Talk:List of best-selling music artists/Archive 23

prince
prince has sold more than 80 million records. he has sold, according to UKMIX (wikipedia's refusing to allow me to post the website) that he has sold approximately 80-85 million in album sales. the website goes on to say that if his singles sales are added it would go over 100. Definitely he has been having hits since the late 70s...

how can so many artists go so high and not Prince? he has definitely sold AT LEAST 100... — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.221.177.44 (talk) 00:27, 20 June 2012 (UTC)
 * UK Mix is a user-generated site, therefore, not reliable.--Harout72 (talk) 01:19, 20 June 2012 (UTC)

thank you for replying. but, since UK Mix is not reliable (it seems to very accurately however calculate sales), how come bbc is reliable (which is where the 80 million comes from)? And if you go to the prince discography page and click on the first link on the bottom, it takes you to a source that claims Prince sold 100 million. Why is BBC's opinion higher than this book result? If there is a disagreement about how many records he's really sold, one should write 80 - 100 million records for him.

thanks 98.221.177.44 (talk) 01:29, 20 June 2012 (UTC)98.221.177.44 (talk)
 * BBC is considered highly reliable source for its highest level of fact checking and editorial control. Ebony (magazine) (which the 100 million comes from) is not a news service. We don't accept sources of that kind on here. But if a reliable source such as BBC, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times is located that claims 100 million Records (not just albums) please let us know, we can also include that. Prince has enough certified units for 100 million figure.--Harout72 (talk) 01:45, 20 June 2012 (UTC)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/velocity/2010/07/09/prince-is-right-the-internet-is-over/ Forbes states that Prince sold 100 million records worldwide. Forbes is consistently known for and famous for calculating (usually correctly) singers' wealth, so they are a reliable website. thanks 98.221.177.44 (talk) 02:41, 20 June 2012 (UTC) 98.221.177.44 (talk) 01:29, 20 June 2012 (UTC)98.221.177.44 (talk)
 * ✅. While it would've been better if we had a source like the one I was suggesting above, Forbes is acceptable.--Harout72 (talk) 04:15, 20 June 2012 (UTC)

thanks a lot! 98.221.177.44 (talk) 13:50, 20 June 2012 (UTC) 98.221.177.44 (talk) 02:41, 20 June 2012 (UTC) 98.221.177.44 (talk) 01:29, 20 June 2012 (UTC)98.221.177.44 (talk)

Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has reached the 110.000.000+ records sold (Mediatraffic.de) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.44.23.106 (talk) 15:25, 15 June 2012 (UTC)
 * That's pretty much the most unreliable source you can quote... Ich901 (talk) 16:46, 29 June 2012 (UTC)

Bob Marley ?
150-350 million records sold — Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.168.166.122 (talk) 16:29, 29 June 2012 (UTC)
 * I don't think so. Ich901 (talk) 16:44, 29 June 2012 (UTC)

Proven sales higher than Claimed sales?
Not sure what the policy is, and where the claimed sales figures are coming from? as they differ from the proven sales amount, where do they come from too?. But for some, like Garth Brooks and The Eagles the proven sales are higher than the claimed sales. What's going on here then? Why would it be claimed that someone has sold less than can be proven rather than more which seems to be normal for most musicians. Carlwev (talk) 14:51, 4 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Somehow Brooks & Dunn's U.S. certifications were included in RIAA's total by mistake, I corrected it. But Brooks' total certified units (135.6 million) for all available markets are still higher than his claimed figure. Since certifications for albums are based on shipped units and not sold units, I believe that some of Garth Brooks albums may not have sold as much as they have been shipped. As for The Eagles, the Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles was included in the RIAA's total (3 million units), it's corrected now. But again, the total certified units for The Eagles are 124 million, which is still higher than their claimed figure. --Harout72 (talk) 17:25, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

P!nk
P!nk has sold 110 Million records according to EMI. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/publishing/publishing-briefs-pink-re-ups-with-emi-universal-1006648552.story Its a well known fact that labels tend to inflate sales but Music publishers don't lie. So I think she should be included! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 182.177.93.214 (talk) 13:29, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

Tom Jones
Tom Jones (singer) is missing too. I know there are rules as to sources. Tom Jones article claims he has sold over 100 million records, and as he's older would need a lower percentage proven sales. I am not that good at digging up references but would be worth someone looking at it. Carlwev (talk) 14:44, 5 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Refer to this archived discussion for Tom Jones, that should help you out.--Harout72 (talk) 15:51, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

Blondie
I was wondering if Blondie could be added to the list. I have found quite a couple of not-so-reliable sources which are listed below:


 * http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8101034
 * http://books.google.com.pe/books?id=nixTfP6giD8C&q=%22over+50+million+records+worldwide%22#search_anchor
 * http://www.bilbaointernational.com/en/bilbao-bbk-live-2011-blondie-beady-eye-tv-on-the-radio-and-ken-zazpi-new-confirmations/
 * http://archive.blondie.net/images/press/roberta_bayley/BLONDIE%20US%20PR.pdf
 * http://www.amazon.com/The-Curse-Blondie/dp/product-description/B0001J1ZJK

After adding up the band's certifications, I ended up with ~18.8 million, which, considering that Blondie began charting in 1976, should be enough to add them to the list.--Mauri96 (talk) 03:00, 18 June 2012 (UTC)
 * No, I'm afraid, those sources are not reliable. I made a few adjustments to your work, which make the total 19.1 million, good work overall. But we could surely add Blondie to the list if a reliable source is located.--Harout72 (talk) 06:00, 18 June 2012 (UTC)


 * I understand if the the last two and probably the first links are not considered reliable. However, I politely ask: What about the 3rd one? If the grammar or writing style seems off, it's because the site is originally in Spanish.


 * I've also heard that Parallel Lines is terribly under-certified due to some problems Blondie had with their label. (See Ashley Douglas' comment here.) That may only be hearsay, but I do sincerely believe that Blondie should be added to the list.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 00:08, 9 July 2012 (UTC)

Katy Perry

 * I kissed girl: 8 million
 * Hon n Cold:

!scope="row"| Canada (CRIA) {{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|title=Hot N Cold|artist=Katy Perry|certyear=2008|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|accessdate=10 March 2012}|salesamount=60,000}}
 * 6× Platinum+2× Platinum (MT)
 * 560,000^

!scope="row"| Total certified sales:
 * 5,815,000
 * 5,815,000


 * California gurls, Teenage dream, Firework, E.T., Last Friday Night, The One That Got Away =37,620,00.
 * One of the boys=5 million.
 * Teenage dream (album)= 6 Million


 * 54 Million

Friend, Katy Perry has sold 74.6 million tracks worldwide, and this page says that http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/katy-perry-part-of-me-interview-339341 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.59.239.144 (talk) 09:16, 27 June 2012 (UTC)


 * It actually says 74.6 million tracks and 9.1 million full lengths, making the total 83.7 million. Since Perry has begun charting in 2008, she would need her claimed figures supported by 66% certified sales per the requirements of this list (see the second box from top on this page). That would need to be 55.2 million certified units for a claim as high as 83.7 million, but her current available certified units are 43.5 million. That could only support up to 65.9 million claim.--Harout72 (talk) 15:38, 27 June 2012 (UTC)
 * I don't think she has sold enough yet for competing the people who have been added to this list. Clarificationgiven (talk) 10:14, 28 June 2012 (UTC)


 * It's true that Katy's certifications are nowhere near Eminem's or Rihanna's, but they're nearly as high as Lady Gaga's and higher than Christina Aguilera's, the Spice Girls', Jennifer Lopez's, and Coldplay's certified sales.
 * It's not necessarily a question of what you think or what anyone "thinks" for that matter. There are reliable sources (somewhere) for Katy Perry. It's just a matter of finding claims that are lower than the one above and that mention album as well as single sales.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 16:49, 28 June 2012 (UTC)


