サウンドトラック) (Soundtrack, as featured artist) ― Platinum ―　January 1996
  • The Preacher's Wife (天使の贈りもの～オリジナル・サウンドトラック)(Soundtrack) ― Platinum ―　February 1997
  • Waiting to Exhale (ため息つかせて～オリジナル・サウンドトラック) (Soundtrack, as featured artist) ― Platinum ―　February 1997
  • I'm Your Baby Tonight (アイム・ユア・ベイビー・トゥナイト) ― 2× Platinum ―　February 1997
  • My Love Is Your Love (マイ・ラヴ・イズ・ユア・ラヴ) ― Platinum ―　December 1998
  • The Greatest Hits (グレイテスト・ヒッツ) ― 3× Platinum ―　July 2000
  • Love, Whitney ― Gold ―　December 2001
  • Just Whitney ― Gold ―　January 2003
Singles — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • "All at Once" (オール・アット・ワンス) ― Gold ―　August 1996
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 4.05 million units ― (4,000,000 albums + 50,000 singles)(NOTE: Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack, issued in Dec 1995, was certified Platinum twice for unknown reason)

You have 5x Platinum for "I Will Always Love You" certified in June 1993? The database for The Record starts from 1994. Where can I find it?--Harout72 (talk) 19:06, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Sorry. Mistakenly, I wrote down more older certification. Please forget it. I'm providing the information based on the complete list of Gold/Platinum-certified international products between 1989 and 2003, including some unavailable data on the official RIAJ website. --- Fugreena (talk) 22:57, 14 July 2013‎ (UTC)
Celine Dion (セリーヌ・ディオン)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Celine Dion (セリーヌ・ディオン) ― Gold ―　August 1996
  • Colour of My Love (ラヴ・ストーリーズ) ― 3×Platinum ―　January 1996
  • Let's Talk About Love (レッツ・トーク・アバウト・ラヴ) ― Million ―　May 1998
  • Falling into You ― 4×Platinum ―　October 1998
  • All the Way... A Decade of Song (ザ・ベリー・ベスト) ― Million ―　November 1998
  • These Are Special Times (スペシャル・タイムス) ― 2×Platinum ―　November 1998
  • The Collector's Series, Volume One (スペシャル・ベスト) ― Gold ―　January 2001
  • A New Day Has Come (ア・ニュー・デイ・ハズ・カム) ― Gold ―　March 2002
Singles
  • "To Love You More" (トゥ・ラヴ・ユー・モア) ― Million ―　January 1996
  • "Beauty and the Beast" (ビューティー・アンド・ザ・ビースト〜美女と野獣) ― Platinum ―　November 1996
  • "The Power of the Dream" (パワー・オブ・ザ・ドリーム) ― Gold ―　January 1997
  • "Be the Man" ― Platinum ―　November 1997
  • "My Heart Will Go On" (マイ・ハート・ウィル・ゴー・オン) ― 2×Platinum ―　February 1999
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 5.55 million units ― (4,100,000 albums and 1,450,000 singles) NOTE: All the Way... later reached Double Million status (in 2007).

The Color of My Love appears as Love Stories (Special Edition) in March 1996. I take it that in Japan it was released under a different title?--Harout72 (talk) 19:06, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Don't you see the nihongo templates? If you don't care about it, I'll write the original title only. --- Fugreena (talk) 22:51, 14 July 2013‎ (UTC)
I don't think you understood my question. I'm saying that the 3x Platinum appears to be for Love Stories (Special Edition), there is no certification for Colour of My Love here, unless google mistranslates it.--Harout72 (talk) 02:42, 15 July 2013 (UTC)
ABBA (アバ)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits (アバ・ゴールド～グレイテスト・ヒッツ) ― Platinum ―　January 2001
  • S.O.S: The Best of ABBA (S.O.S.～ベスト・オブ・アバ) ― 3×Platinum ―　May 2001
Singles — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • "S.O.S."/"Chiquitita" (S.O.S./チキチータ) ― Platinum ―　February 2001
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.9 million units ― (800,000 albums + 100,000 singles) NOTE: In Feb '09, ABBA Gold reached Triple Platinum status for shipments of over 750,000 copies.
Queen (クイーン)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Greatest Hits (グレイテスト・ヒッツ) ― Gold ―　April 1995
  • Made in Heaven (メイド・イン・ヘヴン) ― Platinum ―　Janaury 1996
  • Queen Rocks (クイーン・ロックス) ― Gold ―　December 1998
  • Queen in Vision ― Gold ―　Janaury 2001
Singles — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • "I Was Born to Love You" (ボーン・トゥ・ラヴ・ユー) ― Gold ―　May 1996
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.55 million units ― (500,000 albums + 50,000 singles)
The Rolling Stones (ザ・ローリング・ストーンズ)
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Voodoo Lounge (ヴードゥー・ラウンジ) ― Gold ―　July 1994
  • Stripped ― Gold ―　November 1995
  • Bridges to Babylon (ブリッジズ・トゥ・バビロン) ― Platinum ―　October 1997
  • Forty Licks (フォーティ・リックス) ― Platinum ―　September 2002
Singles — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • "Angie" (悲しみのアンジー) ― Gold ―　August 1997
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.65 million units ― (600,000 albums + 50,000 singles)

120 to 199 million

Eagles (イーグルス)
Albums
  • The Best of Eagles (ベスト・オブ・イーグルス) ― Gold ―　Dec '94
  • Hell Freezes Over (ヘル・フリーゼス・オーヴァー) ― Platinum ―　Jan '95
  • The Very Best of the Eagles (ヴェリー・ベスト・オブ・イーグルス) ― Platinum ―　May '97
Singles
  • "Hotel California" (ホテル・カリフォルニア) ― Platinum ―　May '96
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.6 million units ― (500,000 albums + 100,000 singles)

Should we not assume that the Gold posted in February 1995 for The Best of Eagles is the same album as the Platinum posted in July 1997 for The Very Best of the Eagles released in July 11, 1994?--Harout72 (talk) 19:36, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

These are different products. The Best of Eagles is a 1990 reissue of another European-compilation originally released in 1985.--- Fugreena (talk) 23:01, 14 July 2013‎ (UTC)
Bruce Springsteen (ブルース・スプリングスティーン)
Albums
  • Greatest Hits (グレイテスト・ヒッツ) ― Platinum ―　Jan '96
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.2 million units ― (200,000 albums)
Phil Collins (フィル・コリンズ)
Albums
  • Both Sides (ボース・サイズ) ― Gold ―　May '95
  • ...Hits (グレイテスト・ヒッツ) ― 2× Platinum ―　Dec '01
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and Dec '02
  • 0.5 million units ― (500,000 albums)
U2
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • Pop ― Platinum ―　Mar '97
  • The Best of 1980-1990 ― 2× Platinum ―　Jan '99
  • All That You Can't Leave Behind ― Platinum ―　Oct '00
  • The Best of 1990-2000 ― Gold ―　Oct '02
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.9 million units ― (900,000 albums)
Billy Joel
Albums — (Left to right; Title, Level of Certification, Month of Certification)
  • 52nd Street ― Gold ―　Feb '94
  • The Stranger ― Gold ―　Mar '95
  • Greatest Hits Volume III ― Gold ―　Sep '97
  • Greatest Hits Volume I and II ― 3×Platinum ―　Oct '99
  • Ultimate Collection ― Gold ―　Apr '01
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.9 million units ― (900,000 albums)(NOTE: In later years, Ultimate Collection was certified Platinum under the new criteria, for shipments of 250,000 copies. 2004 remaster of Greatest Hits Volume I and II was also certified Gold again, aside from earlier release.

I'm also seeing 2x Platinum for a compilation album "Best of Billy Joel" posted in May 1995.--Harout72 (talk) 03:02, 15 July 2013 (UTC)

Bee Gees
Albums
  • 22 Hits of the Bee Gees ― Gold ―　May '96
Singles
  • "First of May ― Gold ―　May '96
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.15 million units ― (100,000 albums + 50,000 singles)
Aerosmith
Albums
  • Big Ones ― Platinum ―　Jan '95
  • Permanent Vacation ― Gold ―　Apr '95
  • Nine Lives (1st pressing) ― 2×Platinum ―　Mar '97
  • Nine Lives ― 2×Platinum ―　Apr '97
  • Little South of Sanity ― Platinum ―　Oct '98
  • I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (EP) ― Platinum ―　Mar '99
  • Just Push Play ― 2×Platinum ―　Mar '01
  • Ultimate Aerosmith Hits ― Platinum ―　Jul '02
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 2.1 million units ― (2,100,000 albums)

Regarding Nine Lives, are you sure they haven't mistakenly posted the same certification twice once in May 1997, and again in June 1997? Because they both happen to have the same release date and they both have been released on the same record company.--Harout72 (talk) 03:14, 15 July 2013 (UTC)

Julio Iglesias

Any of Julio Iglesias' efforts have NOT received RIAJ certification. The artist had some strong sellers in Japan, in fact, including Momentos which have sold over 800,000 copies (and became one of the country's best-selling albums during the 1980s). But those albums were from pre-RIAJ era, and never been certified at any levels, as of 2013.

The Black Eyed Peas (31 million albums and 58 million singles worldwide)

Hi Harout. How are you?. I need your advice, so far they have about 50m in certification sales, what do you think about statement that they have sold 89 million records? (31 million albums and 58 million singles worldwide).

(http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/9718353.will_i_am_flies_in_on_a____hip_hop_copter___/) / (http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/06/20/seven-time-grammy-award-winning-songwriter-and-multi-platinum-artist-william-to-perform-on-americas/)

Is this reliable and is it right to updated their claim figures? thanks. Politsi (talk) 07:59, 18 July 2013 (UTC)

They're ok for now with their current 76 million claim.--Harout72 (talk) 15:46, 18 July 2013 (UTC)

Jennifer Lopez

An article says that Jlo had sold over 80 million records. Can you please check her certified units to see if are enogh to put her on the list. http://entertainment.inquirer.net/62824/bonus-busters-jennifer-lopez-elton-john-sting-usher-in-pricey-christmastime --24.139.76.197 (talk) 19:33, 21 July 2013 (UTC)

Lopez needs her claimed figures supported by 58% certified sales (or 46.4 million certified units for 80 million claim) as her first charting year is 1999. Her available certified units are 27.9 million.--Harout72 (talk) 19:59, 21 July 2013 (UTC)

ok thanks! :) --Rudeby88 (talk) 00:27, 24 July 2013 (UTC)

75m-records of Green Day

Hi Harout. Need your advice, is this source reliable? (http://inserbia.info/news/2013/05/green-day-concert-on-kalemegdan-fortress-belgrade-tonight/) because it is stated 75m-records of Green Day.

