Talk:List of best-selling music artists/Archive 7

The King Michael Jackson's Position
Michael Jackson, although you say he has sold over 750 000 000, is still listed below bing crosby who has sold more than 250 000 000 less than him. Also, since Jackson's death reports say he has sold over 40 000 000 albums as of a month after. So this can surely be changed as the numberof 750 000 000 was retrieved in 2007. Would not be suprised to see him coming second only to the beatles, and ahead of elvis presley, as many sources seeem to suggest. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ajnprior (talk • contribs) 07:37, 27 July 2009 (UTC)


 * We follow alphabetical order within the sections. As for the recent strong record sales of Jackson, I hope the 40 million within a period of one month is true, because I am hoping that it might help to narrow down the gap between the 750 million records in sales (which looks outright spurious as his Certifications don't suggest even the half of that number) and his actual sales.--Harout72 (talk) 15:22, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

He's no where near 750 million.

Nor is Elvis above a billion (how could he be when he's 150 million in the US and that was far more than half his market)

And the Beatles are about 400 million. We should stop taking any magazine as a source. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.104.87.45 (talk) 21:25, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

He was about 300 million last year... numcers don't add up... it should be 100 million per album... Even Thriller moved from 40 million to 100 million in a year according to hhis record company (who were trying to re-launch him, LOL) in a year, without making it in the IPA list of best-selling albums in 2008 (the best-selling was6 or 7 million?????/) Come on, I understand he's dead, but facts are facts  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.104.87.45 (talk) 21:31, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

Nor is he 40 million in a month... Are we joking? He's already dropped out of the Billboard top 20!!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.104.87.45 (talk) 21:35, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

According to Mediatraffic he'sss topped up a few million with all his albums (haven't counted, but maximum 4 or 5) from there to 40!!!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.104.87.45 (talk) 22:24, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

Barry Manilow
Looks like there are some Barry haters here. He's sold 76m according to his own Wiki page, and is the most successful adult contemporary artist of all time (yeah I'm not sure what that means either). But he should be on the list, quite high up. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.161.152.180 (talk) 22:42, 23 July 2009 (UTC)

By the way I just checked the Arista records site http://www.jrecords.com/ and it says he has sold more than 75m records. That is regarded as a reputable source by the standards of this page. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.161.152.180 (talk) 22:50, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * First, we don't accept publishings coming from labels second I removed the figure of 76 million from Barry Manilow page as it was unsourced.--Harout72 (talk) 01:15, 24 July 2009 (UTC)

Annie Lennox/Eurythmics
There are two seperate entries for her in the 75-99 million range. However checking the reference it appears that the figure quoted is for her combined sales as a solo artist and as a member of the Eurythmics. This press release from her record company would support that too http://www.sonymusic.co.uk/artists/annie_lennox/8319/ Either they should be merged or references found to support both parts of her career. My guess is Eurythmics around 55-60m and solo about 20-25m.yorkshiresky (talk) 09:25, 26 June 2009 (UTC)


 * I couldn't agree more with the statement that Lennox could not have sold as many as 80 million records as a solo artist. It is clear that the source has failed to mention that the 80 million records refers to the sales of both Eurythmics as well as the sales of her solo career. Anyways, I removed her from the list. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.--Harout72 (talk) 15:35, 26 June 2009 (UTC)

Barbra Streisand: 140 million albums worldwide!
Please, try to make a good list if you do it. The american artist Barbra Streisand, has sold 71.5 million albums in the USA according to the RIAA (although they're 81 million albums sold). But she has sold more albums arround the world: a total of 140 million albums worldwide. Apart of this artist, there are others whom sales are wrong. Here's the ranking (1-30) more reliable:

1 - Beatles = 346.500.000 (12/2007) 2 - Michael Jackson = 205.500.000 (09/2008) 3 - Pink Floyd = 193.700.000 (02/2008) 4 - Elvis Presley = 187.000.000 5 - Madonna = 185.300.000 (01/2008) 6 - Elton John = 177.200.000 (01/2008) 7 - Queen = 170.100.000 (09/2008) 8 - Rolling Stones = 169.100.000 9 - U2 = 166.400.000 (02/2008) 10 - Led Zeppelin = 165.500.000 (01/2008) 11 - Celine Dion = 163.000.000 (12/2007) 12 - Eagles = 147.800.000 (12/2007) 13 - Mariah Carey = 145.900.000 (12/2007) 14 - Rod Stewart = 140.100.000 (03/2008) 15 - Barbra Streisand = 139.800.000 (02/2008) 16 - Whitney Houston = 134.200.000 (12/2007) 17 - Garth Brooks = 131.900.000 (02/2008) 18 - Bruce Springsteen = 130.900.000 (02/2008) 19 - Eric Clapton = 129.000.000 (02/2008) 20 - AC/DC = 128.700.000 (11/2007) 21 - Billy Joel = 124.500.000 (12/2007) 22 - Bee Gees = 122.100.000 (12/2007) 23 - Phil Collins = 122.000.000 (12/2007) 24 - Bob Dylan = 119.800.000 (12/2007) 25 - Fleetwood Mac = 118.100.000 (12/2007) 26 - Santana - 117.700.000 (03/2008) 27 - Neil Diamond = 117.300.000 (02/2008) 28 - Aerosmith = 113.500.000 (11/2007) 29 - Bon Jovi = 107.200.000 (12/2007) 30 - Simon and Garfunkel = 105.100.000 (03/2008) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Andro13 (talk • contribs) 10:04, 21 June 2009 (UTC)


 * And where are these figures coming from?--Harout72 (talk) 16:41, 4 July 2009 (UTC)

Doesn't even look remotely accurate. JFonseka (talk) 12:43, 10 July 2009 (UTC)

They lok pretty gaccurate to me. Are they from mediatraffic? Cause you should add about 10% of the markets they don't cover. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.104.87.45 (talk) 01:20, 28 July 2009 (UTC)

Deep Purple
Deep Purlpe had never solf more than 100 million copies. Their best selling album, Machine Head hadn't sold that more than 4 million copies.

Error with Enya
The musician Enya is listed under the category of selling 50 to 74 million albums where right in her biography on wikipedia, it states that she has sold around 77 million albums, which in that case would have her bumped up to the section of selling 75 to 99 million albums, —Preceding unsigned comment added by PatrioticBoy1993 (talk • contribs) 19:46, 28 March 2009 (UTC)

Coldplay
Coldplay needs to be on this list. They've sold 50 million albums —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.161.153.156 (talk) 21:18, 3 April 2009 (UTC)

the word "categorically" is incorrect in this context
categorical means: "without exceptions or conditions; absolute; unqualified and unconditional: a categorical denial". although it can also mean: "of, pertaining to, or in a category", the first meaning is far more commonly used and accepted. Given that this article can in no way be categorical because it already states "This information cannot be listed officially, as there is no organization that has recorded global music sales.", it would be much better to re-phrase the sentence as: "This list documents the world's best-selling music artists alphabetically and by categories." —Preceding unsigned comment added by Tc847 (talk • contribs) 15:50, 7 April 2009 (UTC)

The Doors
The Doors have broken on through to more than 75 million album sales worldwide since their self-titled debut album lite-up the music seen in 1967. Even today their Dionysian passion continues to ignite album sales of over 1 million annually. Therefore, this strange band should be included on this list.

Queen
Can somebody please move Queen as estimates put them at over 300 million records sold. Someone keeps moving it, there are pleanty of links on the Queen page that confirm this. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.21.128.64 (talk) 18:22, 7 April 2009 (UTC)
 * References should be third-party sources, as mentioned higher up this Talk page. A band's own site doesn't qualify as such. Loganberry (Talk) 14:16, 10 April 2009 (UTC)

Queen more than 300 million albums sold, EMI Group Press release February 2009: http://www.emigroup.com/Press/2009/press17.htm —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.138.253.84 (talk) 01:23, 28 April 2009 (UTC)

Bee Gees
The Bee Gee's were Australian not from the United Kingdom. If you have listed AC/DC as Australian surely you can do the same for the Bee Gee's. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.20.54.227 (talk) 22:35, 8 April 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm just passing by here, so don't know the criteria, but if it's birthplace then United Kingdom isn't accurate either as the Gibbs were born on the Isle of Man, which is not part of the UK. Loganberry (Talk) 14:17, 10 April 2009 (UTC)