 * It's ridicolous to think that Katy Perry's certifications are that high, none of her 2 studio albums have sold more than Coldplay's, Christina's or the Spice Girl's. — Preceding unsigned comment added by XtinoFrost (talk • contribs) 17:39, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

I meant certified singles. You might want to check the list of best-selling singles. No artist save for Elvis Presley has more singles on the list than Katy Perry.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 00:14, 9 July 2012 (UTC)

Iron Maiden
The band has reportedly sold albums in the 80-85 million range, as is indicated by several credible websites, including one cited on Wikipedia's page for the band (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/business/media/06maiden.html?_r=3&ref=music). Since the 70 million in claimed sales has been on this page for several years, and the band has released a new album and completed their largest tour ever, it seems fair to credit them with that many claimed sales. 68.96.75.221 (talk) 10:49, 6 July 2012 (UTC) Matt
 * Refer to this archived discussion from about a month ago. That should help you understand why the 85 million currently cannot be used.--Harout72 (talk) 15:08, 6 July 2012 (UTC)

B'z sales
B'z didn't sell just 75 million million albums, It sold 80 million albums. (Read about Best-selling music artists in Japan).
 * ✅ Source for B'z sales figure is now updated.--Harout72 (talk) 17:45, 8 July 2012 (UTC)

Mr.Children sales
Mr.Children didn't sell just 50 million albums, It sold 55 million albums. (Read about Best-selling music artists in Japan).
 * The first source you've posted above is for B'z, and the second source cannot be found. Where is the source that claims 55 million for Mr. Children?--Harout72 (talk) 17:28, 8 July 2012 (UTC)

Mariah Carey
Just having a quick glance at her certificated sales. Some defenitly are wrong. I believe the brazil sales are for her the Music Box album alone. Also, I can't believe the Japan sales certification. I believe her Japanese album sales alone stand at roughly 19 million. Maybe somebody can check that? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.241.109.133 (talk) 14:28, 9 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Somebody has already checked, that's why you see all available certifications posted. That said, Music Box has only been certified Gold in Brazil for 100,000 units.--Harout72 (talk) 01:45, 10 July 2012 (UTC)

Orhan Gencebay
What about Orhan Gencebay (65 million sales) (src)?--CherryX (talk) 23:20, 11 July 2012 (UTC)
 * The source cannot be found. But besides sales figures, Orhan Gencebay would need his claimed figure supported by 15% certified sales as he's begun charting before 1975. In other words, if a reliable source is located with a claim of 65 million, we'd need to have 9.7 million in certified units per the requirements of this list.--Harout72 (talk) 23:53, 11 July 2012 (UTC)

TLC
According to VH1. http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-04-25/celebrating-the-life-of-left-eye-10-years-after-her-untimely-death/... TLC have sold 50 million records...

they also has been claimed by MTV as the second best-selling girl group (behind the spice girls)... http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1683858/left-eye-tlc-death.jhtml..

Please include them, they deserved to be on the list.... thank you... 39.217.138.163 (talk) 11:24, 12 July 2012 (UTC)
 * ✅ TLC's now on the list with their available certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 01:01, 13 July 2012 (UTC)

Modern Talking
The German Duo Modern Talking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Talking) sold about 120 million copies worldwide. http://www.stern.de/tv/sterntv/ex-modern-talking-star-bei-stern-tv-jetzt-spricht-thomas-anders-1727062.html — Preceding unsigned comment added by 195.50.142.178 (talk) 11:56, 13 July 2012 (UTC)
 * This archived discussion should explain why Modern Talking are not on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 15:05, 13 July 2012 (UTC)

What about Charley Pride?
According to this source Pride has sold over 70 million records http://www.charleypride.com/about/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by Tay7tay7 (talk • contribs) 19:07, 13 July 2012 (UTC)

Adele
Adele's 21 has sold more than 22 million albums which Wikipedia confirms. Her previous album has sold more than 6 million which Wikipedia confirms. Rolling in the Deep has sold over 8 million as well as Someone Like You which Wikipedia confirms. So far that's 44 million records. Set Fire To the Rain has sold over 4 million which Wikipedia confirms making it 48 million records. Chasing Pavements has sold well over a million. And surely her Live at the Royal Albert Hall video album has sold well over a million and her other sales accumulate enough to make it at least 50 million by now. (SuperCell3000 (talk) 20:44, 9 July 2012 (UTC))


 * I'd like to add that a quick count of her certifications in the US, UK and Germany alone amount to 38.15 million, not to mention that the album 21 alone has 18.87 million in certifications from Europe, the United States, Canada, Brazil and Australia. (15.2 million counted twice).
 * Surely it's just a matter of finding a reliable source, right?-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 08:11, 15 July 2012 (UTC)

Beyoncè Sales
It's not right to include Beyoncè! She has sold 75 million records only if we consider her solo career and Destiny's Child career combined! As a solo artist she sold almost 20 million albums and some million singles. Anything else! <


 * She doesn't have "some million singles". She has four singles that have sold over 5 million, not to consider at least half a dozen more in the 1-4 million range (see her discography)
 * If you go to said discography page and then compare with these sales compilations here, you will see that just with three singles, and just in the United States, she already has 2.9 million in uncertified but proven sales. A further look through her UK actual single sales reveals that she has an additional 1.381 million in uncertified sales there.


 * Just in two countries, and with only five singles, Beyoncé already has over 4 million in sales that can be proven but go unaccounted for in her certifications.
 * Imagine if all her singles' actual sales in only a dozen other countries were tracked down. Therein lies the discrepancy between her certified sales of 47.8 million and the claimed figure of 75 million.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 16:32, 16 July 2012 (UTC)

What about Eric Clapton?????
Eric Clapton (solo and cream) has sold more than 50 milion copies. Just Unplugged sold 25 ml albums. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Clapton_discography — Preceding unsigned comment added by 93.56.195.221 (talk) 12:49, 19 July 2012 (UTC)
 * He's sold a lot more than 50 million, but can't find a reliable sources for his claimed figures.--Harout72 (talk) 15:07, 19 July 2012 (UTC)
 * What about including him only based on his certified sales? Ich901 (talk) 11:16, 20 July 2012 (UTC)

Order of markets
Hello Harout72, did you realise that this document only represents the total value of physical sales on page 31? Ich901 (talk) 11:19, 20 July 2012 (UTC)
 * It's most probably only the sales of physicals. But it's the only reliable document that is available which provides order for markets.--Harout72 (talk) 15:46, 20 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Ok good to know. I came across that fact during a discussion on German Wikipedia where I proposed to allow the use of chart data based on the sales volume of different markets. Do you know on what exactly the ten countries, whose charts are used in the English Wikipedia, are based on? Ich901 (talk) 18:27, 20 July 2012 (UTC)


 * Are you asking what rule they follow on discography pages when they choose to place the home market first and then all others in an alphabetical order? If that's what you're asking then it's based on WikiProject Discographies/style.--Harout72 (talk) 23:38, 20 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Thank you, that is exactly what I was looking for. Ich901 (talk) 23:40, 20 July 2012 (UTC)

Claimed Sales
These figures shouldn't be used as they are not primary sources, nor do they seem to be based on any authoritative method and seem to be plucked out of the air to sound good in a quickly composed print article. There doesn't seem to be any good reason to use them. Whats up skip (talk) 04:13, 29 July 2012 (UTC)
 * I agree. We should use certified sales to make up the list as claimed sales are often just made up by the publications and there is no true evidence to support their claims. --Jamcad01 (talk) 08:23, 29 July 2012 (UTC)

Status Quo
How come the British Band "Status Quo" is not mentioned on this list..?? According to Wikipedia page of the Band "Status Quo" sold in excess of 128 million records world-wide.... Sincerely Tommy Keiser — Preceding unsigned comment added by 199.106.103.57 (talk) 18:03, 1 August 2012 (UTC)
 * I can't see any sales figures at Status Quo (band). However, per this list's requirements, Status Quo would need their claimed figures supported by 15% certified sales. Their available certified sales, which are 8,980,000 units, can support up to 60 million claims. If there are reliable sources that claim that figure, then we could put Status Quo on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 20:46, 1 August 2012 (UTC)

Hank Williams, Jr.
I was looking up his father's sales (not confirmable as he died in '53) when I found out that Hank Williams, Jr. has 19.5 million in certified albums in the United States plus an additional 0.1 million in certified video albums.