Our source currently still stated 75m-albums, so if that source reliable I will change it. thanks Politsi (talk) 07:51, 23 July 2013 (UTC)

Our current source is a better one, and it's pretty new. Why do you want to replace it?--Harout72 (talk) 15:53, 23 July 2013 (UTC)

Well, so far I still trying to find another claim which stated records. And as we know that Green Day, Motley Crue, Shania Twain, and Meatloaf still stated albums. And if i found the better one, I will change it but if i feel looks not reliable enough. I will asking you first. thanks by the way. Politsi (talk) 01:18, 24 July 2013 (UTC)

Elton John

Hello. As I noticed, very right columns of tables in the wiki-article List of best-selling music artists include data taken out from articles, books and other elaborations. I think It would be honest to add in that column the item "300 million" for Sir Elton John, as such a value also appears from time to time. The links are given below: http://eltonjohnlasvegas.com/discography.php http://www.excite.com/events/concert-tickets/Elton-John/ http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/8-bestselling-recording-artists-time/#!/elton-john_491/ Thank You very much, Maciek 94.124.18.19 (talk) 08:17, 24 July 2013 (UTC)


Hello again, I have just found some more sources, saying about 300 million Elton John's records sold worldwide: http://www.blurtit.com/q265336.html

http://whatculture.com/film/elton-john-biopic-from-writer-of-billy-elliott.php

http://essarcentre.com/elton-john-concert-sault-ste-marie/

https://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/8-singers-or-bands-have-topped-300-million-in-record-sales-which-one-do-you-like-the-best/question-3176721/

http://www.therichest.org/entertainment/the-top-10-best-selling-artists-of-all-time/

http://amazingnews4you.com/the-top-5best-selling-artists-of-all-time/ :)

Cheers, Maciek 94.124.18.19 (talk) 09:41, 24 July 2013 (UTC)

Sales figures should come from news agencies. You also want to read the last sentences in the lead on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 15:12, 24 July 2013 (UTC)

I read those sentences. They only prove that it is absolutely subjective and wishful thinking list. While the claimed sales of other artists are increased in relation to total certified units by 185% (Madonna), through 220% (Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin), to 243% (Michael Jackson), in Elton's case it is 158%. It seems like all those numbers are taken from the ceiling and now you demand a particular source of information, ridiculous. But ok, it seems to be your own list and it looks like you do whatever you want with it, keep on. 94.124.18.19 (talk) 10:19, 25 July 2013 (UTC)

Hibari Misora & Ayumi Hamasaki

Harout, need your advice. Who is Hibari Misora? because Japan Today (http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/1001-song-hibari-misora-box-set-to-go-on-sale-from-aug) said that she has sold 80m-records. Is this reliable?

and for Hamasaki. I still can not find it, her claim still stuck on 50m-records. thanks Politsi (talk) 08:01, 23 July 2013 (UTC)

She's just one of Japan's well known artists whose records have gone uncertified as she was an early beginner, her records basically sold before Japan had certification-system. But let me know if you find something for Ayumi, even with 80 million records, she can be on this list.--Harout72 (talk) 15:44, 23 July 2013 (UTC)

Harout, i think Ayumi Hamasaki will be in same case like Eric Clapton, where their certification sales is good enough but the media seems not interest to write about them. And i just find this for Hamasaki, 75m-CD (http://www.mintry.eu/jp/archives/152) but i think that source absolutely not reliable. what do you think? thanks Politsi (talk) 03:41, 24 July 2013 (UTC)

Yeah, that source doesn't look good. I hope we find something for her in the near future. Thanks for looking around.--Harout72 (talk) 05:59, 24 July 2013 (UTC)

Edit request on 25 July 2013

Another factor that causes claimed product sales to vary from certified sales (particularly for older recording acts and artists) include piracy, which reached its peak in the late 1970's, before music copyright and anti-counterfeit piracy laws changed from civil to criminal violations. Once counterfeiting and piracy were classified as 'crimes', not civil infringments, police agencies could seize and confiscate entire inventories of pirated products as evidence in counterfeiting cases. In cases where multiple entities were found to be in collusion, RICO Statutes could also be applied. Pursuant to the 1979 Law changes. penalties for willful copyright infringement increased from $1,000 to $150,000 per instance.[1][2].

No one knows the extent to which counterfeiting and piracy affected certified sales. Estimates vary, but for some artists the impact is believed to be significant. Black Sabbath Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, and several other heavy metal or hard rock bands claim that millions of pirated and counterfeit copies of their albums have been sold worldwide, and that has significantly reduced their certified sales.[3]


Beginning in 1979, record companies began using UPC bar codes and other inventory control tagging to detect pirated returns (records which were given on consignment to major retailers, but didn't sell)[4]. Even in cases where piracy was not involved, un-accounted for returns might have significantly inflated sales. The RIAA notes that prior to the implementation of Neilsen-Soundscan in 1991, certifying sales often meant taking record company and artist statements of 'items shipped' with no accounting for any returns. [5]


204.65.0.21 (talk) 15:06, 25 July 2013 (UTC)

==
  1. ^ "U.S. Copyright Office - Copyright Law: Chapter 5". Copyright.gov. Retrieved 2013-07-25.
  2. ^ U.S. Code Title 18 Application of R.I.C.O. to goods couterfeiting and piracy.
  3. ^ Black Sabbath discussion of piracy and bootlegging.
  4. ^ Beatles Counterfeit Vinyl Essay focusing on The Beatles vinyl LP counterfeits, notes that the practices were widespread and affected sales for many recording artists during the 1970's
  5. ^ Soundscan made record sales accounting honest.

Illegally made copies isn't one of the factors for the gap between claimed sales and certified sales as those are never counted towards the total sold units by record companies, thus never submitted to those that publish record sales. The main reason for the gap between claimed sales and certified sales is the fact that record companies inflate claimed sales for promotional purposes. Second main factor for the gap is the fact that lot of the music markets didn't have certification-systems until 1970s (for key markets), 1980s and 1990s (for others), therefore, lot of older releases have gone uncertified in most markets. But the second reason plays a minor role only in creating the gap between claimed sales and certified sales, because most of the global music sales is generated by key music markets such as U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Canada, have had certification schemes since the 1970s (U.S. from 1958).--Harout72 (talk) 16:30, 25 July 2013 (UTC)

Backstreet Boys

backstreet boys have sold over 130 million albums worldwide [1] — Preceding unsigned comment added by 188.54.86.89 (talk) 00:16, 26 July 2013 (UTC)

Mariah Carey

As the Japanese certifications updated the total certified units for Mariah by [almost] double and the total certified units are updated to 125 million certified ones, I do suggest that the total claimed sales should be pushed further to 220 - 225 million. Fidel 10:05, 28 July 2013 (UTC)

Queen

Hello I just want to prove the fact that Queen has sold 300 million copies of albums. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Sabbathbloodness (talk • contribs) 06:52, 30 July 2013 (UTC)

Paul McCartney/Wings

Paul McCartney's certified-sales seems to be under-estimated. It misses a string of the albums and singles released during the artist's commercial heyday.

After the dissolution of The Beatles, McCartney had garnered international success with another band Wings. Although some releases left McCartney's name out of the credits, Wings has commonly been regarded as part of his solo career, including one of this article's core sources Billboard magazine.[2]

Aside from the Wings, Paul McCartney has never had massive record sales in last 30 years. The artist has no U.S. Multi-Platinum sellers, except for compilations, live albums, or his previous classics. Probably, the claimed sales of 100 million copies, are largely composed of his earlier career with the band. I think those releases have to be taken into account, just like Bob Marley who produced most materials with his backing band The Wailers. -- Fugreena (talk)8:22, 5 August 2013‎ (UTC)

Your source doesn't aim at a specific issue or an article, but The Wings was a band on its own, quintet. I don't think The Wings can immediately be compared to Bob Marley and The Wailers, as Marley's work was with The Wailers from the very beginning. Anyways, this is all the certified sales I have for Paul McCartney as a solo artist.--Harout72 (talk) 16:04, 5 August 2013 (UTC)
Band on the Run, certified Gold in France, is precisely not the solo album by Paul McCartney. Why is it included there? This album was certified Triple Platinum in the United States in 1991. Why is it disregarded? The same thing can be said about his collaboration singles like "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey", "Say Say Say" and "Ebony and Ivory".
I can't make out the definition of particular artists at all. It seems vague and contradictory. Contrary to McCartney, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' certified-sales seems over-estimated. Full Moon Fever should not be counted to, because it was just the solo album by the frontman of the band. -- Fugreena (talk) 19:36, 5 August 2013‎ ‎ (UTC)
Since I'm not an expert on Paul McCartney, I have included the French certification for Band on the Run only because that certification is listed along with his other solo certification here, but you spotted it since you know his materials. I will remove that from the French total. As for Tom Petty, hasn't he always been with The Heartbreakers? I think it would be more accurate if we changed Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers to simply Tom Petty on the list? After all, we are trying to include the certified sales of Tom Petty as a solo and his duo collaborations. As for the single "Say, Say, Say", the French certification and the Canadian certification are both included because it is a duo collaboration. I mentioned above that we do include duo collaborations, you probably misunderstood. In case you're interested, here is Tom Petty's certified sales. --Harout72 (talk) 20:15, 5 August 2013 (UTC)
McCartney's collaborative singles "Uncle Albert", "Ebony and Ivory" and "Say Say Say" were certified Gold or Platinum in the United States. Why are they excluded? McCartney have had many RIAA-awarded singles during the 1970s and 1980s, though they are completely ignored on your list.-- Fugreena (talk) 20:36, 5 August 2013‎ ‎ (UTC)

I'm actually glad you're discussing this with me. Again, since I'm not familiar with his releases, I have only included those certifications which certification-databases bring up when his name is entered in the search box. That said, "Uncle Albert" doesn't come up in RIAA's database when typed Paul Mc Cartney, neither the other two single. I will include those now. Let me know if there is more.--Harout72 (talk) 20:58, 5 August 2013 (UTC)

Paul McCartney has had one more Platinum-certified album Ram, co-recorded by the artist's spouse Linda. In addition, on some of earlier Wings-releases between 1972 and 1974, Paul McCartney was credited as a featured artist, for the sake of boosting sales. At least, those releases (LPs Red Rose Speedway, Band on the Run and singles "My Love", "Live and Let Die", "Band on the Run" and "Jet") should be included anyway, in my opinion.
And I say again that it's unfair to exclude Wings releases, unlike Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers (whose lead vocalist has his own independent career except for the band).
On the Billboard article that I cited before, McCartney is listed as the artist with nine number-one hits. Strictly speaking, however, he has never had a chart-topping single as a solo artist (six songs with Wings, while others are collaborations with Linda McCartney, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder). It is one of the proof that Wings has been considered McCartney's practical solo project or backing band. Not only American Charts[3], but British Official Chart Company[4][5] and Japanese Oricon Chart[6][7] also regards Wings' efforts as McCartney's solo. Even on the database of Recording Industry Association of America, Wings' (=MC CARTNEY PAUL & WINGS) releases have been categorized 'SOLO'.[8]-- Fugreena (talk) 22:13, 5 August 2013‎ ‎ (UTC)
Oh, RIAA lists the albums of the Wings as Paul McCartney & Wings? That definitely changes things quite a bit. So yes, you are right, this is very much like a collaboration between McCartney and The Wings rather than being a band on its own. OK, let me retrieve the certifications from RIAA database listed as Paul McCartney & Wings. The BPI too has lot of certifications listed for The Wings. Germany and France as well as Canada have certifications also.--Harout72 (talk) 22:34, 5 August 2013 (UTC)
I added all available certified units of The Wings to the total certified units of McCartney, here is the updated file in case you're interested.--Harout72 (talk) 00:12, 6 August 2013 (UTC)
There seems to be one extra certification missing from the list; The McCartney Years (3-DVD box set), awarded Double Platinum by the RIAA in March 2009 [9] -- Fugreena (talk) 01:13, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Actually, I also had "The Space Within Us" missing. Not sure how I'd missed those two as I'm normally very careful. Thanks.--Harout72 (talk) 02:10, 7 August 2013 (UTC)

RIAJ Gold/Platinum Awards (under the Old Criteria)

The article is still missing some of certified sales in Japan. -- Fugreena (talk)16:51, 1 August 2013‎ (UTC)

100 to 119 million

Janet Jackson
Albums
  • janet. ―　Platinum ― Feb '94
  • Design of a Decade ―　Platinum ― Dec '95
  • The Velvet Rope ―　Platinum ― Oct '97
  • All for You ―　2× Platinum ― Apr '01
  • All for You ―　2× Platinum ― Jun '01
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 1.4 million units ― (1,400,000 albums) (NOTE: All for You album was awarded Double-Platinum twice, for unknown reason. janet. was also certified Platinum twice, for the first time in August 1993.)