Yes, The Isle Of Mann is part of the UK. They also lived in England for a long time, making them British. They are, in fact, British-Australian - just like AC/DC. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.115.36.202 (talk) 02:34, 9 May 2009 (UTC)

It is quite imperative that editors understand that we are to state only the country the acts are formed in, and not the country they were born in or as some editors may believe the citizenship they hold. Again guys, we are not to care about a nationality here, just the country they represent; in other words, the country artists have begun their careers in. --Harout72 (talk) 00:06, 14 May 2009 (UTC)

That's not true. Nowhere does it state we are to list them as the country that they formed in. Instead, we are to list the country which they represent and belong to - and therefore the country they formed in is irrelevant. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Suicidal Lemming (talk • contribs) 00:18, 24 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Well, the country they represent is naturally going to be the country they have formed in. We don't list countries the artists were necessarily born in. In other words, regardless of their nationality, the listed country is automatically going to turn the one they start their careers in. And your very last compromise confirms that fact, doesn't it? --Harout72 (talk) 06:07, 24 May 2009 (UTC)

Error with Luis Miguel
Genre: Latin/Pop/Bolero/Ballad. Not Mariachi. Ignaciobm (talk) 14:37, 12 April 2009 (UTC)

He has never sold 75 million albums, he has sold around 50 million albums & singles.

Only sources of his fan clubs claim the 75 million milestone. He hasn't achieved it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 189.221.23.174 (talk) 02:28, 10 July 2009 (UTC)

Hall & Oates?
Hall & Oates's Wikpedia article and their own website claim that they have sold over 60 million albums. Behind The Music claim they are the most successful duo of all time, which would put them ahead of Pet Shop Boys and (debatably) The Carpenters. I don't know whether these are reliable enough sources, but it seems worth mentioning.

Error with Johnny Cash
On Johnny Cash's Wikipedia page it states he sold over 90 million records in his career. However, on this page it has him under the 51 - 74 million. I have found many sources that back up his 90 million sales. I think someone who knows how should put him in the right place, I do not. I'm just a Cash fan who wonders why he isn't getting the right credit on this page.

Thank you for your time. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.16.111.111 (talk) 20:26, 14 April 2009 (UTC)


 * I removed the statement at the page of Johnny Cash which spoke of the 90 million records, because it was supported by this source which does not mention anything about record-sales. Here, on this page; however, sources of that kind would not be qualified as reliable even if they included record sales. We only accept highly reliable third party sources here. Examples could be found here.--Harout72 (talk) 15:26, 15 April 2009 (UTC)

I have found a few sites that back up Cash's 90 million sales, I'm not sure if they qualify or not. Maybe someone does.

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/archive/peoplearchive.php/Johnny_Cash/biography/

http://www.answers.com/topic/johnny-cash

http://www.wayango.com/johnny-cash/bio/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.16.111.111 (talk) 16:28, 19 April 2009 (UTC)


 * The sources you are providing cannot be regarded as reliable, please see here what sort of sources are accepted here at this page.--Harout72 (talk) 16:51, 19 April 2009 (UTC)

Green Day
Green Day have sold over 65 million records worldwide, they should be on the list. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Samuelity (talk • contribs) 14:56, 15 April 2009 (UTC) Signed.

YES, Green Day have sold over 65 million records worldwide. The source is very reliable:. I do not envision any problems adding them to this list.. What do you think Harout72? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Borkan85 (talk • contribs) 8:40, 2 May 2009 (UTC) Signed.