I also searched the ARIA, BVMI, BPI, CRIA and SNEP databases and found no other certified sales save for 0.1 million in certified albums in Canada.

However, I did find a magazine, a newspaper and an additional source for 50 million albums/records sold.

Could Hank Williams, Jr. be added to the list?-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 18:10, 7 August 2012 (UTC)


 * This Google Books link might help as well.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 18:14, 7 August 2012 (UTC)
 * While Willimas Jr. has enough certified units for a 50 million claim, the article on The Gainsville Sun states albums, but Williams Jr.'s record sales seem to be based on videos also as there seems to be 100,000 units of Full Access certified by RIAA. Is there another reliable source that states 50 million records (albums, singles, videos)? I don't know about this one.--Harout72 (talk) 23:13, 7 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Unless Google is hiding results from us, I believe the Weekly World News article is the only place on the Internet that states "records".
 * We could always use this USA today article or my second link.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 04:25, 8 August 2012 (UTC)
 * ✅ Since 99% of Williams, Jr.'s certified units is based on albums, I inserted him into the list with the article by USA Today.--Harout72 (talk) 05:31, 8 August 2012 (UTC)

Backstreet Boys Album Selling
160 million records http://www.officialcharts.com/features/backstreet-street-boys-interview/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ramon.rlm (talk • contribs) 22:16, 7 August 2012 (UTC)
 * First, the 130 million records seem to be inflated enough already. Second, per the requirement of this list, BSB need their claimed figures supported by 42.5% certified sales, or 68 million certified units for the 160 million claim. So far, their certified units are 65.7 million.--Harout72 (talk) 23:17, 7 August 2012 (UTC)
 * I don't doubt they've sold that much since they were huge not only for one album but for several albums, and especially because they were way bigger worldwide than they were in the US. Member AJ McLean himself recently said they've sold 170 million records here but finding data for certified sales is difficult. For example there's hardly any data for This Is Us besides an outdated US numbers. So unless we can find more sales data we can't add any number bigger than 150 million.--  Krystaleen  08:25, 8 August 2012 (UTC)
 * While the record companies must submit fees for albums/singles/videos to get certified, 95% of all records do eventually get certified. Had BSB really sold 150-160 million records, we would've had good 100-110 million in certified units. It's not about difficulty, it's about those sales figures being inflated. The inflated sales figures are quite often tossed about for promotional purposes, to promote a new material.--Harout72 (talk) 15:14, 8 August 2012 (UTC)
 * While I do get that it's possible inflated, I'm pretty sure they've sold more than 65.7 million records. It's partly about the data being scarce too because we only have sales numbers from a few countries, right? They were big worldwide, and the certified sales are only from 17 countries. I'm not asking you to change the claimed sales number, by the way, I totally get the system. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in. And I'm pretty sure This Is Us has sold more than 98k worldwide.--  Krystaleen  15:34, 8 August 2012 (UTC)

Yes, it is more than 65.7 million, their actual worldwide should be around 90-100 million. Let's bear in mind that those 17 markets that we have generate 80% of the global record-sales. See for example Global music industry market share data. Most Asian and south/central American markets generate very small number of units. The size of a music market is based on two major factors, Economy and Population. Good economy (per capita) alone with small population doesn't generate huge record sales. Similarly, a huge population with weak economy (per capita) doesn't generate notable record sales either. You'd need both.--Harout72 (talk) 15:46, 8 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Pretty much agree with what you said. Population without Economy=piracy wins big time.--  Krystaleen  03:30, 9 August 2012 (UTC)

Utada Hikaru sales
Utada sold over 52 million records worldwide.
 * I removed Hikaru Utada's because her charting year was listed as 1993 by mistake, which is 1999 in fact. And per the requirement of this list, her claimed figures should be supported by 48.5% certified sales (or 24.2 million certified units for a 50 million claim). So far her available certified units are just shy of 20 million units. We'll add her back to the list when she gains another 4.2 million.--Harout72 (talk) 00:39, 19 July 2012 (UTC)
 * I'm sorry, but I think your sales are wrong - the document you link to shows First Love as being certified 1x Million for 1,000,000 shipments, but according to the RIAJ it is certified as 8x Million for over 8,000,000 in shipments. Source Furthermore, this page shows First Love as 8x Million, Distance as 4x Million, and Deep River as 3x Million. That's 12 million more in sales than the document claims for a total of just under 32 million. 50.83.125.121 (talk) 20:13, 11 August 2012 (UTC)

I don't read Japanese, therefore, I'm unable to navigate the RIAJ site, I only know of the Million-Seller-Database, the Gold and Platinum database, and the database for Digital singles. I never knew of this page you provided, thanks for that. The Million-seller database for 1999 is where I got the 1 million units for "First Love". However, we should not use your second source as it doesn't strike me as reliable, besides, we are strictly to rely on Certifying bodies. In this case it's RIAJ, only. I will now go ahead and re-insert Utada Hikaru into the list as her total now is 26,950,000 including the 8 million units for First Love.--Harout72 (talk) 20:48, 11 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Thank you for making this change! I will try to locate and provide a reliable source for the rest of the albums that are (allegedly) certified at higher levels. 50.44.67.184 (talk) 19:22, 12 August 2012 (UTC)

DESTINY'S CHILD
The gropu has sold 40 million albums and 20 million singles worldwide. According to Billboard, they have sold a total of 60 million records REF: https://twitter.com/RY121995/status/201338932267462656/photo/1/large, http://www.talkbackthames.tv/news/story/read_the-x-factor-2011-judging-panel-announced_item_100166.htm, http://www.soulculture.co.uk/features/interviews/destinys-child-the-writings-on-the-wall-lp-revisited-by-co-writer-kandi-burruss-return-to-the-classics/#axzz232KA8zrX, http://www.catwalkmagazine.com/2012/06/kelly-rowland/, http://www.blackplanet.com/music/view/artist.html?page_url=destinyschildmusic. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 109.52.91.3 (talk) 13:32, 12 August 2012 (UTC)
 * We don't accept sources like the ones above. Sources for this list must come from highly reliable news services such as CNN, FoxNews, The Los Angeles Times etc., or music industry related establishments such as MTV, VH1, Billboard magazine.--Harout72 (talk) 16:36, 12 August 2012 (UTC)

Beyoncé certifications

 * Germany: 5 Gold, 2 Platinum Source
 * Australia: 4 Gold, 33 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, 3, Source 4, Source 5, Source 6, Source 7, Source 8, Source 9, Source 10, Source 11, | Source 12, Source 13, Source 14, Source 15
 * Belgium: 4 Gold, 1 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, Source 3
 * Austria: 2 Gold Source
 * Brazil: 2 Platinum, 1 Diamond Source
 * Canada: 5 Gold, 2 Platinum Source 1, Source 2
 * China: 1 Gold Source
 * Spain: 3 Gold, 36 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5, Source 6, Source 7
 * USA: 21 Gold, 43 Platinum Source
 * Denmark: 5 Gold, 2 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, Source 3
 * IFPI Europe: 4 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, source 3
 * France: 4 Gold, 1 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4
 * GCC: 1 Platinum Source
 * Hong Kong: 1 Gold Source
 * Greece: 2 Gold, 1 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, Source 3
 * Hungary: 2 Gold Source
 * Ireland: 6 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, Source 3
 * Italy: 2 Gold, 2 Platinum Source 1, Source 2
 * Japan: 6 Gold, 1 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5, Source 6, Source 7,
 * Norway: 3 Gold Source
 * New Zeland: 6 Gold, 11 Platinum Source
 * Poland: 1 Gold, 3 Platinum Source 1, Source 2
 * Portugal: 2 Gold, 1 Platinum Source
 * UK: 1 Silver, 2 Gold, 10 Platinum Source
 * Romania: 1 Gold Source
 * Russia: 1 Gold, 4 Platinum Source 1, Source 2, Source 3
 * Sweden: 4 Gold, 1 Platinum Source
 * Swiss: 3 Gold, 3 Platinum Source