I'm not sure why you have two 2x Platinum awards for All for You. I see All for You certified 2x Platinum in June 2001, and then it reaches 3x Platinum in August 2001. So that is total of 600,000 units.--Harout72 (talk) 02:32, 7 August 2013 (UTC)

Def Leppard
Albums
  • Greatest Hits ―　Gold ― Oct '95
  • Euphoria ―　Gold ― Aug '99
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.2 million units ― (200,000 albums)
Is this (グレイテスト・ヒソヴ/子'7・レノマ ド (MME)) the Greatest Hits posted in December 1995? I get a completely different translations from google ('7-Renomado Greatest Hisovu / child (MME)).--Harout72 (talk) 02:56, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Title and artist in Japanese; Gureitesuto Hittsu (グレイテスト・ヒッツ) / Defu Repādo (デフ・レパード) -- Fugreena (talk) 03:03, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Carpenters
Albums
  • Yesterday Once More: Their Greatest Hits ―　Gold ― Feb '94(NOTE: Same release as 1990 UK Compilation Only Yesterday)
  • 22 Hits of the Carpenters ―　2× Million ― Jun '96
  • As Time Goes By ― Gold ― Aug '01
Singles
  • "I Need to Be in Love"/"Top of the World" ―　4× Platinum ― Jan '96
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 2.6 million units ― (2,200,000 albums + 400,000 singles)
Rod Stewart
Albums
  • Best of Rod Stewart ―　Gold ― Mar '94(NOTE: 1989 Compilation)
  • Unplugged ... and Seated ―　Gold ― Mar '94
  • Spanner in the Works ―　Gold ― Sep '95
  • If We Fall in Love Tonight ―　Gold ― Jan '96
Singles
  • "All for Love" (w/Sting, Bryan Adams) ―　Gold ― Apr '94
  • "Lady Luck" ―　Gold ― Oct '95
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.5 million units ― (400,000 albums + 100,000 singles)

I can't see any certifications for Rod Steward's "If We Fall in Love Tonight" in March 1996.--Harout72 (talk) 17:58, 5 August 2013 (UTC)

Sorry. I mistook the year of awards. It was certified Gold in 1997, not 1996.-- Fugreena (talk) 01:10, 7 August 2013 (UTC)

Also, for the single "Lady Luck" posted in December 1995, is "レティ・ラ。ソク/口、ッド・スチュワ ト" it?--Harout72 (talk) 18:07, 5 August 2013 (UTC)

Correct title and artist in Japanese; Redī Rakku (レディ・ラック) / Roddo Suchuwāto (ロッド・スチュワート) -- Fugreena (talk) 1:10, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
OK thanks. So our total is 450,000 units, not 500,000 units: 400,000 units of albums (4 Gold albums) and 50,000 units of single (Gold).--Harout72 (talk) 03:18, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Guns N' Roses
Albums
  • Use Your Illusion II ―　2× Platinum ― Nov '93
  • The Spaghetti Incident? ―　Platinum ― Dec '93
  • GN'R Lies ―　Gold ― Feb '94
  • Use Your Illusion I ―　2× Platinum ― Feb '94
  • Appetite For Destruction ―　Platinum ― Mar '94
  • Live Era '87-'93 ―　Gold ― Dec '99
Singles

"Sympathy for the Devil" ―　Gold ― Apr '95

Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 1.45 million units ― (1,400,000 albums + 50,000 singles)

The Gold certification for the single "Sympathy for the Devil", is it the last certification (悪魔を憐れむ歌/カ。ンズ・ア〉ド・ローゼズ (MV)) posted in June 1995? I get a clumsy translation by Google as I do for all other missing certifications of all artists, which is the reason why I didn't include them in the total.--Harout72 (talk) 16:30, 5 August 2013 (UTC)

Correct name of the artist in Japanese; Ganzu ando Rōzezu (ガンズ・アンド・ローゼズ). "Akuma o Awaremu Uta" (悪魔を憐れむ歌) is the Japanese subtitle of the song. -- Fugreena (talk) 01:13, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Prince
Albums
  • Love Symbol Album ―　Gold ― Apr '94
  • Emancipation ―　Gold ― Apr '97
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.2 million units ― (200,000 albums)

I can't find the Gold certification for "Emancipation" posted in June 1997. Can you please write as it appears in Japanese, I'm maybe not able to see it because of Google's translation.--Harout72 (talk) 17:35, 5 August 2013 (UTC)

Title and artist in Japanese; Imanshipeishon (イマンシペイション) / The Artist Formerly Known as Prince (ジ・アーティスト・フォーマリー・ノウン・アズ・プリンス, Ji Ātisuto Fōmarī Noun Azu Purinsu) -- Fugreena (talk) 01:13, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Can you please double check the month/year of the certification for Emancipation, I'm quite sure it's not posted in June 1997.--Harout72 (talk) 03:35, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Certified date is completely correct. The album is certainly listed on the right side of the Page 9 (9 out of 12 on PDF), along with released date (1996.11.19) and record label (TO = stands for Toshiba EMI) of the product.[10] For your information, following international LPs were certified Gold in same month. （left to right: title, artist, release date, label)
  • "Emmerdale" - Cardigans - 1994.09.24 - PO
  • "Sweet Dreams" - La bouche - 1995.10.21 - BMG
  • "Providing the Atmosphere" - Cloudberry Jam - 1996.03.20 - QT
  • "Man with the Fun" - Maxi Priest - 1996.04.24 - TO
  • "Sex Affairs" - E-rotic - 1996.05.09 - TO
  • "Naked" - Louise - 1996.07.24 - TO
  • "The Power of Sex" - E-rotic - 1996.08.07 - TO
  • ”Bilingual" (バイリンガル, Bairingaru) - Pet Shop Boys (ペット・ショップ・ボーイズ, Petto Shoppu Bōizu) - 1996.09.14 - TO
  • ”Love Is the Wonderful Thing" (ラヴ・イズ・ザ・ワンダフル・シング, Lavu Izu Za Wandafuru Singu) - Fatima Rainey (ファティマ・レイニー, Fatima Reini) - 1997.01.25 - EW
  • "Go!" - Fair Warning - 1997.02.26 - XR
  • "Past, Present and Future: Greatest Hits" - C.J. Lewis - 1997.03.05 - MV
  • "Dig Your Own Hole" - Chemical Brothers - 1997.03.26 - TO
The awards are listed chronologically. So Prince's album will be found between Pet Shop Boys' and Fatima Rainey's ones. -- Fugreena (talk) 04:56, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Okay, got it, this one is very difficult to figure out. Thanks.--Harout72 (talk) 05:56, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Bryan Adams
Albums
  • So Far So Good ―　Gold ― Dec '93
  • 18 Til I Die ―　Platinum ― Aug '96
  • MTV Unplugged ―　Gold ― Dec '97
  • On a Day Like Today ―　Gold ― Nov '98
Singles
  • "All for Love" (w/Sting, Rod Stewart) ―　Gold ― Apr '94
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.55 million units ― (500,000 albums + 50,000 singles)

The single All for Love is not included in the total because we include certifications of solo and duo collaborations.--Harout72 (talk) 17:21, 5 August 2013 (UTC)

Paul McCartney
Albums
  • Flaming Pie ―　Gold ― Jun '97
  • Back in the U.S.: Live 2002 ―　Gold ― Feb '03
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '03
  • 0.2 million units ― (200,000 albums)

80 to 99 million

Van Halen
Albums
  • Live: Right Here, Right Now ―　Gold ― Sep '94
  • Balance ―　Platinum ― Feb '95
  • Van Halen ―　Gold ― Feb '95
  • Greatest Hits ―　2×Platinum ― Dec '96
  • Van Halen III ―　Platinum ― Mar '98
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 1.0 million units ― (1,000,000 albums)

Can you please double check and see if the Gold certification for the album Van Halen is posted in April 1995? I can't see it.--Harout72 (talk) 01:02, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

70 to 79 million

Journey
Albums
  • Trial by Fire ―　Gold ― Nov '96
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.1 million units ― (100,000 albums)
Kenny G
Albums
  • Montage ―　Gold ― Sep '94
  • Breathless ―　Platinum ― Nov '96
  • Miracles ―　Gold ― Feb '97
  • The Moment ―　Platinum ― Mar '98
  • Greatest Hits ―　Platinum ― Jan '00
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.8 million units ― (800,000 albums)
Green Day
Albums
  • Dookie ―　Platinum ― May '97
  • Insomniac ―　Platinum ― May '97
  • Nimrod ―　Platinum ― Nov '97
  • Warning ―　Platinum ― Sep '00
  • International Superhits! ―　2×Platinum ― Dec '01
  • Shenanigans ―　Gold ― Jul '02
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 1.3 million units ― (1,300,000 albums)
Enya
Albums
  • The Memory of Trees ― 3× Plstinum ―　Apr '97
  • Paint the Sky with Stars ―　Million ― Feb '98
  • Watermark ― 3× Plstinum ―　Apr '97
  • The Celts ―　Gold ― Feb '98
  • A Day Without Rain ― 4× Plstinum ―　Dec '01
  • Themes from "Calmi Cuori Appassionati" ―　Million ― Feb '02
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 4.1 million units ― (4,100,000 albums)

For the album Watermark, I see 2x Platinum posted in June 1998. I don't see any certifications for Watermark in June 1997. The 3x Platinum in June 1997 belongs to the album The Memory of Trees.--Harout72 (talk) 00:12, 2 August 2013 (UTC)

Sorry, I misread it. -- Fugreena (talk) 8:19, 5 August 2013‎ (UTC)
Nirvana
Albums
  • In Utero ―　Platinum ― Feb '00
  • MTV Unplugged in New York ―　Platinum ― Feb '00
  • From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah ―　Gold ― Feb '00
  • Nevermind ―　3× Platinum ― Nov 02
  • Nirvana ―　Platinum ― Nov '00
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 1.3 million units ― (1,300,000 albums)
Motley Crue
Albums
  • Motley Crue ―　Gold ― Apr '94
  • Generation Swine ―　Gold ― Jun '97
Cumulative certified-sales between Nov '93 and '02
  • 0.2 million units ― (200,000 albums)

Elton John

Hello. I think that Elton John's claimed worldwide sales should be improved. This reliable source estimates it on the level of 350 million: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/5197203/Sir-Elton-John-adds-an-extra-date-to-his-tour.html Some sources say even about 450 million and more, but they may seem controversial. However I assume that the number 300 million is adequate for Sir Elton, since the artists who have total available certified sold units at the same level (160 million), i.e. Madonna and Michael Jackson posess claimed numbers 300 and even 400 million. Moreover, some artist who have total available certified sold units at much lover level, posess claimed numbers as high as Elton John or even higher (e.g. Led Zeppelin). I think that something is quite wrong here. Regards, Maciek 94.124.18.19 (talk) 13:15, 7 August 2013 (UTC)

Backstreet Boys sales

Backstreet Boys have sold over 130 million albums, close to 200 million records when including singles etc — Preceding unsigned comment added by 151.226.233.204 (talk) 20:24, 7 August 2013 (UTC)

The Andrews Sisters, Roger Whittaker

The Andrews Sisters are claimed in their Wikipedia article to have sold 75-100 million. No figure is given for Roger Whittaker, but based on the number of gold and platinum records he has been awarded, I think he probably is also in the 75 million mark. Bing Crosby, maybe the most successful recording artist of the 20th century, is credited with 23 gold and platinum records. Roger Whittaker is reliably credited with over 250 silver, gold and platinum albums. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 124.170.54.77 (talk) 09:34, 9 August 2013 (UTC)

Edit request on 12 August 2013

The information given on claimed sales of Britney Spears filed in case [153] have changed and now stands at 130 million worldwide according to sources that are cited by Wikipedia and All resulting Adding this number and not 100 million as stated in page. This figure comes from physical and digital sales of albums, singles and videos. For confirmation look carefully the following page and add the numbers match. [1] 79.131.149.18 (talk) 19:20, 12 August 2013 (UTC)

Please read the last sentences of the list's lead.--Harout72 (talk) 21:01, 12 August 2013 (UTC)

Johnny Mathis

According to the Wikipedia article on Johnny Mathis, he has sold over 350 million records. Which article is correct, this one or the one about Johnny Mathis? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Crose371 (talk • contribs) 21:13, 14 August 2013 (UTC)

Mathis' available certified sales are only 16 million units. That suggests that Mathis may or may not have sold some 50-75 million record. Clearly, any figure higher than that is out of question.--Harout72 (talk) 23:50, 14 August 2013 (UTC)

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John is from United Kingdom, not Australia — Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.158.255.141 (talk) 18:14, 15 August 2013 (UTC)

Italian sales?

The italian certifications are now known. Why cant they be added to the total? .122.165.3.250 (talk) 10:55, 18 August 2013 (UTC)

Italian certifications are added for those artists for whom FIMI's certification database has results.--Harout72 (talk) 16:19, 18 August 2013 (UTC)

Add Another source for 120m-records and more

Hi Harout, i want to add another source for those artist with claim sales of 120m-more. So far only the artist with sales above 200m have two or three sources. What if i add another reliable source for artists with 120m-claim? just to make this list more reliable and prestigious.

Need your advice. thanks Politsi (talk) 07:35, 19 August 2013 (UTC)

I really think it's unnecessary to use multiple sources for a single claimed sales. I think one highly reliable source should be enough.--Harout72 (talk) 15:04, 19 August 2013 (UTC)

RIAJ Highest-Certified International CDs 1989-1993

I found another available information about Japanese older certification. On the 4th page of the newsletter The Record published in November 1996, RIAJ featured all the Multi-Platinum international products at the time.[11] It will enable to cite some of the earliest certifications.

Following records would be added to the list.