 * I am afraid it's not reliable whatsoever. All articles that we use here to support artists' stay must come from prominent news services. Such would be CNN, FOX News, Times, BBC, NBC, ABC etc. Major record company publishings are acceptable as well. See examples of those here --Harout72 (talk) 16:57, 3 May 2009 (UTC)

But the link above is the Live Nation - Major Record & Concert Promoting Company! Still Don't Understand You Borkan85 (talk) 11:05, 4 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Examples of Major record companies would be Warner Music, Sony/BMG, Universal Music.--Harout72 (talk) 15:02, 4 May 2009 (UTC)

No Beatles?!!!
Hey - where's THE BEATLES??? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 83.17.84.250 (talk) 18:51, 15 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Somebody messed around with the article, I reverted their edits. The Beatles are back!! Percxyz (talk) 19:00, 15 April 2009 (UTC)

T.Rex
T.Rex sold more that that number. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Wyora (talk • contribs) 22:00, 17 April 2009 (UTC)

Andrea Bocelli
Bocelli is not just an opera singer, he is also a classical singer (not the same thing), and aboave all a pop singer, wish is why he has sold so many albums (the best selling ones were the pop ones). —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.68.244.107 (talk) 06:44, 19 April 2009 (UTC)

Why dont add more categories?
Hi, just a question, why dont add new categories for artists who are considered "best sellers" like Alicia Keys, who have sold 28 million albums, or Sarah Brightman, who has sold 26. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 201.219.57.226 (talk) 22:44, 16 April 2009 (UTC)


 * Unless artists have sold over 50 million records worldwide it's not worth mentioning them here as inclusion of those under 50 million would make the list unbelievably long as well as non-challenging.--Harout72 (talk) 01:14, 22 April 2009 (UTC)

Alanis Morissette
Alanis MUST to be on this list. She has sold more than 55 million albums worldwide. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Borkan85 (talk) 21:18, 25 April 2009 (UTC)


 * 1. Your edit has been reverted due to supporting Alanis Morissette's stay with a source that no longer exists, the reliability of which might have been questionable even if it was still available.


 * 2. Do not remove artists from the list without leaving explanations in the edit-history or without discussing it here at the talk-page first. Regards.--Harout72 (talk) 16:50, 25 April 2009 (UTC)

Sorry, I really didn't caught the eye on this discussion. I have found another source what do you think? I think this one is more reliable! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Borkan85 (talk) 8:18, 2 May 2009 (UTC)


 * I am afraid that won't do either as we are to accept articles published by prominent news services only. Examples of those could be found here.--Harout72 (talk) 16:52, 3 May 2009 (UTC)

What about this one& I Still Don't Understand You! Borkan85 (talk) 11:40, 4 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Unlike other page where maybe some of the statements could be supported by alike sources like the one you have above, here, we are to accept only articles published by prominent news services to avoid inflated record-sales figures. Examples of those prominent news services would be CNN, FOX News, Times, BBC, NBC, ABC etc. Please see the section of references to see what we so far have accepted.--Harout72 (talk) 15:08, 4 May 2009 (UTC)

Okay, let's continue our discussion about Morissette's sales. Let's count: Jagged Little Pill = 33 million Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie = 8 million Under Rug Swept = 4 million So-Called Chaos = 385.000 Flavors of Entanglement = nearly 1 million worldwide MTV Unplugged = 6 million and others Feast on Scraps 100.000, Jagged Little Pill Acoustic 70.000, Jagged Little Pill Live 3 million, Live In Navajo Nation 200.000, The Collection 500.000... So, At LEAST 50 MILLION!!! I TOTALLY Don't understand you! Borkan85 (talk) 03:58, 11 May 2009 (UTC)


 * First, let me just say that your edit has been reverted due to a poor source. Having said that, all sources above which you are utilizing to support your argument with cannot be regarded as reliable. It's futile to continue this discussion unless you come forward with reliable sources. Regards.--Harout72 (talk) 15:16, 11 May 2009 (UTC)

Combining Album, singles and downloads makes the comparison pointless.
There must be sime weighting between albums and singles. How can downloading 2 songs from one album be worth twice as much as buying the album?

If I download 6 songs from Thriller (which I am sure people do), hw can that be worth be worth six times the sales of buying Sgt Pepper?

I have two Rolling Stones singles and one Led Zep album, so do I have twice as many Stones as zep. or do I have 6 times as many Zep as Stones. Unless you know the format, you can't give the answer unless you know the format, which is no way to judge populatiry, volume of sales or anything else.