Silencio faz bem (talk) 20:02, 11 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Total 70 millions by certification


 * According to the sum of products in Spain (here) is missing the song "Beautiful Liar" = 60.000 . The information can't be updated? Lucas S.  msg 23:37, 11 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Yes, I will update that. It's actually 120,000 units. 60,000 units for Digital, 60,000 units for Mastertone. Thanks for that.--Harout72 (talk) 00:27, 12 August 2012 (UTC)

Gold and Platinum awards in each market represent different volumes. Also, certification-levels have been brought down in 95% of the markets since 1999. For example the 2 Gold certifications for Hungary represent a total of 8,000 units (5,000 units for B'Day, and 3,000 units for I'm Sasha Fierce). In Russia, Beyonce has 3 Platinums for B'Day which represents 60,000 units, the Platinum for I'm Sasha Fierce represents 20,000 units, and the Gold for 4 represents 10,000 units. So the total for Russia is only 90,000 certified units. In New Zealand, the certification-levels for Platinum is 15,000 units and for Gold 7,500, but I would not use Radioscope as a source, I use RIANZ, which has 3 Platinum for albums, 3 Platinum and 3 Gold for singles (see my file below).

Since you think the total can be 70 million, then you need to familiarize yourself with the volumes the Gold/Platinum certifications represent in each country. The detailed file I provided you for Beyonce's certified sales on your own talk page, shows what each Gold/Platinum stand for that Beyonce has received for her Albums, Singles and Videos. At the footnotes of the main page, we have many sources posted for changes in certification-levels. You can also get an idea about certification-levels for each market by quickly glancing at the certification-levels for 2007, certification-levels for 2009, certification-levels for 2012. Hope all this will help you to see why her total certified units can't be 70 million units as you believe.--Harout72 (talk) 00:22, 12 August 2012 (UTC)
 * I told all these detailed data, year by year, and their certification levels. As I said here on the page that I created pt:Anexo:Lista de certificações recebidas por Beyoncé Knowles Silencio faz bem (talk) 01:14, 12 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Spanish(for a Portuguese speaker): No sé si entiendas mejor o que quiere decir Harout72 en español, pero lo voy a intentar:
 * Por causa do incrementos en piratería y otras razones, casi todos os países que dan discos de Oro y Platino han reducido el "limite" de ventas necesarias para recibir discos de oro y platino.


 * Por ejemplo, os Níveis de Certificação de Brazil han bajado desde que se redujeron os niveles el primero de january de 2004.
 * Hoy en día, (2012) a un disco de un artista internacional se le da un disco de diamante por ventas de 160.000 en Brazil. Antes de 2004, a ese mismo disco se le hubiera dado un disco de Oro por ventas de 100.000.
 * Lo mismo ha sucedido en Francia, en Canadá, en Hungría y en muchos otros países en el mundo.


 * Es por esto que te pido que escuches a Harout72, el tiene razón y sabe o que faz.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 02:30, 12 August 2012 (UTC)

Silencio faz bem, your work on pt:Anexo:Lista de certificações recebidas por Beyoncé Knowles has mistakes. For example: That's just a few. Unfortunately, I don't have time to look at it anymore than I already have. But clearly, you need to be careful when publishing your figures for certifications.--Harout72 (talk) 09:43, 12 August 2012 (UTC)
 * For Brazil, the Diamond for I Am... Sasha Fierce (released in 2008) states 500,000 units, whereas the ABPD has reduced it's certification-levels for international artists in January 1, 2006 making the Diamond-award 250,000 units. Also, the 2x Platinum for the DVD The Beyoncé Experience Live (released in 2007) states 100,000 units, whereas the ABPD has reduced the DVD certification-levels for international artists in January 1, 2006, making the Platinum 30,000 units.
 * For Canada, the 2x Platinum for I Am... Sasha Fierce (released in November 14, 2008) states 200,000 units, whereas CRIA (Music Canada now) has reduced its certification-levels for albums in May 2008, making the Platinum 80,000 units. Also, the 2x Platinum for "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies" states 160,000 units which in fact is 80,000 units for 2x Platinum. Platinum for "Halo" is for 40,000 units, not 80,000 units. The 3x Platinum for "Telephone" is for 120,000 units, not 240,000 units. CRIA's levels for Digital download were Gold=20,000, Platinum=40,000 until March 2010.
 * In Canada, not used CRIA, use Music Canada, and see Here Triple platinum is 240,000 sales. Silencio faz bem (talk) 20:22, 12 August 2012 (UTC)

CRIA is the Music Canada, they simply changed the name some months ago. Also, they updated their certification-database, but failed to set up the system to recognize the dates of the single-releases for Digital downloads and the physical singles. I have contacted them specifically about this, they replied saying that the system needs to be re-formatted to recognize the release dates of the singles in order to bring up the correct figures. It's the same error they have with physical singles. All physical singles appear with Gold=5,000 and Platinum=10,000, whereas the levels for physical singles were Gold=50,000, and Platinum=100,000 for singles released before Sep. 2002. For Digital downloads, it's best to use the older CRIA's postings for those certified singles that were released before May 2010, at least until they correct the formatting.


 * For the UK at pt:Anexo:Lista de certificações recebidas por Beyoncé Knowles, you have 3x Platinum (900,000 units) for Dangerously in Love, which has been certified 2x Platinum only (600,000 units). Also, "If I were a Boy" and "Single Ladies" have been certified Gold (400,000 units), not Platinum (600,000 units).--Harout72 (talk) 20:50, 12 August 2012 (UTC)
 * This erros was already corrected. Silencio faz bem (talk) 20:35, 14 August 2012 (UTC)
 * The same time that erros was corrected, various others certification are discovery, like 2X platinum (500k) for Crazy in Love in Japan. Silencio faz bem (talk) 20:40, 14 August 2012 (UTC)

Madonna Sources claim
I know... nothing wrong with the sources for Madonna 300m claim, but personally i see the three sources of Madonna claim is from United Kingdom... I think it is look not so reliable...

I suggest to change the sources of Madonna for 300m-claim which is from IRISH INDEPENDENT with sources from CNN... http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/06/opinion/granderson-madonna/index.html

It will be look so reliable, because not only from one country only... thanks... 182.13.19.56 (talk) 05:33, 14 August 2012 (UTC)

Julio Iglesias
I think that I've found a problem:

Almost all the sites claim that Julio Iglesias has sold over 300 million copies worldwide an he is recognized as one of the best-selling artists of all time (Acording to Sony he is in the top 10).

It's quite weird for me that in this list he has less than 119 million claimed copies and is situated in the last positions.


 * Indeed Julio Iglesias have claimed sales of 200 million records sold. Also artists of other nationalities like Nana Mouskouri,Alla Pugacheva, Wei Wei, etc should be here too. --XtinoFrost (talk) 04:21, 15 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Read the introduction of the article. Ich901 (talk) 16:50, 15 August 2012 (UTC)

Santana sold 90 million records
In this list.... Santana was claimed to have sold 80m records according to BBC... that was an old sources...

according to this sources... http://events.nzherald.co.nz/artist/carlos-santana

Santana sold 90 million records... please updated their record sales... thanks.. 182.12.36.191 (talk) 10:45, 17 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Unfortunately, this is not the work of The New Zealand Herald, it is by eventfinder. That is not a reliable source. And the 80 million records seems just about right based on Santana's available 59.8 million certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 15:26, 17 August 2012 (UTC)

Hong Kong certifications
To all editors who watch this page:

I know Hong Kong's music market isn't the biggest but it is worth including the certifications IFPI awards there, especially considering that they have been awarded since 1977.