2x Platinum albums (400,000+ copies shipped)
  • Michael Jackson - Dangerous
  • Madonna - Like a Prayer
  • Bon Jovi - Keep the Faith
5x Platinum singles (500,000 copies shipped)
  • Whitney Houston - "I Will Always Love You"
2x Platinum singles (200,000+ copies shipped)
  • Bee Gees - "First of May"

--Fugreena (talk) 02:30, 21 August 2013

1) The 2x Platinum for Keep the Faith by Bon Jovi had already been added to Bon Jovi's total Japanese certified sales as I'd found it in May 1995.
2) I can't, however, see Madonna's Like a Prayer anywhere under Double-Platinum section.
Artist/Title/Record Label in Japanese: Madonna (マドンナ, Madonna)/Like a Prayer (ライク・ア・プレイヤー, Raiku a Preiyā)/ WJ (acronym of WEA Japan) It is listed between the same artist's "Erotica" album and Guns 'N Roses' "Use Your Illusion I". -- Fugreena (talk) 08:28, 21 August 2013
3) As for Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You", I'm not sure if the first title under Million singles tittles (@ミリオン) is it (TO LθVE YOU MORE/セリ一ヌ.ヂデ?イオン W抗ith クライズ九カンパ). And if that is the one, why 5x Platinum? It says 1 million units immediately above it.--Harout72 (talk) 05:51, 21 August 2013 (UTC)
"I Will Always Love You" (shortened "Always Love You" in Japan) is listed on the "Quintuple Platinum" (クイントゥプル・プラチナ, Kuintwupuru purachina) section.
Artist/Title/Record Label in Japanese: Whitney Houston (ホイットニー・ヒューストン, Hoittonī Hyūsuton) / Always Love You (オールウェイズ・ラヴ・ユー, Ōruweizu Rabu Yū) / BV (acronym of BMG Victor)　--Fugreena (talk) 08:30, 21 August 2013
Okay, thanks. Adobe Acrobat's conversion into an editable version is quite messy sometimes with some of the lines on some pages completely missing.--Harout72 (talk) 15:24, 21 August 2013 (UTC)

Beyoncé Knowles

Beyoncé has sold over 118 million records worldwide. Sources: 1.CBS 2.Wikipedia itself. Yet she's still in the 75+ million section. Please fix this. BeKay77 (talk) 17:32, 21 August 2013 (UTC)

We use those claimed sales that are closer to artists' certified sales. This is said in the lead.--Harout72 (talk) 23:18, 21 August 2013 (UTC)

Harout, why her picture has been remove from the section?, there only 6 pictures at the 75m-section. Politsi (talk) 10:10, 22 August 2013 (UTC)

It's been deleted from the Commons, see this edit. I'll place another one of her images that's actually free.--Harout72 (talk) 15:11, 22 August 2013 (UTC)

Edit request on 25 August 2013

Duran Duran sold one million records and should be added to this list. Ronise99 (talk) 20:42, 25 August 2013 (UTC)

They've definitely sold more than one million records.--Harout72 (talk) 21:03, 25 August 2013 (UTC)

Lady Gaga

I'm confused, Lady Gaga used to appear on this list, didn't she? 219.89.245.152 (talk) 13:53, 28 August 2013 (UTC)

Alabama

Hi Harout. As I remember, we listed this group previously with their current sales in 73m-records claims, and from where i see, most of the recent news source also stated the same claim. Their certification sales also really good about 40m, perhaps.

I need your advice. I have found this source (http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2003-02-04-alabama_x.htm) but this is quite old from 2003. It was said that Alabama has sold 75 million albums.

What do you think? thanks Politsi (talk) 06:10, 31 August 2013 (UTC)

They certainly do have a lot of albums certified (total of 47.5 million in U.S. and Canada). There aren't newer sources I guess, huh? If not, we'll put them up on the list with the one you found.--Harout72 (talk) 17:02, 31 August 2013 (UTC)

No Harout, This is the only sources that i have found so far that claimed 75m-albums for that band and i'm lucky to have found that source, believe me i found it at page 19 on google page. Like I said, several news source still stated their sales figures between 65m to 73m records.

But, this source came out in 2003, but i feel this is highly reliable because that figure came out before this list has been builded on wikipedia, i think. so it means the writer on that source absolutely not quote the figures from this list.

I will re-new their figures in wiki biography, and let's see. I believe the recent news source will use this figures because they also will see this list.

And by the way, since their certification is better than Enya, Green Day, and Nirvana. I think their picture should be put at 75m-section.

what do you think? thanks Politsi (talk) 01:27, 2 September 2013 (UTC)

You're right about Alabama's image, unfortunately, I can't find an image for them.--Harout72 (talk) 06:25, 2 September 2013 (UTC)

Rihanna to 150m-section

Harout, don't you think is time to her moving to 150m-section?. Her certification has been reach 105m, meaning that 100m-records claim is not reliable again.

we could use this source (http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_22974441/rihanna-5-things-you-need-know) need your advice. thanks Politsi (talk) 04:45, 6 September 2013 (UTC)

I updated her claimed sales. I was going to update her sales figure after updating the BPI certified sales for all the other artists, but that's ok.--Harout72 (talk) 05:14, 6 September 2013 (UTC)

thanks harout, but just for remind you if i'm not mistaken. Her name still in 100-119m section, is it supposed to be at 150m-section now? Politsi (talk) 05:53, 6 September 2013 (UTC)

You're right, I should have moved Rihanna up into the section above, I was doing something else at the same time, I totally missed it. Anyways, someone has already moved her up.--Harout72 (talk) 14:59, 6 September 2013 (UTC)

Taylor Swift 101M is wrong

I was impressed how this girl could sell more than big legends in such a short time, but it looks like the information is wrong. I checked the source 156( http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/dont-mess-with-taylor-swift/story-fn9n8gph-1226629813164 ) and it says = "n the past five years she has sold 26 million albums more than any other musician. Illegal downloading doesn't seem to have touched her. She has sold 75 million song downloads and holds the Guinness world record for the fastest selling digital album, for Speak Now."

So in the list they are suming up each downloaded song plus the real album sales. 75+26 = 101.. but song downloads shouldn't be counted. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.70.209.109 (talk) 13:51, 8 September 2013 (UTC)

Madonna certified sales

At some point Madonna's certifies sales were 169 million units。 How, when and why did it changed to 164.3? Is the main editor of this page，Harout， aware of this change? --60.247.76.15 (talk) 05:25, 10 September 2013 (UTC)

I don't think Madonna's certified sales have ever been that high. This version of the page is from March 2013, and it is 160.1 million. Anyways, here is Madonna's available detailed certified sales, in case you're interested.--Harout72 (talk) 05:40, 10 September 2013 (UTC)

Lady Gaga

Harout, i've seen that her name has been put at the 80m-list, does she deserve already to this list? and if yes, regarding with her certification sales. I think her picture should be put at the section.

need your advice. thanks. Politsi (talk) 09:16, 10 September 2013 (UTC)

Mariah Carey's New Zealand's certifications

Hi Harout, I've been searching so hard for the total claimed sales for MC, and here's a detailed certified sales for MC as its not listed in the certification sections:

Album certifications

  • 1990: Mariah Carey = 4x Platinum = 60,000
  • 1991: Emotions = Platinum = 15,000
  • 1992: MTV Unplugged = 2x Platinum = 30,000
  • 1993: Music Box = 5x Platinum = 75,000
  • 1994: Merry Xmas = 2x Platinum = 30,000
  • 1995: Daydream = 5x Platinum = 75,000
  • 1997: Butterfly = Platinum = 15,000
  • 1998: #1's = 2x Platinum = 30,000
  • 1999: Rainbow = Platinum = 15,000
  • 2001: Greatest hits= Platinum = 15,000
  • 2005: E of Mimi = Platinum = 15,000

Total certified albums = 375,000

Singles certifications

  • 1990: Vision of Love = Gold = 7,500
  • 1991: Emotions = Gold = 7,500
  • 1992: I'll be there = Gold = 7,500
  • 1993: Dreamlover = Gold = 7,500
  • 1993: Hero = Platinum = 15,000
  • 1993: Without You = Gold = 7,500
  • 1993: Anytime u need... = Gold = 7,500
  • 1995: Fantasy = Platinum = 15,000
  • 1995: One Sweet Day = Platinum = 15,000
  • 1996: Always be my baby = Gold = 7,500
  • 1997: Breakdown = Gold = 7,500
  • 1999: Hreatbeaker = Platinum = 15,000
  • 2005: We Belong together= Platinum = 15,000
  • 2013: #Beautiful = Gold = 7,500
  • Total Certified Singles = 130,500
  • TOTAL CERTIFIED SALES COMBINED = 505,500

SOURCE: BOOK BY Dean Scaplo "The Complete New Zealand Music Charts" 1966 - 2006[2] Fidel 00:42, 12 September 2013 (UTC)

Singles levels for New Zealand were Gold=5,000, Platinum=10,000 before June 2007 (see this for May 28, 2007 and June4, 2007). Can you provide detailed scans for those certifications you've posted? I mean scans such as this and all others I have prepared for Spanish earlier certifications? I'm not sure if it's worth all that trouble though for such a small market. From RIANZ old chart and new chart, I've been able to retrieve certifications totaling 60,000 units, because RIANZ chart starts from 1999. Sometimes Gold certifications turn into Platinum while off New Zealand's Top 50 (for older chart), Top 40 (for newer chart).--Harout72 (talk) 01:11, 12 September 2013 (UTC)
Okay if you wait until tomorrow I'll re-arrange them again, based on the old and new certifications.. but concerning the Media Fire file you linked me concerning her certified sales, why the NVPI isn't listed which has 1.4 million certified units as well as the certified European region exceeding 9,000,000? One more thing based on the Old and New levels of singles certifications, the total certified sales isn't less than 350,000 - 400,000 Fidel 01:47, 12 September 2013 (UTC)
I have removed all NVPI certifications for all artists because they cannot be verified as NVPI's database at the moment doesn't function. It's been that way for quite some time now. I never said anything about the total being under 400,000 units, not sure what you mean there. But all certifications must be verifiable. In other words, just the reference to the book isn't going to do it, we'd need scans for all pages containing Mariah's certifications, if of course you insist on using them on this list. I personally don't have that book in my possession, otherwise I would have scanned the pages of the certifications myself.--Harout72 (talk) 02:17, 12 September 2013 (UTC)

Bonnie Tyler

I have been adding up her sales certifications for the last 4 months but keep hitting stumps and losing count. From a quick overview do you think that the source stating 80 million is roughly accurate or inflated? Some of the statistics that I gathered can be found on the talk page of her biographical article. Please see the sub-section "Statistics breakdown June 2013". Thanks. Bonnietylersave (talk) 12:00, 12 September 2013 (UTC)

Well, looking at Tyler's available certified sales, I'd say she may or may not have sold some 30-35 million records (albums, singles, videos) worldwide. Her certified sales are:
I'm seeing total of 9.7 million in certified units, so to answer your question, the 80 million is inflated.--Harout72 (talk) 15:24, 12 September 2013 (UTC)

Edit request on 12 September 2013

This information has been changed and need to update the page with the changes: Britney Spears has sold a total of over 134 millions by including sales of all physical and digital albums and singles until 2013 100 millions of these are based on album sales only for confirmation see the following elements:

...Baby One More Time (album) sold 30 millions copies worldwide ...Baby One More Time (Physical single) sold 10 millions copies worldwide Oops!...I Did It Again! (album) sold 24 millions copies worldwide Oops!...I Did It Again (Physical single) sold 6 millions copies worldwide Britney (album) sold 15 millions copies worldwide In the Zone (album) sold 10 millions copies worldwide Toxic (Digital and Physical single) sold 6,5 millions copies worldwide Greatest Hits: My Prerogative (compilation album) sold 5,6 millions copies worldwide Blackout (album) sold 3,1 millions copies worldwide Circus (album) sold over 4 millions copies worldwide Womanizer (Digital single) sold 6 millions copies worldwide Circus (Digital single) sold 5,5 millions copies worldwide The Singles Collection (Compilation album) sold 1 million copies worldwide Femme Fatale (album) sold in the US 769,000 copies Till the World Ends (Digital single) sold over 3 millions copies worldwide Scream and Shout (Digital single) sold over 4 millions copies worldwide Αdding up all the items together total sales amounted to: 134.469.000 (Physical & Digital total sales Worldwide) [3] 79.131.149.18 (talk) 12:43, 12 September 2013 (UTC)

Once Spears' certified sales reach 85-90 million, we'll update her claimed sales.--Harout72 (talk) 15:11, 12 September 2013 (UTC)

Bobby Vinton

Harout, need your advice. I never heard his name since i was born but this source (http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/entertainment/17906470-421/bobby-vinton-performs-valentine-show-at-paramount.html) said him have sold 75 million albums. is this reliable and who is he?

and by the way, what's wrong with Lady Gaga image, is her image are too expensive to be put in this list?

thanks Politsi (talk) 01:39, 13 September 2013 (UTC)

I see very low certified sales, 4 million for U.S., 100,000 for Canada. He has no chance, really.--Harout72 (talk) 02:31, 13 September 2013 (UTC)

Metallica raise to 120m-section

Harout, please. I need your considered it, because i feel this band certification is so excellent. nearly 90m and with only 100m-claim.

this isn't fair for them, they deserve to get better.