Error found in the 200 Million Plus Category
According calculations, and perhaps I may have mis-calculated, but both Mariah Carey and Celine Dion have not sold over 200 million albums, yet they are in the category of those who have accomplished this feat. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.210.214.202 (talk) 04:54, 26 April 2009 (UTC)


 * Both artists are supported by reliable sources which confirm their sales of over 200 million records worldwide.--Harout72 (talk) 16:48, 26 April 2009 (UTC)

Total units, or full-length album sales?
In terms of singles, videos, albums and EPs combined, the Beatles are definitely over 1 billion. In terms of full-length album sales, they top out around 400 million. That said, I think many of the "sources" cited in this list are not clear as to which they mean.

Oafah (talk) 16:54, 27 April 2009 (UTC)


 * The figures within sources represent the total worldwide sales, that is Albums, Singles, Music-Videos, Compilation-Albums and Downloads combined. Some News Services may use the word "Records"and others may use the word "Albums" to describe where artists' total sales stand; however, both phrases refer to one thing only Records.--Harout72 (talk) 23:31, 27 April 2009 (UTC)

Valeriya She couldn't sell More than other Prominent Artists
Valeriya is Russian singer who was breakthru artist since 1995 and 2001 in Russia. But the probable fact that she sold over 100 million records is absolutely false. Despite the source (it's the only one, we have no other sources) is prominent, the author of this message just supposed the sales. or it was just mistake in sales. Trust me, I live in Russia, and I clearly know that the only prominent artist of our country who sold more than 100 and even more than 200 million is the Alla Pugacheva. And I think it is such audacity to add Valeriya to this list. Yes, she is known in Russia, not much however, but she is absolutely unknown worldwide. Borkan85 (talk) 05:05, 11 May 2009 (UTC)


 * We are to base ourselves on what the prominent news services report and not what editors like yourself assume. Currently, Valeriya is supported by a reliable source and that's all that matters. Do not remove artists from the list without discussing first. In fact, this happens one more time I won't hesitate a second to take you to WP:AN/I as most of your edits at this page so far have been disruptive. Regards. --Harout72 (talk) 23:36, 11 May 2009 (UTC)
 * Certainly, the source seems to be reliable. But 100 million her records sold is very, very unlikely. Very. Unlikely. She is very far from being that popular in Russia and Russia is very far from being a country where people actually buy music legally. Garik 11 (talk) 10:08, 12 May 2009 (UTC)
 * Hey, I have found an interview with Valeria's husband and producer Prigozhin where the 100 mln sales is called a "canard". Yet Prigozhin claims that although there is no official statistics available, he believes such sales numbers "are more than achievable, although may look arguable". In a word, it's a lie. Sadly, according to Wikipedia's "reliable source" rule, this lie will stay here. Garik 11 (talk) 10:31, 12 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Well, if we seem to have inflated figures while using highly reliable sources (most of which thoroughly study figures before releasing their articles), imagine what would happen to this page if we allowed editors bring in sources that editors like Borkan85 above are fond of. Unfortunately, this is all we can do, rely ourselves on what's been reported. However, if there is another prominent news service which has reported Valeriya's sales otherwise (lower than 100 million) than feel free to present it here. Perhaps, we could replace the current one with that. The interview above does not seem to be coming from a reliable source.--Harout72 (talk) 15:12, 12 May 2009 (UTC)
 * The source above is just as reliable as a specialised show business site in Russia can be. I don't know how competent you are to judge its reliability. Unfortunately, we do seem to have no option but to trust a deluded yet English "prominent news service". Garik 11 (talk) 17:26, 12 May 2009 (UTC)

I am competent enough to realize that Russia has reliable sources; unfortunately, the one above, I highly doubt, is one of them. As I mentioned above, try and locate a highly reliable source which perhaps has reported a lower sales figure, and I'd be more than happy to degrade the artist Valeriya. However, if you disagree with my decision you could always refer to the folks at WP:RSN with the source in question. However, there seems to be more than one reliable source confirming her 100 million units in sales, this article is by Times Online Regards.--Harout72 (talk) 00:09, 13 May 2009 (UTC)
 * Well, I'm just curious, why do you doubt its reliability? Is it because of your outstanding command of Russian? Or because of its unimpressive design? Then here's yet another interview with Prigozhin (and Valeria) from a specialised music site where he says basically the same: 100 million sales is not official numbers, there is no any proof or statistics, but he just thinks this number is possible, mainly because in Russia people buy pirated music in uncontrolled amounts. It is obvious that 100 mln sales is just what it was called above - a canard designed by Valeria's management to impress naive Westerners. It seems that everybody in Russia thinks so. But again, I do not disagree with you personally, because you just seem so very deluded by deluded media which by Wiki standards are considered reliable sources. Garik 11 (talk) 08:24, 13 May 2009 (UTC)