Regarding the certification requirements, according to an unreliable source they have been lowered through the years, as is the case with non-Hong Konger artists. According to that link, before December 2007, foreign artist were given a Gold award for 10,000 copies sold and Platinum award for 20,000 sold. An October 2007 page capture of the "Gold Disc Award Criteria" page at IFPI.hk confirms this.

I know that the minimum certifications an artist needs to have in a given market for those certs to be included in the list is 100,000, (or that's the impression I have, at least) and I really don't think that number is hard to get with Hong Kong sales, as Madonna received 6 Platinum awards for 120,000 sales in 1990 alone.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 01:03, 18 August 2012 (UTC)
 * I personally don't have a problem posting Hong Kong's certified sales for all those who have more than 100,000 in certified units available. The only problem is that this page (although a lot of work has been put into it), has lots of mistakes. For example:


 * It states that RIAJ( Japan) has lowered its levels at the end of June 2002, whereas, RIAJ, in fact has lowered its levels both for domestic and international artists on January 1, 2003 (see both pages, 1, 2).


 * It states that PROMUSICAE (Spain) has first lowered its album-levels at the end of 2004, whereas, PROMUSICAE has first lowered its album-levels at the end of October 2005. It was still Gold/Platinum 50,000/100,000 until October 23, 2005. It was lowered for the week of October 24, 2005-October 30.--Harout72 (talk) 06:32, 18 August 2012 (UTC)


 * It states that in Italy, until September 1994, Gold/Platinum for albums were 100,000/200,000. Is it true? It's not mentioned here.


 * if we source Hong Kong's levels to that page, one day someone with knowledge is going to criticize the reliability of the entire List of best-selling music artists. Only because it contains mistakes.--Harout72 (talk) 02:03, 18 August 2012 (UTC)


 * I didn't mean to advocate using the "imbruglia" link. I only meant to use as "proof" that add some point Hong Kong had lowered their certification requirements. In this case, I think the page capture alone suffices.-- Mαuri ’96   “ ...over the Borderline ” 04:44, 18 August 2012 (UTC)


 * I understand. But the thing is that Hong Kong's certification-levels for international artists, initially, were Gold=7,500, Platinum=15,000. So when was it brought up to 10,000/20,000? Hong Kong's levels have never been higher than 10,000/20,000 for international artists? In 2005 (page 23), the levels already were 10,000/20,000. It would be so much easier for all of us, if these associations posted all of the certification chnages on their sites, like Germany (BVMI) does.--Harout72 (talk) 15:52, 18 August 2012 (UTC)

The Beatles
The beatles have sold over 2 billion records

http://www.statisticbrain.com/the-beatles-total-album-sales/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.219.42.115 (talk) 18:06, 18 August 2012 (UTC)

If we took in count the real proclamed sales from Elvis Presley by the RCA he should be at the top of the list. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 190.192.252.164 (talk) 00:09, 21 August 2012 (UTC)

Elvis's proclaimed sales are no where near over 2 billion and in fact a figure much lower. I am actually surprised that he is tied with The Beatles on this list, he has surely sold over a billion but no more than 1.5 billion (72.219.42.115 (talk) 00:50, 22 August 2012 (UTC))

Lady Gaga sales
The Lady Gaga sales to 2012 is: 23 million albums and 90 million singles Total : 113 million sales

Source: http://www.bigconcerts.co.za/shows/lady-gaga/LadyGaga_PressRelease.pdf

Considering this is something advertised by either Gaga herself or one of her handlers (most likely the latter) i dont think that could classify as a reliable source. What could be classified as reliable would be things such as Billboard or Rolling Stone or a statistics website maybe such as Guinness World Records. Especially considering it doesnt seem as though the website in question has any reliable evidence nor does it sell tickets for more than three artists. My point being that a website as such has very little credibility and reliability. (SuperCell3000 (talk) 20:40, 22 August 2012 (UTC))

Lady Gaga sales
The Lady Gaga sales to 2012 is: 23 million albums and 90 million singles Total : 113 million sales

Source: http://www.bigconcerts.co.za/shows/lady-gaga/LadyGaga_PressRelease.pdf — Preceding unsigned comment added by 200.55.168.75 (talk) 19:54, 22 August 2012 (UTC)

Britney Spears Sales
Since Rihanna and Gaga have been included thanks to singles sales,Britney has sold over 150 milion copies if we consider her singles sales too! We all know that Brit has sold over 100 milion albums,so sales cannot be just 100 milion. I don't think that singles sales are counted for every single artist on this list. And i think this page should shows only albums sales.

Totally agree with you, also only Rihanna and Gaga include her singles sales — Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.59.239.144 (talk) 10:02, 28 June 2012 (UTC)

Britney has sold more than 100 million records. Her total albums sales count around 90M. She has sold 30M digital downloads in USA (Billboard said it) and what about her singles sales? ...Baby One More Time has sold 9M copies, Oops I did it again has sold 6M and all her other singles (Crazy, Born to make you happy, Lucky, Stronger, I'm Slave 4 U, Everytime), she has sold over 150 Million records. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 201.157.5.242 (talk) 22:02, 22 July 2012 (UTC)

http://www.billboard.com/news/l-a-reid-courts-britney-spears-for-record-1007777752.story In this article Billboard says that she has sold 100 million albums, just albums.

http://www.billboard.com/news/l-a-reid-courts-britney-spears-for-record-1007777752.story In this article are the sales of her TOP selling singles (physical and digital downloads)JUST in USA, claiming 25 MILLION SINGLES SOLD.

http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/charts/official-uk-countdowns/britney-spears-official-top-20 In this article, are her Top 20 best selling singles in the UK! With this 20 singles, she claims 6 MILLION SINGLES SOLD!

THAT'S A TOTAL OF 131 MILLION OF COPIES BY FAR, WITH HER TOTAL ALBUMS SALES AND JUST A FEW SALES OF HER SINGLES! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 201.157.5.187 (talk) 21:08, 8 August 2012 (UTC) Britney Spears has total sales of 190m. to 200m. for all her worldwide sales! it's def. more than 100 as her albums alone are over 100m. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.40.100.32 (talk) 04:01, 3 September 2012 (UTC)

Mina
Hello,

There is a dispute out at the edit summaries of the Mina (Italian singer) article about her sales numbers. I know there has been serious arguments put against including the numbers from the Italian press in Wikipedia (76 million) but I cannot find them in this talk page's archive. Could someone point it out to me or just give his or her opinion on why this number should not be included in neither the list of best-selling music artists or anywhere on Wikipedia. Thanks. --Jaan Pärn (talk) 14:37, 28 August 2012 (UTC)


 * I see that Mina's wikipedia article says she's sold 150 million records, not 76 million. Since it is asked above to submit an opinion, I'll try to do just that.


 * Regardless of how large an artist's catalog, the 150 million records (albums, singles, videos) do not get generated without having been terribly popular in larger music markets (U.S., Japan, UK, Germany, France) and also medium-size music markets (Australia, Canada, Italy, The Netherlands, Brazil, Spain). Mina seems to have released dozens of materials after all larger music markets had established certification-systems. Yet, none of them has any certifications for her. In Germany, Mina seems to have experienced moderate chart success with her earlier singles, but nothing impressive. In France, she doesn't seem to be among those artists who have sold 1 million+ records. In the Netherlands, she seems to have just one single that has appeared on the charts there, not enough again.