I think we must put them in the 120m-section with this source (http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=0628084913163-2010-06-28) it looks quite reliable for 120m-records claim of them.

need your advice. thanks Politsi (talk) 10:14, 13 September 2013 (UTC)

I'm hesitant to use that source because it says: With more than 120 million records sold worldwide, including 57 million in the United States. The last part is entirely incorrect, because Metallica's U.S. certified sales alone are 73.2. I agree that it may be time to update their claimed sales, but it would be better to go with 110 million records, if there is one. We shouldn't create 30 million units of gap between their available certified sales and claimed sales with 120 million claim. Let me know what if you find another source, but the one above is no good.--Harout72 (talk) 16:37, 13 September 2013 (UTC)

Well, i have to admitted. I'm a little bit disappointed but it's ok Politsi (talk) 01:36, 16 September 2013 (UTC)

es.wiki

Hi Harout! I've been working on an improvement over this article in the es.wiki and though there's a lot of work to be done, I need to ask you a question.... why are Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift on the list?.

In the source that claims their worlwide sales, it doesn't especify the number 80, 101 and 150 millon, they rather put the singles and album sales seperatly. I mean if we do the math it would give obviously us that numbers but shouldn't they be on the list only when the source claims the whole number of millon records sold?.--Fallengrademan (talk) 21:25, 15 September 2013 (UTC)

Not necessarily, sources can claim separate figures for albums and single and even videos. As long as they all appear in the same source, it is ok to use that source. Most news agencies seem to publish separate figures now for newer artists.--Harout72 (talk) 22:05, 15 September 2013 (UTC)

Nile Rodgers

Harout, what do you think about him? is this source about him is reliable? (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/lucky-man-legendary-hitmaker-nile-rodgers-on-disco-drugs-and-daft-punk-8732695.html) 100m-records.

thanks Politsi (talk) 01:36, 16 September 2013 (UTC)

I can't find a single certification for that guy.--Harout72 (talk) 02:04, 16 September 2013 (UTC)
The source was probably referring to his production discography. Rodgers has produced over 50 releases by other artists, including blockbuster hits such as Like a Virgin, Let's Dance and diana, not mention his work as a part of Chic, which was the best-charting singles artist of 1979.--Mαuri’96 “everything and nothing always haunts me…” 05:49, 16 September 2013 (UTC)
Normally records sales go the artists, not producers, unless of course the producer happens to be part of the band. But for Chic,
Still very low certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 15:31, 16 September 2013 (UTC)

Foreigner

Harout, i know that i'm the one who provided this claim sales band (80m-albums) from the Gadsden Times. But, i read the source from this (http://www.turlockjournal.com/section/36/article/21018/) which said that band claim sales lower than previously, 75m-albums.

so, what do you think? do we need to kick out this band from 80m-section and put them at 75m-section? thanks Politsi (talk) 06:25, 16 September 2013 (UTC)

It's ok we can leave them where they are. They're early beginners and still have over 45 million in certified units. Besides, our current source is a better one.--Harout72 (talk) 15:37, 16 September 2013 (UTC)

Mariah Carey Asian Sales

Hi Harout. Can the album sales be added to the list without Certifications? Cause Mariah Carey sold in South Korea an approximation of 4 million units in addition to 1 million in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore? does that works? Fidel 17:03, 16 September 2013 (UTC)

I'm afraid we include certified sales only.--Harout72 (talk) 00:12, 17 September 2013 (UTC)
Its Okay, I just gotta ask one more thing, Mariah has recorded several Latin songs like 5 or even 6 in addition to several Rock Ballads in her career, can we add to the Genre the Latin and soft rock ? fidelovkurt 03:23, 17 September 2013 (UTC)
Those genres can be added as long as they're supported by the source provided for the genres. But it doesn't seem to have those.--Harout72 (talk) 04:53, 17 September 2013 (UTC)
Well if you look back at the source you've provided and click at each album independently, the Genre was R&B/Pop/Rock cause there are several tracks Mariah performed under the alternative rock mainly in her debut album and charmbracelet,,,

and According to the Latino/Spanish Songs I guess those Videos from YouTube speaks for themselves:

And here are some three Rock ballads:

fidelovkurt 06:41, 18 September 2013 (UTC)

I added Rock, but I could not find Soft Rock when I clicked on albums, nor could I find Latin. I'm afraid YouTube cannot be used as a source.--Harout72 (talk) 22:31, 18 September 2013 (UTC)

David Bowie

Harout, what do you think about this old man. this source (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-01-08/news/sns-rt-music-davidbowiel5e9c826o-20130108_1_david-bowie-ziggy-stardust-tony-visconti) said him have sold 130m-albums.

is this reliable? thanks Politsi (talk) 01:40, 18 September 2013 (UTC)

130 million albums? That is way too inflated for that guy. Bowie needs 26 million in certified albums sales to be listed with 130 million for albums only. His available album sales are 19.5 million. His overall certified sales are 25.4 million (that includes albums, singles, videos). He can only be listed with a claim of up to 97.5 million for albums, or with a claim of up to 127 million records. Still both those figures would be extremely unrealistic and inflated as Bowie could not have sold more than 50 million records based on his available certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 03:08, 18 September 2013 (UTC)

Jennifer Lopez

Harout, actually how many certification sales of her so far. It seems she's also hope to be included in this list.

this source (http://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/lopez-was-homeless-before-her-big-break-29412172.html) claim her have sold 75m-records.

what do you think? thanks Politsi (talk) 11:14, 18 September 2013 (UTC)

Lopez would need 43.5 million in certified units (or 58%) for the claim of 75 million records. Her available certified sales are 30.4 million.--Harout72 (talk) 15:08, 18 September 2013 (UTC)

The Doors

Harout, i hope you're not sick of it but i feel that we must raise this band claim sales to 100m-records by using this source (http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/doors-keyboardist-ray-manzarek-dies-20130521-2jxie.html)

I think they deserve it. They are really earlier artist (1967) but still have an excellent certification sales (45m).

Harout, please. i need your advice. thanks Politsi (talk) 11:39, 18 September 2013 (UTC)

45 million in certified sales is planets away from 100 million claim, even considering that they are early beginners.--Harout72 (talk) 15:03, 18 September 2013 (UTC)

Katy Perry

Harout, how far her certification has been gone so far? is reliable for 11m-albums and 75m-singles claim?

I think she's deserve to in. this source looks quite reliable (http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/case-you-missed-it/story/her-secret-love-smurfs-20130812)

need your advice. thanks Politsi (talk) 01:53, 13 September 2013 (UTC)

She needs 62.6 million certified units (or 72.8%) for 86 million claim. She so far has 49.5 million. Probably soon she'll be able to get on this list.--Harout72 (talk) 02:26, 13 September 2013 (UTC)


BTW GAGA has Total available certified units: 58.7 million and she is in 77.44.232.141 (talk) 12:56, 21 September 2013 (UTC)

Edit request on 20 September 2013

Groomingly (talk) 04:19, 20 September 2013 (UTC)

And your request is?--Harout72 (talk) 05:48, 20 September 2013 (UTC)

Shirley Bassey

Harout, what do you think about her? 135m-records (http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/123716/dame-shirley-bassey-to-appear-at-the-academy-awards)

thanks Politsi (talk) 04:38, 21 September 2013 (UTC)

KATY PERRY UPDATE

. Katy Perry has sold 49,897,000 digital singles and 4,333,000 albums in the United States.[4] As of June 2012, Perry had sold over 10 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide.[3]

source : your page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Perry_discography

that makes her sold compound 60 millions = she has to be in this list in the 75-79 millions sales

77.44.232.141 (talk) 12:53, 21 September 2013 (UTC)

Beyonce

I see Beyonce's certified sales are enough for a 85 million claim. So is it possible to update that — Preceding unsigned comment added by MartRoggen (talk • contribs) 15:43, 21 September 2013 (UTC)

Garth Brooks

Hi Harout! I was cheking the list and it seems that Garth Brooks has exceeded the 130 million record sold with 138 million certificated... so I was wondering if you would update his estimated sales (even knowing that it would be an inflated figure) if I find a source that claims 150 million albums or 150/200 million records sold?.--Fallengrademan (talk) 01:49, 22 September 2013 (UTC)

Yes, we need a source for Brooks that states higher figure than his available certified sales, so far we haven't been able to locate one. Let me know please if there is a reliable source (news service) that reports it.--Harout72 (talk) 09:19, 22 September 2013 (UTC)
I did what I could hahahaha, I don't think none of this sources are reliable but anyway you be the judge:--Fallengrademan (talk) 18:37, 22 September 2013 (UTC)
I'm afraid those won't do, we're after sales figures coming from news agencies. By the way, anything above 160 million would be inflated for Garth, at least based on his available certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 22:38, 22 September 2013 (UTC)
I know, they really inflate figures for country artists, but I'm afraid I couldn't find a single news report or biography or anything else that claims 150 million records. I'll keep looking.--Fallengrademan (talk) 23:02, 22 September 2013 (UTC)

It will be impossible, because i've been done that many times and just for information, previously Garth Brooks even only have claim at 128m-albums, but i've found the better claim for him. One thing that i could say about the country singer is they seems doesn't interest to inflated their sales figures, mostly they are honest and always stand with the official certification rather than just estimation.

and by the way, Harout. i hope you're not get bored with my question. I just try to add another artist in this list, and it makes me happy if i get it. thanks Politsi (talk) 01:44, 23 September 2013 (UTC)

??

No foreigners? You really think only English spoken artists sold more than 75 million albuns? MachoCarioca (talk) 13:59, 24 September 2013 (UTC)

Red Hot Chili Peppers 90 million records

Hi Harout, first of all. i'm sorry for not asking permission from you when i decided to raise the claim sales of Elton John and Metallica, because sometimes i could not wait for your response and i decided to do it by myself and waiting if there's any complaint from you.

After John and Metallica. I've decided to raise RHCP claim sales to 90m-records by using this source (http://tribune.com.pk/story/602514/music-review-outside-the-red-hot-chili-peppers/) because their certification has been out of 50m. And i think they deserve to get better.

If you doesnt agree, please inform me.

thanks. Politsi (talk) 01:40, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Their claimed figure doesn't need an update. By changing their 80 million to 90 million, you created a gap of almost 40 million units between their available certified sales and claimed sales, that is an unrealistic gap. Also, your edit has removed Foreigners from the list. Anyways, your edit has been reverted. Let's update claimed sales only when artists' certified sales come close to their present claimed figures.--Harout72 (talk) 03:55, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Yes i understand, but this is from myside. i mean, their certification sales has been spread all over the world and far better than any other artist in th 80m-list, with that fact I think it's real to raise their sales figures and only 10m is not un-realistic. But, i believe you know better than me.

And i just curious, why my edit make the other name been deleted, because i feel nothing wrong with my edit. i've been carefully put down the name. this is weird for me. I think i should leave it for you if i've found something better for the list. Politsi (talk) 04:13, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Harout, the link for their sales figures from the Starphoenix has been dead. I change with another one but i'm not sure this is reliable (http://www.wweek.com/portland//event-159534-mickey_avalon.html)

need your advice. thanks Politsi (talk) 10:25, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Iron Maiden

Harout, is 80m-albums (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/hardtalk/9723774.stm) is reliable for their sales figures? thanks Politsi (talk) 10:32, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Well, the source looks reliable but Iron Maiden simply don't have enough certified sales to be on this list. For 80 million claim for albums, they'd need 21.3 million certified albums, their certified album units stand at 14.7 million. In fact, their overall certified sales are only 16.4 million which is enough for claims of up to 61 million as their claimed figures need to be supported by 26.6% certified sales. So I don't think they will be on this list anytime in the near future.--Harout72 (talk) 15:36, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Red Hot Chili Peppers 80m-records claim source is DEAD

Harout, the link for their claim figures has been dead (http://www.thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/Review+Legendary+rock+band+still+after+three+decades/7607555/story.html) and i want to change it with this source (http://www.wweek.com/portland//event-159534-mickey_avalon.html)

and for your records, all source beside that always said 80m-albums, not records. I think we just let them with their new 90m-records claim if we could not found another source which said 80m-records for them.

please, need your advice. thanks Politsi (talk) 00:52, 12 October 2013 (UTC)

Shakira

Currently, Shakira's sales stand at over 120 million records (60 million albums, 70 million singles), meaning that she should be on the list of highest selling artists of all time. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 108.7.221.66 (talk) 19:58, 13 October 2013 (UTC)

Shakira has begun charting in 1996, therefore, her claimed figures need to be supported by 52% certified sales (see the second yellow box from top on this page for that information). Shakira currently has 38.6 million in certified sales which is enough for claims of up to 74.2 million. If there is a reliable source claiming 75 million sold units for Shakira, we can put her up on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 03:36, 14 October 2013 (UTC)

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga not has sold over 80 million records, by contrast, sold 20 million, according to his own discography, which it is featured in wikipedia.