While your more recent source seems somewhat reliable, the content within doesn't seem to contain anything promising enough that could easily contradict what the deluded highly reliable sources claim (as you put it). In other words, the husband/composer does not refute the 100 million sold records during the interview (although, I too believe that it is an inflated figure rigged for promotional purposes). One must understand; however, that removing an artist from the list while supported by reliable sources could collapse the entire system which we all follow to keep wikipedia clean. Therefore, we need an article (from a reliable source) which unlike the one above clearly states either a lower sales figure for Valeriya or claims something that firmly refutes the invented record-sales. Haven't Russian prominent news services like Izvestia, Pravda or any other news services published anything that could help our argument? Any reliable source would do as long as we don't turn the removal of this artist into a controversy later on. --Harout72 (talk) 20:52, 13 May 2009 (UTC)
 * Again, I never said that we must remove her from the list, at least not now having that little information that we have. I am well aware of Wikipedia policies and try to follow them. But I am just hoping that thoughtful readers and editors would read this discussion page and be not so trustful in what they read in the article and supporting sources. Also, I was going to say a lot about Izvestia, Pravda you mentioned and many other things Russia-wise, but that could just turn into a long and unproductive discussion. It is good to know that you realise that those are inflated sales figures though. Garik 11 (talk) 20:39, 14 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Believe me, if it were up to me, I'd toss out most of the acts within the 50-74 million section and degrade the rest of them (including AC/DC, The Beatles, Alla Pugacheva, Bee Gees etc.) as I am a person who believes in only the total figures that Gold, Platinum and Diamond Certifications represent. However, very few prominent news services have people for this sort of stuff who study sales figures before they throw in numbers into their music related articles. Anyways, let me know if you come across anything for Valeriya, that could help us proceed further. --Harout72 (talk) 23:32, 14 May 2009 (UTC)

the beatles and paul mccartney
i have just seen that with michael jackson there stands from 1967 to present, so since he only made records with the jackson 5 in the first years we can't include those albums or you also need to give paul mccartney a boost of 1.3 billion albums because he sold them with his old band just like michael. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.196.225.242 (talk) 19:54, 4 May 2009 (UTC)


 * We currently have four reliable sources for Michael Jackson, the sales figures within all of which refer to his solo career. The years, however, are only there to show as to when artists have begun their singing career. In other words, one should not think that the ranking is based upon how many million of records an artist has sold during or starting from a specific period but rather the ranking is based upon what the total sales-figure represents, which in the case of Jackson, for example, does not include the sales of The Jackson 5.--Harout72 (talk) 23:37, 4 May 2009 (UTC)

This list conflicts with the List of best selling albums worldwide. How is it that the Beatles are listed as selling more albums than Michael Jackson when Thriller by itself sold 110 million copies, bad sold 30+, Dangerous 30+, Off the wall 20+, Invincible 10+, Not to mention his remix album which is the best selling remix album ever, His story, The essential Michael Jackson and number ones? The Beatles albums are listed way below Michaels,way, way below Michael's so how is this list being calculated. For that matter none of Elvis' albums are even on the list so how have they sold 1 billion albums. It certainly is not based on whole albums. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bijoux queen (talk • contribs) 01:45, 20 July 2009 (UTC)

Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana should be replace by Santana. All of Carlos' great and chart-topping albums have been issued with the Sanatana band. The sale's figure show sales by the Santana band combined with the solo sales of Carlos Santana.