 * Surely, she's experienced a long success in her native market, Italy. But is Italy's continuous success with possibly help from Spain's and some south American music markets enough to claim that she could have sold 150 million records worldwide? In my opinion, the answer is no, it's outright impossible. In fact, Italy's medium-size market with help from some other non-large markets might not have generated 76 million records either. Those are just inflated sales figures tossed about by her record company. Inflating record sales is one of the oldest marketing strategies that record companies have been practicing. But that practice is such a chewed gum, that many record companies today are turning away from doing it.


 * My opinion is this: Either pick the lowest available claimed figure for Mina which possibly doesn't surpass the 50 million mark, or simply leave claimed sales figures out of the article altogether. As for this list, it is required that all artists, who've begun charting before 1975, have their claimed figures supported by 15% certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 00:28, 29 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Mina has sold 150 million worldwide.. but principally in Italy.. In 1960-70 decade, music market moved big number of sales in Italy..now is different... I'm Italian. HiMusic&#38;Co (talk) 11:56, 29 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Yes, music sales were big before 2000 pretty much everywhere, but that doesn't mean one medium-size music market could have generated the kind of sales (150 million) that artists only from the U.S. and UK markets are able to achieve by being popular everywhere in the world.--Harout72 (talk) 15:04, 29 August 2012 (UTC)

This is not correct and not objective,unreal and very of part. Abba, Ac/DC, Mina, Pavarotti, Celentano, Bocelli, Pausini, Aznavour, Alla Pach.., Rahaman, Julio Iglesias, Celine Dion, Scorpion, B'Z, Kilye Minogue,  are not at all anglosasson. This is the true. Can you say anything...but the true is that. Hello everybody :)Music&#38;Co (talk) 16:28, 29 August 2012 (UTC)
 * I said 150 million. Kylie Minogue is listed with 60 million, B'z are listed with 80 million, Scorpions, Julio Iglesias, Luciano Pavarotti are listed with 100 million all three of whom have experienced worldwide success. There are very few artists from other than U.S. and UK markets that have achieved sales of over 150+ million, and they all have been impressively popular not just in their home market but all over the globe including ABBA, AC/CD, Celine Dion etc. As for the names like Alla Pugachova, A.R. Rahman, Charles Aznavour, Nana Mouskouri etc., they are not even on this list due to lack of proof of sales, which is Gold/Platinum certification-awards. All those artists that have really sold 150+ million records, do have major certified units. So should Mina if her 150 million was true, which isn't.--Harout72 (talk) 00:46, 30 August 2012 (UTC)

I repeat that its's wrong :) ! 1*Mina was (and is now) best-selling italian female singer. She has sold her records in Italy, in Italian music gold age (time ago in Italy gold-disk certified=1million records sales, now 30.000 for album ands 15.000 for singles). She has sold in Italy, France, Germany, Spain Europe in general, Japan, Latina America(Argentina,Brazil,Mexico,Colombia,Venezuela, etc..)... 2*Popoulation of USA= 314,3million / Popoulation UE: 503,5 million (UE-UK [62,3 million]= 441,2 ) 3* Top 10 Worldwide Music Market:

According Billboard.biz

1) US 4,17 bil 2) JAP 3,96 bil 3) GER 1,41 bil 4) UK 1,38 bil 5) FR 0,95 bil 6) CAN 0,4 bil 7) AUS 0,39 bil 8) NED 0,27 bil 9) ITA 0,25 bil 10) SPA 0,24 bil

US+UK= 5,55 / OTHER TOP MUSIC MARKET=7,78

US and UK aren't the world. Hi! Music&#38;Co (talk) 07:09, 31 August 2012 (UTC)

But you are right when you speak of proportionate certifications to the number esteemed of records sold in general (15% before 1975, 60% after the 1975). In effects it Mines has sold 150 million copies, primarily in Italy (in the gold years of the Italian musical market), but also in Europe, Japan and Sudamerica. Nevertheless, in that times the systems of certification were not so diffused, and it founded mainly us on the respects and the data furnished of the associations of dealers in the musical circle, you divulge then from magazines and circulation daily paper national as "TV sorrisi e canzoni", "Musica & Dischi", "Hit Parade Italia", "Il Corriere della Sera", "La Repubblica", "La Stampa", "Il Giornale" and the RAI (television of state).

For this I say that she cannot be inserted in the list since the certifications don't allow it, but yshe should be mentioned in the introduction og page, together with that names as Aznavur, To.To.Rahaman, etc.. and same thing for Celentano. Hi Music&#38;Co (talk) 10:40, 31 August 2012 (UTC):)


 * You obviously can't understand the point I'm trying to make, I'm not talking to you about the sizes of music markets, which is something I know very well. Indeed, the UK and the U.S. aren't the world, but they are the ones with deepest roots in the music industry, and for that reason, the music of both gets spread out around the world more easily than any other's. If you knew how popular one needs to be to have sold 150 million records, you wouldn't keep arguing. Charting here and there with one or two singles doesn't add up to having sold millions of records. Finally, for the sizes of the music markets, you might want to look at Global music industry market share data. Anyways, I'm done with this futile argument.--Harout72 (talk) 14:30, 31 August 2012 (UTC)

The whole discussion is futile, and there is not anything to be understood besides exhibits him stubbornness to want to denigrate artists and sources of everything respect, but that I am not anglossassoni. The only thing that is evident is the scarce knowledge of some matters despite you are thought about knowing very well the matter. The music was born in Europe, between Rome and Athens, and subsequently it continued to evolve in Europe as Opera and Lyric. USA are subsequently hooked only, and the numbers what time they move I am alone proportioned to the population, although if it is compared with the UE it is clearly smaller. I have shown you as the American market you represent a consistent but smaller slice in comparison to the totality, therefore we can be continued to exhibit the American successes and to set in the shade those European, but this list is not correct.I am sorry of the discussion. I invite you to a great knowledge of the European music, above all of the Mediterranean area and invitation myself to a more accurate formatting to the standards of wikipedia. HiMusic&#38;Co (talk) 15:02, 31 August 2012 (UTC)

Nz sales
pls update backstreet boys sale in new zealand... backstreets back 6x platinum backstreet boys platinum millennium 2 x platinum black and blue platinum greatest hits gold total sale 157,000 source: dean scapolo nz charts 66-06 Corrigierst (talk) 13:59, 13 September 2012 (UTC)
 * We use the RIANZ charts to support New Zealand's certifications. It only contains a total of 72,500 certified units.
 * {| class="wikitable"

! Album !! Certification !! Units !! Chart#
 * Millennium || 2x Platinum || 30,000 || Posted on Chart#1166
 * Black & Blue || Platinum || 15,000 || Posted on Chart# 1241
 * Greatest Hits: Chapter One || Gold || 7,500 || Posted on Chart# 1289
 * }
 * {| class="wikitable"
 * Greatest Hits: Chapter One || Gold || 7,500 || Posted on Chart# 1289
 * }
 * {| class="wikitable"

! Single !! Certification !! Units !! Chart#
 * I Want It That Way || Platinum || 10,000 || Posted on Chart#1166
 * Larger Than Life || Gold || 5,000 || Posted on Chart# 1181
 * Shape of My Heart|| Gold || 5,000 || Posted on Chart# 1243
 * }
 * We need at least 100,000 certified units to include NZ's certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 15:22, 13 September 2012 (UTC)
 * Shape of My Heart|| Gold || 5,000 || Posted on Chart# 1243
 * }
 * We need at least 100,000 certified units to include NZ's certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 15:22, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

what about dean scapolo book...that is credible source Corrigierst (talk) 16:20, 13 September 2012 (UTC)
 * We don't use offline sources on here. We rely on the certifications coming from certifying bodies.--Harout72 (talk) 21:49, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

Judas Priest
Judas Priest has more than 50 million sales and is not listed. I found the following sources to prove it:


 * http://loudwire.com/original-judas-priest-singer-band-sounded-more-like-acdc-if-stayed/
 * http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/6b335658-22c8-485d-93de-0bc29a1d0349
 * http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/02/28/judas-priest-confirm-uk-dates-as-part-of-epitaph-world-tour/
 * http://www.glasgowvant.com/judas-priest-epitaph-tour-glasgow-secc/