Or this source: Here. Since this source is more reliable than that presented in the article, and the value in the article was "enhanced" by some fan. GabrielDirrty (talk) 22:54, 14 October 2013 (UTC)

Albums ≠ records
Albums + singles (this includes downloads) + videos = records
Also, it is highly likely that the source you cited only refers to US sales, especially if one compares the "sold 40 million singles" claim to Nielsen SoundScan's Top Selling Digital Artists 2004-2011. --Mαuri’96 “everything and nothing always haunts me…” 07:36, 17 October 2013 (UTC)

ABBA

Why is ABBA listed as only between 100m - 200m sales? 360 million worldwide is the most commonly cited amount I have seen; and it have been used by respected sources (Billboard). I don't know how respected The Guinness Book of World Records is, but I have the 1987 edition which lists ABBA as having sold 215 million albums as of May 1985. I think it is reasonable to keep to lower end of the estimate at 100 million, but I don't see why the upper end is being limited at 200 million. Name a source that you would consider valid and I can get you evidence of at least 300 million as an estimate for worldwide sales.

ABBA's certified sales are also understated. One of the more extreme understatements is their home country of Sweden where they are listed as having 730k in certified sales. This is the correct amount you will arrive at if you only use the searchable database for Sweden's certified albums, however that database does not include any of the years when ABBA was active. ABBA received numerous gold and platinum records for all 8 of their studio albums, along with several singles. The total of these earlier certification is in excess of 3 million records. There are similar situations for many other European countries in regards to certifications of ABBA's studio albums and singles. Very few countries have searchable databases that extend far enough back to capture these gold, platinum, and diamond records. Yet, they do exist; there are photos of ABBA receiving them, Billboard articles listing them, and the physical records themselves. Why aren't these being included.

The issue of confirming certified album effects all artists that sold the bulk of their albums prior to the 1990s. Some are able to compensate with impressive lists of certified albums in the US (as well as the UK and Germany which tend to have good records of prior certifications); ABBA is not one of these. Why are legitimate record certification being ignored simply because they cannot be found in a searchable database? What makes a line of computer code a better source than a physical award being handed to an artist? In effect you are denying reasonable proof of sales to be included, simply because a country did not have an organization as highly financed and obsessed as the RIAA. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Stevereno81126 (talk • contribs) 18:50, 20 October 2013 (UTC)

I think reading the entire lead of this list should give all readers some level of knowledge as to why this list is being operated the way it is. Certifications must come from certifying agencies, and they should be verifiable for readers. In other words, photos of any kind portraying Gold/Platinum awards being handed to artists won't do. Yes, lot of the music markets don't offer certifications dating back to mid 1970s when ABBA began to gain popularity in the world. However, the key music markets (USA, Germany, UK, France) which generate good 60% of global music sales, do offer certifications going back to early and/or mid '70s. That includes:
  • USA (certification database covers records since 1958)
  • UK (certification database covers records since 1973)
  • Germany (certification database covers records since 1973) (Note that ABBA began charting in Germany in 1974)
  • France (certification database covers records since 1973. Albums, Singles)
  • Finland (certification database covers records since 1953)
So yes, some 30-40% of the record sales for artists like ABBA and all others who've begun appearing on the charts that early (or earlier), cannot be verified through certifications, but that is also the reason why the early beginners are not required to have as much certified sales as much newer artists on the list. The requirements for certified sales are posted in the second yellow box from top on this page.--Harout72 (talk) 19:46, 20 October 2013 (UTC)

Julio Iglesias move to 200m-records claim

Harout, are you still there? I need your advice please.

what do you think if we put his name with 200m-records claim by using this two sources (http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=118575 and http://articles.courant.com/2005-01-13/entertainment/0501130276_1_wwwfoxwoodscom-foxwoods-resort-casino-julio-iglesias)

and with 51m-certification. i think it's reliable to get 200m-records claim. please, need your advice and do not ignoring. thanks Politsi (talk) 09:57, 19 October 2013 (UTC)

If his certified sales are only 50.3 million, why do you think he deserved to be placed on the list as 200 million records seller? The 120 million is inflated enough, don't you think?--Harout72 (talk) 17:54, 19 October 2013 (UTC)

yep... i just testing if you still there. hehehe Politsi (talk) 01:13, 21 October 2013 (UTC)

David Bowie

Why isn't David Bowie on the list? He has sold well over 100 million albums. [12] — Preceding unsigned comment added by David B. Blue (talk • contribs) 23:35, 19 October 2013 (UTC)

Your source isn't reliable. Claimed figures must come from news agencies for this list.--Harout72 (talk) 01:14, 20 October 2013 (UTC)

Why does not appear david bowie in the list if he has sold over 100 million copies throughout his career?, Exactly 140 million, Want proofs? Here's the proofs:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-08/david-bowie-performs-on-stage/4457258 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bowie http://www.amazon.co.uk/Treasures-David-Bowie-Mike-Evans/dp/1780973098 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20944291

and There are more websites which claim he has sold that amount of records, it is incredible that a music legend like bowie is not on the list, just he has sold less albums than Rihanna or Miley Cyrus, that's silly — Preceding unsigned comment added by 201.141.103.54 (talk) 16:47, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Eminem - 220 million records sold?

I was reading the article on Eminem and in he first paragraph it claims he has sold 100 million albums and 120 million singles for a total of 220 million records sold. This makes more sense than the currently listed 100 million records listed on this page (seeing as that is the number of albums, not records sold). Would it be possible for someone to update this page listing Eminem as having sold 220 million records? Even if it's not 220 million I'm sure it's a lot more than 100 million. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Feltzem (talk • contribs) 07:24, 22 October 2013 (UTC)

This list requires certain amount of certified sales. That information you can find in the yellow box from top on this page. Eminem can only be listed with a maximum of 150 million records (albums, singles, videos) as his currently certified sales are only 87.1 million.--Harout72 (talk) 11:21, 22 October 2013 (UTC)
Though the figure of 220 million is blown completely out of proportion to his actual sales, this source from the Nielson company and Billboard state his sales in the US to be in around 90 million, including album and digital track sales http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120105005547/en/Nielsen-Company-Billboard%E2%80%99s-2011-Music-Industry-Report. Green-Halcyon (formerly Aunty-S) (talk) 15:18, 24 October 2013 (UTC)
Since we're talking about Eminem, he wasn't active in 1992. His first album was from 1996. No where in the source provided does it even mention the year 1992 (unless I'm not looking hard enough). 67.173.155.22 (talk) 20:37, 25 October 2013 (UTC)

Katy Perry

I don't know if she has to be on the list, if selling 81 singles makes her available to enter on the list. Even, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé have sold less than her, they are on the list. UK X Factor said Katy Perry has sold over 81 million singles and 11 million albums worldwide. So, I think is logic to put her on the list. If I'm wrong, please say me why. Thank you. Here is the link where I saw it: [4] --84.123.67.198 (talk) 19:00, 26 October 2013 (UTC)

This list requires all artists to have certain amount of certified sales based on the year they've begun charting. The requirements can be found in the second yellow box from top on this talk page. Since Perry has begun charting in 2008, her claimed figures need to be supported by 72.8% certified sales. Currently she has 51.7 available certified sales, which can support sales claims of up to 71 million (singles, albums, videos combined).--Harout72 (talk) 19:50, 26 October 2013 (UTC)

Herman's Hermits

hi harout, if you think my question is not important to get answer, just said "i'm not interest and you wasting my time"

what do you think about this source (http://syvnews.com/entertainment/music/cassidy-brings-the-world-s-greatest-teen-idols-to-chumash/article_979cb568-2963-11e3-b61f-0019bb2963f4.html) which mention this band sold 80m-records

thanks Politsi (talk) 09:12, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Not enough certified sales, just 5.5 million certified units from the U.S. market.--Harout72 (talk) 15:20, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Lady Gaga

Just for completeness, UK X-Factor claims Gaga's sales are at 114 million records (90 million singles and 24 million albums). Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKGd00HPEhs. Her certs have her just under 60 million so I'm not sure how recently they've been updated or how inflated those numbers are. Mc8755 (talk) 22:48, 27 October 2013 (UTC)

Those are inflated sales and the source is pretty unreliable. She needs more certifications so that claim can be on this list. — Tomíca(T2ME) 22:58, 27 October 2013 (UTC)
Haven't been on here for a while sorry. @Harout I had this in the above section because it was a similar inflated sales claim by the X-Factor UK, that's why I included it beneath the Katy Perry sales. I never intended it to be used as a source for the article, just to show that X-Factor in the UK claims high sales for most artists who perform on their show (hence starting it with "just for completeness". Mc8755 (talk) 12:40, 8 November 2013 (UTC)

Is Billboard a reliable source? http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5785652/lady-gaga-artpop-release-events-to-be-live-streamed-exclusive " Gaga has amassed five Grammy Awards (from 15 nominations), 24 million albums and 125 million singles worldwide." Are these inflated sales? because I obviously think they are but just wanted to know. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 182.48.140.76 (talk) 21:12, 8 November 2013 (UTC)

Based on her available certified album sales (17 million units) and certified singles sales (42.6 million units), the 24 million claim for her albums is somewhat realistic, but the claim for the singles, 125 million, is inflated. They should not claim anything higher than 60-65 million units for singles, at least based on her available certified singles.--Harout72 (talk) 21:53, 8 November 2013 (UTC)

Inconsistency

I'm concerned about the fact that a lot of the figures on this page are inconsistent with those on here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biggest_selling_British_acts_of_all_time

Surely one page needs to be altered for accuracy, but I'm unsure which. Can anyone make some suggestions please? EdwardRussell (talk) 21:43, 10 November 2013 (UTC)

This list uses claimed sales that are closer to artists' available certified sales. Thus we should go with the ones indicated here.--Harout72 (talk) 22:22, 10 November 2013 (UTC)

David Bowie

Where is he on the list????? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.106.180.163 (talk) 20:28, 13 November 2013 (UTC)

Adding Kylie Minogue?

I see that a lot of the musicians added to the list have a combined sales/certifications of both Albums + Singles. After I did some research, I saw that Kylie Minogue has sold over 68 million studio albums worldwide. However, I was concerned over the selection of singles because, in the United Kingdom, she has sold solely of 10.1 million singles there. I do not know if selective countries would count for being there, but with calculations, it tallies up to 78.1 million records overall. With this, I was wondering, should she be on the list with over 78 million sales worldwide, or not? Please answer so it can be more coherent. Thank you.

Links: 68 million album's worldwide - [13] Publisher: BBC

10.1 million singles (In the United Kingdom) - [14] Publisher: The Official Chart Company

121.75.70.144 (talk) 22:20, 16 November 2013 (UTC)

This list starts from 75 million claimed sales figures. Even if a reliable source was found for Minogue that claims 75 million records (albums, singles, videos), she would still need to have her 75 million claim supported by 36% certified sales (or 26.9 million certified units). Minogue's available certified sales are only 21.8 million units.--Harout72 (talk) 23:26, 16 November 2013 (UTC)

Rihanna - 180 or 200 million?