It may seem that since the band is named after his last name it is the same to say Santana than Carlos Santana but it isn't. It is not the same to say Jon Bon Jovi than the band Bon Jovi. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 200.118.27.157 (talk) 21:05, 13 May 2009 (UTC)


 * I am not sure I follow you, the current source by BBC is for Santana, not Santana (Band). The source does nowhere state that the figure is for Santana and Santana Band combined. --Harout72 (talk) 23:55, 13 May 2009 (UTC)

Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra has sold over 600 million albums http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/toptenlists/Best_Selling_Musicians —Preceding unsigned comment added by HollywoodGame (talk • contribs) 17:21, 16 May 2009 (UTC)


 * That's not a reliable source, I'm afraid. --Harout72 (talk) 23:21, 16 May 2009 (UTC)

i think Sinatra has sold more than 500 million records http://thelogocompany.net/new-jersey-logo-design.htm http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/hoffman/5355092.html —Preceding unsigned comment added by Papiripao (talk • contribs) 18:56, 1 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Sinatra is currently supported by a very reliable source Reuters. In order to move him into a higher bracket we would need an equally reliable source the sales figure within which will disagree with the current one. The first one of the sources that you are providing above is not reliable whatsoever. And the second one is only weakly reliable.--Harout72 (talk) 00:44, 2 July 2009 (UTC)

Well he has at least sold 250 million records. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000069/bio http://www.wikimusicguide.com/Frank_Sinatra —Preceding unsigned comment added by Papiripao (talk • contribs) 05:34, 3 July 2009 (UTC)


 * It's pointless to say more unless you could come forward with highly reliable sources. Those sources that you are providing are in no way reliable.--Harout72 (talk) 15:17, 3 July 2009 (UTC)

Tupac Shakur
Tupac has sold over 80 million albums. It actually states on his own wiki page. MTV also reported this as Eminem is closing in on Tupacs album sales, please change thanks http://www.borntoredefine.com/15-most-influential-musicians/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by Roscoe1874 (talk • contribs) 15:43, 18 May 2009 (UTC)


 * He's currently supported by a reliable source according to which, Shakur has sold 70 million albums. The source; however, you are providing above is not a reliable one I'm afraid. --Harout72 (talk) 04:10, 19 May 2009 (UTC)

If you have a guiness book of world records look in it, over 75 million. That 'reliable source' is old. He's sold more than eminem, fact. Although Eminem is catching up but 2pac is the biggest selling hip hop artist

http://www.last.fm/music/2Pac http://www.hip-hop-dance.net/tupac-shakur.html http://www.billboard.music-skins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_121_1537

—Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.218.47.163 (talk) 13:30, 19 May 2009 (UTC)


 * None of the above sources can be regarded as reliable. I notice, it's stated in some of the sources provided above that Shakur has sold over 50 million albums in USA alone (including this one, which from the first glance may appear to be reliable from its deceptive Billboard logo). To prove that those are not reliable sources and the given figures within are exaggerated, I am providing here the RIAA's Certifications which I went through one by one and I am counting 37.5 million albums, 6 million singles and 250,000 videos for Shakur. All in all, Shakur has not sold 50 million records in US (that's albums, singles and videos combined), not to mention that 37.5 million albums in sales according to Certifications immediately disagrees with the statements published within the sources above. --Harout72 (talk) 23:41, 19 May 2009 (UTC)

Eminem is above him in the list. Makes a lot of sense seeing as the guiness world records for 2 pac was in 2000!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/f89x BBC, there's your reliable source http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/f89x —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.209.94.38 (talk) 21:41, 20 May 2009 (UTC)


 * I don't have the first clue whether Eminem has surpassed Shakur sales-wise or not, what I do know; however,is that all artists on this page must be supported by reliable sources. That said, this source does not seem reliable at all; although, it may appear to be by its deceptive BBC logo. Take a look at what it says at the top of the page information comes from MusicBrainz. You can add or edit information about Pac's Life at musicbrainz.org.. That is a clear case of an unreliable source.--Harout72 (talk) 01:15, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

To say that the BBC is not a reliable source is unbelievable, you say it's been taken from another site but the fact is the BBC has put it on their website. I've just checked through your own page and it's clear this isn't the first time you have vandalised this page. Please stop changing it .--Roscoe1874 (talk) 04:19, 21 May 2009 (UTC)