But I can not list them because I do not know the certifications of sales in each country, and i do not know search. Who can seek, I thank you. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Matheus93tfm (talk • contribs) 00:11, 14 September 2012 (UTC)
 * Sources we use for the List of best-selling music artists should come from highly regarded news services or music industry related establishments such as MTV, Billboard, VH1. The BBC source that you have above is a wikipedia mirror, which cannot be used. I see Judas Priest has first charted in 1977 (Link redirected to OCC website) with album Sin After Sin. Artists who've begun charting in '77 need 17.7% in certified sales per this list's requirements. That would be 8.8 million certified units for a 50 million claim. Judas Priest has more than what's required coming from the U.S. All we need is a reliable source to insert him into the list. Be sure it's a source that uses the term Records (albums, singles, videos), and not just Albums, because his certified units are based on Albums and Videos.--Harout72 (talk) 00:44, 14 September 2012 (UTC)

Records & Albums ???
Honestly, i really confuse with the meaning word of records for claim sales, instead album... for examples :

this sources... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/shania-twain-to-be-inducted-into-canadian-music-hall-of-fame/article561338/

wrote than Shania Twain sold 80 million ALBUMS.... not 75 million RECORDS as quoted on this list... please explain, what's the different since the claim stand from a highly regarded sources?....

Thanks.. 39.210.105.67 (talk) 07:57, 13 September 2012 (UTC)
 * The term Records stands for Albums, Singles, and Videos. While the term Albums is sometimes used by news services when referring to record sales, it is not the best way to describe artists' overall sales. And they do refer to the entire sales of singles, albums, and videos when they use the term Albums. Therefore, we encourage editors at the List of best-selling music artists to source sales figures to articles that use the term Records.--Harout72 (talk) 15:08, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

Okay... then please explain for LADY GAGA claim sales on this list.... Lady Gaga claim sources is from MTV... http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/08/12/lady-gaga-los-angeles/.... in that sources, there's NO information with term RECORDS, but only claim sales of 13 million singles and 51 million albums... which is combined 64 million.... and this total stated on the list...

Why for Lady Gaga... the term records, not applicable....

and then... I have found this sources... about Lady Gaga claim sales from Yahoo and BBC...:

http://voices.yahoo.com/best-selling-pop-artists-last-15-years-10569413.html?cat=33

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15340049

both the sources stated that Gaga sold 23 million albums and 64 million singles.... which is combined in 87 million claim... so, it means the claim for Gaga, should be change?... is that right?..

Please, need your consider... this list is VERY RELIABLE... therefore, your explanation as editor is crucial... thanks.. 182.3.150.32 (talk) 08:52, 14 September 2012 (UTC)
 * The term Records stands for Albums, Singles, Videos, and when a source already publishes a separate figure for Singles and a separate figure for Albums, there is no need for the term Records anymore. As for the total of 87 million claim for Lady Gaga, her certified sales need to be 57.4 million or 66% of the 87 million claim per this list's requirement as she's begun charting in 2008. She is 9 million certified units short.--Harout72 (talk) 15:58, 15 September 2012 (UTC)

Santana Claim sales
I was the one who asking about santana claim sales previously... which I think 90 million records more reliable than 80 million records and thanks for your quick explanation... But... I still not satisfied, since I have seen this sources which also claim the 90m records of Santana..

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-tone-management-llc-opens-in-san-rafael-in-former-santana-band-offices-118908814.html

http://www.chicagonow.com/show-me-chicago/2012/04/ten-hottest-tickets-for-ravinia-festival-2012-santana-train-and-more/

beside.... with nearly 60 million in certification, based on the requirement rules, Santana even reliable for more than 100 million records claim..

need your consider... thanks... 182.3.150.32 (talk) 08:17, 14 September 2012 (UTC)
 * If there are reliable sources such as news services that claim the 90 million, we can update it. Chicagonow is not going to do it. Frankly, neither is PRNEWSWIRE.--Harout72 (talk) 15:19, 14 September 2012 (UTC)

Okay... thank you for your explanation... well, how about this sources from Las Vegas Sun... http://www.lasvegassun.com/events/2012/sep/13/24142/... it is also claim the 90 million records of Santana... 182.3.18.187 (talk) 04:42, 15 September 2012 (UTC)
 * ✅ I updated Santana's claimed figure using your recent source above, although, it would've been better if the figure had come from a prestigious news service.--Harout72 (talk) 05:10, 15 September 2012 (UTC)

Iron Maiden don't have 70 million
Iron Maiden has over 80 million sales. The band's website says that:


 * http://www.ironmaiden.com/the-band.html (In the last paragraph)

And others sources say it:


 * http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/business/media/06maiden.html?_r=3&ref=music (In the third paragraph)
 * http://www.livrariasaraiva.com.br/produto/4069766/iron-maiden/ (It's a shopping site)
 * http://www.whatrecords.co.uk/iron-maiden.asp

I had updated the information, but someone deleted the update. Even with the information of the band's official website, why not let me put Iron Maiden in column of 80 million? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Matheus93tfm (talk • contribs) 23:22, 14 September 2012 (UTC)
 * This archived discussion on Iron Maiden should help you understand. Remember, we strictly rely on proof of sales (certified sales) at this list.--Harout72 (talk) 23:54, 14 September 2012 (UTC)

New Kids On The Block
First of all... thank you for your very quick response on this column, and thanks for changing Santana claim status..

I have seen on this list also, that probably the most famous boyband in history, New Kids on The Block claim sales is an old information. Then i have try to find the 80 million records sales figure of the boys... and i have found this 3 reliable sources..:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2175793/Flashing-tache-New-Kids-Block-sport-matching-facial-hair-pecs-Donnie-Wahlberg-tweets-racy-topless-pic.html

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/New-Kids-On-The-Block/1378/

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-01-26/entertainment/chi-interview-new-kids-on-the-block-jordan-knight-20120126_1_boy-band-tour-bus-nkotb

all sources above stated the 80 million records sales of NKOTB, then the old sales claim of 70 million records previously.. should be change... thank you...

Ow, By the Way.... please response my question regarding of (probably) the most lunatic artist in history (Lady Gaga) claim sales above... thank you.. 39.213.212.77 (talk) 09:19, 15 September 2012 (UTC)
 * ✅ Although the 80 million seems quite inflated, I updated their claimed figure only because their available certified sales meet the requirement for the 80 million claim. Not sure what your concern is regarding Lady Gaga.--Harout72 (talk) 15:37, 15 September 2012 (UTC)

Norah Jones Claimed Sales
According to the article stated in The Telegraph... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/syndication-services/9241811/Articles-and-Features.html.

she's said to be sold 50 million albums through her career, despite it is stated on the cover article... but i believe she has claimed the 50m sales.... especially with her 26 million-debut album.... please include her on the list... thanks... 182.15.75.207 (talk) 10:29, 31 July 2012 (UTC)
 * The source you provided above doesn't redirect anywhere specific.--Harout72 (talk) 14:57, 31 July 2012 (UTC)

but.... if you read the music section which is informed about Norah Jones, it was stated :

''Norah Jones interview: Keeping up with La Jones. In 10 years '''Norah Jones has sold close to 50 million albums'''. Mick Brown finds her as''

it was stated clearly by the Daily Telegraph.... so you mean this is still not reliable??.. how?.. need your consider... thanks. 182.8.223.158 (talk) 08:58, 11 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Telegraph is reliable. But when I click on that title, the article itself doesn't mention anything about the 50 million, it states: She recorded three further albums, which between them have sold 27 million copies, making her the biggest-selling female artist of the 2000s. Even if the 50 million claim does exist somewhere, she'd need a claim that uses the term Records (albums, singles, videos), not just Albums. Because based on her certified sales, a small portion of her record-sales is based on singles and videos. Also, since Jones has begun charting in 2002, per this list's requirements, she needs her claimed figures to be supported by 54% certified sales. For a 50 million claim, it would be 27 million in certified units. I'll go over her certified sales when a reliable source is located that claims 50 million records.--Harout72 (talk) 15:52, 11 August 2012 (UTC)