Rihanna should be moved to 180 million AT LEAST because several credible sources claim she's sold 50 million albums and 180 million singles worldwide http://www.vibe.com/article/rihanna-perform-receive-icon-2013-american-music-awards http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/11/15/rihanna-to-perform-receive-the-first-ever-icon-award-on-the-2013-american-music-awards/215932/

http://www.thewrap.com/rihanna-american-music-awards-icon-award-abc

http://singersroom.com/content/2013-11-15/Rihanna-to-Receive-Icon-Award-at-2013-AMAs-Joins-Performance-Lineup/

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-rihanna-to-receive-icon-honor-at-american-music-awards-20131114,0,6277965.story#axzz2kp3jOn9l

they may not be the most reliable sources but they can't all be lying. especially the LA times, it's a credible news source. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 110.174.117.6 (talk) 05:05, 17 November 2013 (UTC)

Error

Rihanna and taylor swift did not sell more records than eminem, you need to change that 65.48.137.144 (talk) 14:07, 17 November 2013 (UTC)

Not done: I assume you mean Metallica rather than Rihanna. Anyhow, these table entries are sourced. Do you have better sources? --Stfg (talk) 14:32, 17 November 2013 (UTC)


It was well known since 1983, when Abba disbanded, that they had sold between 300 and 400 million records, second only to the beatles, whose numbers are questionable. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.239.250.100 (talk) 08:43, 19 November 2013 (UTC)

Avril Lavigne

The list includes artists with the most record sales(albums + singles). Avril Lavigne has sold around 35 million albums worldwide and over 50 million singles, for a total of 85 million million records! Add her on the list please! [5]

Your source says 30 million albums (not 35 million). But for a claim as high as 80 million (30 million albums, 50 million singles), Lavigne would need that claimed figure supported by 63.2% certified sales based on the requirement for those artists who've begun charting in 2002. In other words, she'd need 50.5 million in certified sales to be listed here. Lavigne's available certified sales are only 20.3 million albums, 10.8 million singles and 365,000 videos, that is total of 31.4 million certified units. That's only enough for claimed figures of up to 50 million, and this list starts from 75 million claims.--Harout72 (talk) 17:22, 24 November 2013 (UTC)

Reversion of Edit to Chicago

I see that my edit has been reverted, with the justification that the numbers should not be changed unless "the certified sales are really close to the current claimed figures." Subjective as it is, I understand the reasoning behind not wanting to use inflated numbers. However, there are large numbers of reputable sources that cite between 120 and 122 million for Chicago. Verbatim, the article header says "inflated claimed figures that will meet the required certified sales amount but are unrealistically high from available certified sales, will not be used." I don't see what's unrealistically high for 120 million out of certified sales of 47.8 million (39.2%). Not only does this greatly surpass the certification bar of 20%, but it's significantly higher than several other artists that are further up on the list. What exactly makes this updated claim unnecessarily inflated? Vmanjr (talk) 18:29, 24 November 2013 (UTC)

Actually, this here is not an updated figure, it is from 2009. Whereas the source currently supporting the 100 million is from December 2012. Based on Chicago's available certified sales (48 million), their claimed sales should not surpass 75-80 million mark. In other words, the current 100 million is already quite inflated. Had Chicago really sold in the neighborhood of 100 million units, their available certified sales would have stood in the area of 70 million units. So, is the 122 million claimed by CNN unrealistic? It really is. By the way, your second source that you had used, is also from 2009 and claims albums sales only. That is more inflated than CNN's claim for 122 million records (albums, singles, videos). The second source shouldn't have been used at all as we avoid using sources that use the term albums, this is also in the lead of the list.--Harout72 (talk) 19:04, 24 November 2013 (UTC)
Just curious - how do you arrive at the estimate of 70 million units? Vmanjr (talk) 19:27, 24 November 2013 (UTC)

Well the 70 million mark is an approximate figure, if we're talking about 100 claimed sales. To explain what I mean, let's take an album or two by Chicago in the U.S. music market for example. RIAA has certified Chicago XIII Gold for 500,000 units, this very album may have sold between 500,000 and 1 million units in the U.S., but because it still hasn't reached shipment of 1 million units, it has only a Gold certification for 500,000 verifiable units. In other words, while the certified sales are an excellent way of determining where the actual sales of an album approximately may be, it may often times not show a few hundred thousands of units. Often times, however, the actual sales of an album (again in the U.S.) may be only 450,000 units, while the album might already have a Gold-certification for 500,000 units of shipment. The same works for Platinum albums. In the U.S. Chicago's album Chicago III has a Platinum certification for a shipment of 1 million units. While the actual sales for that album may be either between 500,000 and 1 million units, or between 1 million and 2 million units, the Platinum certification shows us that there is a million units of the album shipped or in circulation. So the certifications are always a good way of determining where the approximate actual sales lie for a particular album, single (physical, not digital). This example in difference between shipped units and actual units is smaller for all other music markets as the certification-levels are much lower everywhere else.--Harout72 (talk) 20:08, 24 November 2013 (UTC)

Makes sense, though it brings up the issue of how credible any of these numbers from news sources are, really. I'm willing to bet that, these days, many journalists are simply looking up Wikipedia to get their numbers, and that others still mention blatantly incorrect facts. Shame that there's no reliable way to determine any of this. Vmanjr (talk) 21:02, 24 November 2013 (UTC)
Yes, we have lot of news agencies claiming incorrect blown figures. I believe the main reason behind this is because they are given these inflated numbers by artists' record companies, who in their turn are in business of using every possible marketing strategy to promote their artists when there is a new studio album on the way.--Harout72 (talk) 21:14, 24 November 2013 (UTC)

criterias for the list

Is it not a bit strange to compare album sales + singles downloads of some artists with just album sales of others? Like Taylor Swift over Eminem, when the listed sources say 26 million albums vs over 100 million albums. surely they should all be compared on equal grounds. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Marcraak (talk • contribs) 17:37, 25 November 2013 (UTC)

Bon Jovi Correction

I was reading this article when I noticed that Bon Jovi was listed as having sold 100 million albums when in reality they have sold 120 million albums.

Sources

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/rock-stars/jon-bon-jovi-net-worth/

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/bon+jovi/biography.html

http://top40.about.com/od/b/tp/bonjovi.htm — Preceding unsigned comment added by SlaveToNoLaw47 (talk • contribs) 16:23, 26 November 2013 (UTC)

Shakira

She is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, having sold a total of 125 million records worldwide, over 70 million albums and 55 million singles.[6][7][8][9][10][11] Her U.S. album sales stand at 9.9 million.[12]

SayaamRulz (talk) 12:55, 27 November 2013 (UTC)

Only one of your sources claim 70 million albums and 55 million singles and it's this, which doesn't seem reliable. Your other sources claim much lower figures, MTV here claims 60 million albums, Forbes claims 50 million albums. The only logical figure out of all comes from Billboard, which claims 9.9 million albums for U.S. and Shakira's U.S. certified album sales are 7.9 million, pretty close. Shakira's overall available certified sales are 38 million (17.8 million albums, 19.8 singles, 448,000 videos). Based on that she can be listed with 73 million claimed sales. While this list starts from 75 million, we can make an exception and put her up with 75 million claim if there is reliable source claiming that figure. However, based on her available certified sales, the 50-70 million figures for albums and 55 million for singles are quite inflated.--Harout72 (talk) 17:08, 27 November 2013 (UTC)

Garth Brooks

Why is his claimed sales LOWER than his certified sales? That's like saying I'm shorter with high heels than without. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.81.174.111 (talk) 22:44, 3 December 2013 (UTC)

Most of the time the press just repeats the well-known and publicized figure of 128 million albums shipped in the United States (found here). This does not take into account what he has sold on other formats (singles, videos, etc) or in other countries.
It was probably hard enough to find any source that claimed anything higher than 128 million.--Mαuri’96 “everything and nothing always haunts me…” 23:56, 3 December 2013 (UTC)

Eminem

Eminem sold over 220 records worldwide, you need to change that please 216.110.127.37 (talk) 20:43, 5 December 2013 (UTC)

His available certified sales which are 87.8 million don't suggest that he's sold more than 120 million records maximum.--Harout72 (talk) 00:22, 6 December 2013 (UTC)

David Bowie

I was surprised that David Bowie is not on this list. I checked and according to his Wikipedia article, he has 140 million albumn sales. Singles sales are not reported and no reliable sources are quoted. Is it possible to get some varifiable sources for his sales? I couldn't find much. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.171.196.75 (talk) 17:53, 6 December 2013 (UTC)

Julio Iglesias

The information about Julio Iglesias is just an interview in 1998. If you read other sources you can see that he has sold over 300 million albums and he has a Guinness Record. I think he has to be moved to another category with the correct number.

You can read that here: http://www.worldrecordacademy.com/arts/best_selling_Latin_Artist_Julio_Iglesias_breaks_Guinness_world_record_213325.html http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/1770209/0/julio-iglesias/record-guinness/mas-discos-vendidos/ http://www.hola.com/musica/2011121756083/julio-iglesias-rafa-nadal/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.27.106.70 (talk) 23:58, 6 December 2013 (UTC)

P!nk

Pink has become one of the most successful artists of her generation, having sold over 110 million records worldwide as of 2013.[13][14]

Why hasn't anyone paid attention to THIS - the source seems valid enough ...

DollarSignAyaam (talk) 14:29, 14 December 2013 (UTC)

This list requires all artists who have begun charting in 2000 to have their claimed figures supported by 60% certified sales. That is 66 million certified units for 110 million claim as The Michigan Times claims. P!nk's available certified sales stand at 49.5 million. But P!nk has lot of singles sold in U.S. that RIAA hasn't certified yet. Once those are certified, she will probably have her 66 million units to get on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 22:12, 14 December 2013 (UTC)

Tino Rossi

What about Tino Rossi, more than 500 millions records (french wiki) or 300 millions records (english wiki)? 20ce (talk) 12:34, 15 December 2013 (UTC)

Update of certified sales

Rihanna certified sales in Australia are now in 5,195,000 not in 4.8 million. USA certified sales are now in 77 million. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 00 lion 00 (talk • contribs) 22:40, 13 December 2013 (UTC)

I'm not sure where you're getting those figures, but go ahead and take a look at this detailed file for Rihanna's certified sales. Let me know if you see anything missing, I'll be glad to add any missing certifications. Note that as far as the certifications for featured artists go, we include only certifications of those singles that have one featured artist. The certifications of those Singles featuring two or more featured artists, aren't included in the total.--Harout72 (talk) 22:55, 13 December 2013 (UTC)

Rihanna's Stay was certified Platinum in the US and in the document the song is with only 500,000, and its 1,000,000. The Monster was certified silver in the uk (200,000), gold in Denmark (15,000 - http://www.ifpi.dk/?q=certificeringer&page=51). Also Love the way you lie was certified Platinum in Denmark, I didn't saw the song in the list (http://webcitation.org/5vvvrXpbc). --00 lion 00 (talk) 20:28, 16 December 2013 (UTC)

I added the UK's Silver for "The Monster", also added another 500,000 units for U.S. for "Stay". As for the Danish certified sales, the Gold certification for "The Monster" is for Streaming format, not Download. Besides, we are not using the Danish certified sales for any of artists at the moment as we don't have their detailed changes in Certification-levels.--Harout72 (talk) 21:36, 16 December 2013 (UTC)

ok. Thanks, have a nice day. --00 lion 00 (talk) 00:49, 17 December 2013 (UTC)

it's time for katy perry

Katy Perry US Certified Sales =Albums=

  • One of the Boys-Album 1,529,000
  • Mtv Unplugged 55,000
  • Teenage Dream-Album 2,782,000
  • Prism 1,485,000
  • Total: 5,873,000

=Singles=

  • 6,341,000, "Firework"
  • 5,606,000, "E.T." (feat. Kanye West)
  • 5,542,000, "California Gurls" (feat. Snoop Dogg)
  • 5,414,000, "Hot N Cold"
  • 4,573,000, "Teenage Dream"
  • 4,444,000, "I Kissed a Girl"
  • 3,632,000, “Roar”
  • 3,470,000, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)"
  • 3,074,000, "Wide Awake"
  • 2,662,000, "Part of Me"
  • 2,617,000, "The One That Got Away"
  • 2,211,000, "Waking Up in Vegas"
  • 1,079,000, "Thinking of You"
  • 643,000, "Peacock"


77.44.232.141 (talk) 22:34, 25 November 2013 (UTC)

You seem to have actual sales figures for the U.S. market, all of which are unsourced. Artists are inserted into this list based on the amount of their Certified sales. That said, Perry's U.S. certified units for albums are 3,000,000, while her certified units for singles are 29,500,000. Also, when I clicked on Edit for this discussion, only then I realized that you have simply copied and pasted the rest of the figures for other markets from my older file for Katy Perry, lot of which have since been updated. I removed them all leaving the U.S. unsourced figures. For her detailed updated certified sales take a look at this file I've put together. Perry's current available certified sales are 52.4 million units (6.7 million albums, 45.4 million singles, 50,000 videos). That is enough for claimed sales of up to 72 million for an artist who's begun charting in 2008. This list begins from 75 million units. If you have a reliable source claiming around 75 million or even 80 million, post it here, so I can use it when Perry reaches 54.6 million certified units for 75 million claim, and 58.2 million certified units for 80 million claim.--Harout72 (talk) 00:31, 26 November 2013 (UTC)

i have A source for US sales that doesn't include sales fro Roar and Prism

Cite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page).http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/5657799/ask-billboard-whos-sold-more-katy-perry-or-lady-gagaCite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page).

but Roar sold 3,632,000 source Cite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page). http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/music-news/chart-watch-waiting-gaga-033110534.html Cite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page). 