Okay.... But i have found this sources... from Chicago Theather... is this sources reliable enough?... because it was stated the 50 million records claim for Norah Jones...

http://www.chicago-theater.com/theaters/chicago-theater/norah-jones.php

and believe, if we count the certification sales of her records... It is very reliable for the 50m-claim... please... need your consider... thank you.. 182.2.102.139 (talk) 11:40, 4 September 2012 (UTC)


 * That source is not a reliable I'm afraid to say. Please make sure the sources are from news services, or MTV, VH1, Billboard.--Harout72 (talk) 14:51, 4 September 2012 (UTC)

Well... and then please advised me again, sorry but i really defend that Jones is deserve to be on this list especially if you count the albums sales of her three albums from a very reliable sources / Norah Jones discography... Come Away With Me (26m), Feels Like Home (12m), and The Fall (3m), the sales from that three albums only combined in 41m, not including Not Too Late and the others singles which is without a reliable sources yet...

And today, I have found this source from Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka).... :

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/12/27/mag03.asp

if you read the article inside that source, it was stated... She has sold more than 16 million albums in the US and over 36 million records worldwide.... and if we count... the total stand at.. 52 million... which is claim enough to be include on this list..

Please advised... is the sources from Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka) is reliable enough?... and is reliable the combination of 52 million... I hope you not throw up with my question again... thanks... 39.210.35.90 (talk) 05:38, 18 September 2012 (UTC)


 * The 36 million is the total worldwide records sales. In other words, the 16 million for U.S. album sales is included in it. As for the article by The Telegraph that states 26 million in sales for Come Away With Me, it's inflated at least by 5 million units. Because Come Away With Me
 * has shipped 10 million units in the USA,
 * has sold 6 million in Europe,
 * has gone 2x Platinum in Japan (for 400,000 units),
 * has shipped 1 million units in Canada,
 * has gone 11x Platinum in Australia (for 770,000 units),
 * has gone Platinum in Brazil (for 125,000 units)
 * that's total of 18.2 million units. The rest of the music markets in the world represent very small share of sales. That still leaves 8 million units that smallest markets can never cover. Also, the 12 million figure for Feels Like Home is inflated also. That album
 * has shipped 4 million units in the U.S.
 * has sold 3 million in Europe
 * has gone Platinum in Japan for 250,000 units
 * has gone 4x Platinum in Canada for 400,000 units
 * has gone 3x Platinum in Australia for 210,000 units
 * has gone Gold in Brazil for 50,000 units
 * has gone Gold in Mexico for 50,000 units.
 * That's total of 7,960,000 units. That still leaves 4 million units that smallest markets cannot cover. If I were you I wouldn't believe those sales figures. In my opinion Jones has sold total of 35 million records worldwide. That's albums, singles and videos.--Harout72 (talk) 06:39, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

mmm... very quick and smart explanation, but it feels me down... Okay, please advised, if you think it would be not neccessary to waste my time finding and searching the sources of 50m claim for Norah Jones, because you already have a complete data all available certification sales from Norah Jones and not enough to support the 50m claim... thank you.. 39.210.35.90 (talk) 07:43, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

Taylor Swift claim sales
Well, i have seen the claim sales of Taylor Swift is old already... more than a year.. should be updated... alright, i don't want too much talking, because i don't like her song..

The old sources claim 52 million... a combination from sales and download based from Billboard information..

need your advised, herewith i give you two sources...:

from VH1... http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-08-28/taylor-swift-to-debut-we-are-never-ever-getting-back-together-plus-performing-at-vmas/ Stated Swift sell 22 million albums and 50 million download... the combination stand at 72 million.

from Billboard... http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/taylor-swift-scores-first-ever-no-1-on-billboard-1007872562.story Stated Swift sell 17.8 million albums in the U.S and 50 million download.... the combination stand at 67.8 million.

please advised, which is the most reliable.... In my opinion, Swift is deserved to join the 70m club... thanks...39.210.35.90 (talk) 09:57, 18 September 2012 (UTC)
 * ✅ Billboard's figure is for U.S. sales only, so I used the article by VH1.--Harout72 (talk) 15:58, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

Lady Gaga's claimed sales
Lady Gaga did NOT sell over 60 million albuns. The singles are included there. You should either remove the single sales, therefore excluding her from the list, or add single sales to ALL other artists. Same thing with Rihanna I suppose. Stating that she's sold over 60 million albuns is a FALSE statement. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Renanrdesouza (talk • contribs) 21:11, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

Whitney Houston claim to sold 200 million records ???
Well, one of the most beautiful voices in earth history (Whitney Houston) has passed away. In this list and also most of the news has been stated that she sold more than 170 million records (from Reuters, MTV, The Guardian), but also it is a very controversies since several highly reliable sources claim that Houston sold more than 200 million albums... it was stated albums, not records...

like the indication rules of this list, the 200m claim sales of ALBUMS is not accepted and I Thinks that's the reason why the editors in this list defend the 170m records sales, instead the 200m sales album...

and then, please advise... what do you think?, if some reliable sources stated that Whitney Houston sold 200 million records... not albums??..

i have found 3 reliable sources from magazine which is stated that Houston sell 200m records... herewith the sources..:

1. The sources from Ebony (magazine).... http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/whitney-houston-1963-2012-344 The editor stated Houston sold nearly 200 million records..

2. The sources from Pride Magazine.... http://pridemagazine.com/?p=3135 The editor stated Houston sold over 200 million records..

3. The sources from The Atlantic Wire.... http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/02/whitney-houston-dies-48/48594/ The editor stated same.... Houston sold 200 million records..

So, need your consider... I think all the three magazines above is a highly reliable sources... and they reliable as a news information...

Please change the claim sales of Whitney Houston... and include her equally with Mariah Carey and Celine Dion as the 200m-seller...

Beside, the most important thing... let's face it... with nearly 100 million in certification, Whitney Houston is reliable to claim the 200m-sales...39.210.35.90 (talk) 08:58, 18 September 2012 (UTC)


 * Those sources are not acceptable for this list. We need articles by either news agencies or music industry establishments like MTV, Billboard, Vh1.--Harout72 (talk) 15:58, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

Well, then... i will change all the sources from magazines above with the sources from news agencies.... alright, to be honest... i like whitney a lot, so that's the reason why i wanted her to be equaly with Madonna, Carey, and Dion...as the legendary female music artist in history with 200m sales... herewith the sources..:

1. The source from The Daily Telegraph (Australia)...http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/fans-grieve-fallen-angel-whitney-houston-who-died-at-48-in-a-beverly-hills-hotel-room/story-e6frewyr-1226269117459

The article inside the news website, stated that Whitney sold 200 million records...

2. The source from Forbes...http://www.forbes.com/sites/taranelson/2012/02/21/is-whitney-houstons-wasted-talent-is-any-more-tragic-than-your-own/

The beautiful and smart Black Girl Tara Nelson of Forbes contributor also stated Whitney sold 200 million records.

Well... please advised... those sources is from a very prestigious news agencies... and i think it would be strong enough to bring Whitney Houston to the place where Beatles, Presley, Madonna, Jacksons, Queen, John, Carey, and Dion stand and leads the history as the greatest selling musicians on earth.... thank you...182.2.13.194 (talk) 06:21, 19 September 2012 (UTC)
 * ✅ Updated it. However, note that based on Houston's available certified sales, she seems to have sold only some 150 million records worldwide meaning, the 170 million is even inflated. But since we keep the required certified units low, the 200 million meets the requirements since she's begun charting in 1984.--Harout72 (talk) 15:22, 19 September 2012 (UTC)