 Prism sold

485,000 sources Cite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page).http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5778250/arcade-fires-reflektor-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200Cite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page). Cite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page).http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5785918/eminem-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-celine-dion-and-avril-lavigne-in-topCite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page). Cite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page).http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5793353/lady-gaga-scores-second-no-1-album-with-artpopCite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page).

that makes her US certificated sales around 57 mils .. right ! and the other countries you inserted would easily makes a 58 or 59 mils so Katy Perry must be on the 80 millions claim I think thanks for your care and acceptance

77.44.232.141 (talk) 12:18, 26 November 2013 (UTC)

I don't think you understand the difference between Certified Sales and Actual Sales. Actual sales figures are those that you have posted above, but those units aren't considered certified unless Perry's record company submits a fee to RIAA, which then will approve of those sales and certify the singles/albums. But until then, Perry's current U.S. certified sales remain at 3,000,000 for albums and 29,500,000 for singles. Based on your source here, Perry's U.S. certified sales for her single should go up by 13 million units, and another 1 million based on this for "Roar" (it's 1,690,000 for "Roar" and 3,632,000 for "Applause"). So once those figures are certified, all we'll need is a reliable source to put Perry on the list. --Harout72 (talk) 16:15, 26 November 2013 (UTC)

Phew can I say something here before you undo my eidt. This time I actually spent 1hour plus counting the certifications she had by just that few markets. Its really tiring and I wish they would like sum it all up for us so it will be easy to count. The thing is I didnt count many countries in as its to much of her hassle. In US alone she is has been certified selling 32.5 million records. This is certified sales not actual ones I kissed a girl-4X Platinum Hot N Cold -4X PLatinum Waking Up In Vegas-2X PLatinum California Gurls-4X Platinum Teenage Dream-3X Platinum Firework-5X Platinum E.T-5X Platinum Part of Me-2X Platinum Peacock-1X Gold

One of The Boys-1X Platinum Teenage Dream- 2X PLatinum Sum it up its 32.5 million certified in US Alone.

--Kyung Min (talk) 12:48, 6 December 2013 (UTC)

Your U.S. certified sales are correct as well as the one for Germany, many others aren't however. See this file for her detailed certified sales. Also, bear in mind that for 92 million claim, Perry needs 66.9 million in certified sales. In other words, her claimed figures need to be supported by 72.8%. For the requirements of certified sales based on years artists appear on charts, see the the second yellow box from top on this talk-page.--Harout72 (talk) 14:04, 6 December 2013 (UTC)


Here's a source claiming that Katy has sold 11 million albums and 81 million singles http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/katy-perry/news/jingle-bell-ball-2013-line-up/

Is it good enough?

Tombo671 (talk) 11:24, 17 December 2013 (UTC)

We don't use articles published by radio stations to support claimed sales on this list. But for 92 million claim, Perry's certified sales would have to be 66.9 million units. Her available certified sales are still only 52.1 million.--Harout72 (talk) 16:19, 17 December 2013 (UTC)

Jay Z

Hi harout, how are you?

please advice, how many his albums only certification and as i remember he has a good certification units. But there's no reliable source claim his records sales.

i know this source is from magazine/Vanity Fair (http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/11/jay-z-beyonce-blue-ivy-cover-story) and not acceptable for the list

But if he has some enough certification sales for 75m-albums claim, i think we must included him on the list using that source because i'm pretty sure that another reliable source from newspaper will follow the claim

Need your advice, thanks Politsi (talk) 08:14, 18 December 2013 (UTC)

Hi I'm good thanks. Jay-Z can be listed with a source that claims 75 million Records (albums, singles, videos). His available certified album sales are only 32.6 million, he would need 39 million certified albums to be listed with a source that claims 75 million album sales. He also has 32.8 million in certified singles sales. So if you come across a reliable source claiming 75 million records, he can safely be put up on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 15:28, 18 December 2013 (UTC)

Gaon Chart

The chart don't have certifications but I think it's a reliable source of artist sales in South Korea. (http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E&chart_Time=year) --00 lion 00 (talk) 16:54, 18 December 2013 (UTC)

Taylor Dayne

Harout, did i mention her already?

i've found that she was claim 75m-albums and singles from this source (http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1505577/taylor-dayne-feels-love-from-australia/)

What do you think? and how many certification sales she has? thanks Politsi (talk) 06:09, 19 December 2013 (UTC)

Dayne needs 28 million units of certified sales for 75 million claim as she's begun charting in 1988. Her U.S. certified sales are only 6 million units, she has 250,000 units coming from Germany and 150,000 units coming from Canada. Overall, no chance of ever getting on this list.--Harout72 (talk) 16:18, 19 December 2013 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 21 December 2013

http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/eminem/news/2013-best-moments/ http://noisey.vice.com/en_uk/blog/drug-addiction-zane-lowe-and-the-marshall-mathers-lp-2-deconstructing-eminem http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/eminem-hip-hop-we-shouldnt-accept-misogyny-in-2013

For eminem you should change 100 million to 220 million records

there's multiple sources proving the claim 69.73.241.234 (talk) 22:37, 21 December 2013 (UTC)

For a claim as high as 220 million, Eminem needs 127.6 million in certified sales as he's begun charting in 1999. The certified sales requirements for this list are posted in the second yellow box from top, on this talk-page. At the moment, Eminem has 88.7 million certified units available, that allows him to be listed with claimed figures of up to 153 million.--Harout72 (talk) 19:08, 22 December 2013 (UTC)

ABBA Sells

Im new here in Wikipedia and I did not know how to ask for this so I created a new talk.

Ive seen that you´ve set ABBA sells for 250 millions where in Spanish same topic is set for more than 370 millions. I have some references, speacially from Rock and Roll Hall of fame, saying that Abba has sold more than 380 millions copies and been the second best-selling music group of all the time.

Billboard mentions ABBA has sold more than 400 millions worldwide.

Take a look.

References:

- http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/508315/unreleased-abba-song-finally-hitting-stores - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2522435/Abbas-mega-wealthy-singers-ask-fans-200-fund-forthcoming-official-photo-book.html - http://m.ibtimes.co.uk/money-abba-resort-crowd-sourcing-raise-funds-529726 - http://rockhall.com/inductees/abba/bio/ - http://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jan/02/abba-reunion-agnetha - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11154998 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/d87e52c5-bb8d-4da8-b941-9f4928627dc8 - http://www.today.com/id/23673187#.UrfbVPTuKCh — Preceding unsigned comment added by Luisrogo01 (talk • contribs) 06:52, 23 December 2013 (UTC)

KATY PERRY UPDATE

I'm sure if you added the new certifications from her new LP Prism and single Roar you'll put her in this list I won't post any pages you are the experts

thx

77.44.232.141 (talk) 22:19, 2 January 2014 (UTC)

Beyonce

When I checked the sources of Beyonce's certified sales, most of them say "retrieved in 2011". Could you update that? Since RIAA named Beyonce as the most certified artist of 2000s decade, I think she will have the claimed 118 000 000 records sold supported by certified sales. Thank you in advance. BeKay77 (talk) 09:48, 5 January 2014 (UTC)

The main sources may have been retreived months earlier, but all certified sales are constantly updated. Beyonce's latest certifications are all included in the total of each market. See this file for what's included in Beyonce's certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 16:44, 5 January 2014 (UTC)

Beyonce's new album

With the success of beyonce's new record, billboards have said she has sold 1.3 million copies in the US alone! Worldwide sales are thought to be at 1.8/2 million, can this be accounted for in her sales? I.e. Changing from 75 to 77 million? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.11.73.47 (talk) 08:12, 6 January 2014 (UTC)

Eminem's claim to 220 million

Eminem needs to be moved from 100 million to 220 million — Preceding unsigned comment added by Sterling2828 (talk • contribs) 20:09, 9 January 2014 (UTC)

Eminem is the best-selling artist of the 2000s (decade) on the US Nielsen SoundScan,[228] and the estimated sale of over 220 million records worldwide,[6][7] 6.^ Jump up to: a b "Top 10 Hip-hop Best Sellers of All Times". 7.^ Jump up to: a b "Saturday Night Football Goes "Berzerk" with Eminem". — Preceding unsigned comment added by Sterling2828 (talk • contribs) 20:13, 9 January 2014 (UTC)

James Taylor

 James Taylor has sold over a 100 million albums.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.101.71.20 (talk) 05:33, 24 December 2013 (UTC)

http://www.ironmaiden.com/the-band.html

"33 years on, and with over 80 million album sales, "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Maiden

"Considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, Iron Maiden have sold over 85 million records worldwide"


Someone needs to put iron maiden on this list. As sales are probably even higher than this. Up the Irons! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 198.255.206.74 (talk) 23:03, 1 January 2014 (UTC)

You are correct regarding Iron Maiden, but the authors are trying to keep some form of consistency in sales, so are using certified. But all should keep in mind that "certified" pulls numbers from certified platinum and gold, etc, so those falling short of that in the USA will be short changed in count. Therefore bands with greater appeal outside the USA will appear shortchanged, as is the case with Iron Maiden as the the American music audience never gained the level of sophistication to appreciate them. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Tjjerde (talk • contribs) 16:26, 10 January 2014 (UTC)

Re: Eminem's Claim to 200 million

To back the point made by a previous editor, Eminem's Wikipedia article claims in it's 'Legacy' section that Eminem's total record sales are over 200 million worldwide. This is backed by not only one but two sources, one of which (ESPN) is most definitely reputable. Both of these sources are certainly as reputable as the sources that support certain other artists in the list. The sources are as follows: ESPN- September 2013 $mart Earning Methods- October 2013 Furthermore, Eminem began charting in 1999 which means the claimed figure of 200 million is supported by the 40% lower boundary of certified sales the criteria of the list demand.

Please feel free to tell me if for some reason this is not enough evidence for Eminem to be moved quite a way up the list. This message is left in good faith for attention of the regular editors of this page, I am well aware I could make this change myself, but I feel it is better to discuss it first. There may be factors I haven't considered. Please let me know. --Jonie148 (talk) 22:14, 10 January 2014 (UTC)

Actually, Eminem needs his claimed sales supported by 58% certified sales, not 40%, since he's begun charting in 1999. It's 40% for 1990, additional 2% needs to be added for each year. So Eminem can be listed with claimed figures as high as 154 million with his 89.2 million certified units. Let me know please if there are reliable sources which claim figures for Eminem that are between the current 100 million and 154 million. Also, figures should come from news agencies.--Harout72 (talk) 23:14, 10 January 2014 (UTC)
  1. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britney_Spears_discography
  2. ^ Scapolo, Dean (2007). The Complete New Zealand Music Charts 1966–2006. ISBN 978-1-877443-00-8. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |coauthors= and |month= (help)
  3. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britney_Spears_discography#Studio_albums http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_singles#10.E2.80.9314.9_million_copies http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_singles#5.E2.80.936.9_million_copies http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_singles#5.E2.80.936.99_million_copies http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Till_the_World_Ends#Certifications http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scream_%26_Shout#Certifications
  4. ^ "Katy Perry Performs "Roar" on The X-Factor UK". The X-Factor UK. 2013-010-26. Retrieved 2013-10-26. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ http://www1.billboard.biz/bbbiz/photos/pdf/2013/TFMm0418.pdf. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ "Snippet of new Shakira track 'I Dare You'". England. August 23, 2012.
  7. ^ "Harvard Foundation honors Shakira". The Indian Express. February 27, 2011. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  8. ^ "Big things are expected to come!". MTV Base. February 22, 2012.
  9. ^ "Shakira Profile | Forbes". Forbes. August 2012. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  10. ^ Madelyn Rodriguez (2011). "Las 10 celebridades latinas más influyentes". About.com (in Spanish). The New York Times Company.
  11. ^ "Shakira named Latin Grammy Person of the Year". Dawn. Associated Press. November 10, 2011. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  12. ^ Justino Aguila Shakira Is Latin Grammy Person of the Year. Billboard. September 27, 2011
  13. ^ "P!nnacle !n P!nk". Wowt.com. 2013-11-11. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  14. ^ Alex Hinson. "P!nk at the Palace of Auburn Hills". The Michigan Times. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
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