 * That's not a BBC page, I am quite certain when I see a BBC page, we have lots of references for List of best-selling music artists coming from BBC, one example of BBC would be this. These kinds of pages; however, are Wiki mirror pages or copied somewhere else as it is the case of the source you seem quite confident about. Please, don't revert edits without discussions, I have been policing this page for a very long time and have tried my best to maintain it well.--Harout72 (talk) 04:29, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

Hi, I've finally found a reliable source so I've altered it. It states over 75 million although I know its over 80 but I've added it to the page. Cheers Roscoe1874 (talk) 02:58, 16 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Last.FM? What in the world made you believe that it's a reliable source? It's not and I have reverted your edits. Since you really can't distinguish between reliable and unreliable, I strongly suggest that you discuss the reliability of the sources before you submit them the next time.--Harout72 (talk) 04:11, 16 July 2009 (UTC)

Shania Twain
One of the best selling artists of the Soundscan era is Canadian country singer Shania Twain. She has sold more than 60 million copies worldwide but isn't on any list.


 * She's on the list now, she definitely deserves to be on the list, thanks for bringing it to my attention.--Harout72 (talk) 04:56, 19 May 2009

Iron Maiden Sales Figures According To EMI: OVER 75 mln
We can find Iron Maiden in category of 50-74 mln sales on the ranking, but the official sources state that Band's achievement, just with EMI label, is now over the threshold of 75 mln albums (only lomg played items)sold World Wide, during last 29 yesrs of professional activity. So many sources say that total world wide sales of recordings with their stuff,cd's, LP's and promos pushed over 100 mln copies world wide. You can check out the original number of actual sales figure on official site for Maiden on Wikipedia.en, we've got the links here and more info. Many foreign-languaged sites with Maiden profile on Wikipedia, describe their sales status as "over 100 mln albums sold", the cited links show that's right and serious. Up The Irons, behold that! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.158.196.104 (talk) 11:35, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

Official sites cannot be regarded as reliable, which is what the 75 million in album sales was being supported by on their Wiki-page. I have replaced that already with the reliable one. Note that statements must be supported by third party reliable sources, see WP:RS. As for the figure of 100 million, I have yet to come across a highly reliable source that mentions a record sales of that kind for Iron Maiden, see this discussion from months ago. Also, note Wikipedia itself is not regarded as reliable (see WP:RSE); therefore, sources that use wikipedia's content, in their turn, cannot be viewed as reliable. --Harout72 (talk) 17:03, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

Beyonce sold over 118 million records

 * According to Forbes, Beyonce has sold over 118 million records in her total career.LAUGH90 (talk) 03:22, 4 June 2009 (UTC)
 * This would be including her sales with Destiny's Child, not just her solo work. k.i.a.c  ( talktome  -  contribs ) 05:38, 4 June 2009 (UTC)

yes, Beyoonce should be removed from this category. she is in the 50 million+. 118 is with Destiny's Child. Destiny's Child sold over 50 Million, so that leaves Beyonce with 68 million at most. Forbes quotes her sales with the group, not her solo career. This way all 4 members of The Beatles should be in 1 billion+ category, because they had solo careers too. So, remove Beyonce. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.140.74.61 (talk) 12:00, 4 June 2009 (UTC)
 * That still accounts for her sales.LAUGH90 (talk) 14:28, 4 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Please do not add artists to the list without supporting their stay on the list with highly reliable sources. As for this source, it does not specify what the 118 million records counts for, her solo career or both (including her Destiny Child's sales). There aren't reliable sources claiming a figure higher than 50 million for Knowles taking her solo career. It's clear that 118 million is for both. --Harout72 (talk) 15:35, 4 June 2009 (UTC)


 * It is not a forum, or nonreliable source. Forbes is a HIGHLY reputable source (ask Wiki), that states in clear that she has sold over 100 million records.LAUGH90 (talk) 17:18, 4 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Ordinarily, Forbes could be regarded as reliable; however, in this very case they have failed to mention that the figure includes Knowles' record sales with Destiny's Child as well as soundtracks (which normally should not be counted at all) etc.. Therefore, we cannot use the source in question as supporting Knowles' solo career with it within the bracket of 100-199 million and doing the same consecutively with other artists will make the list full of exaggerated figures and eventually pointless to keep. I have been policing this page for a long time and this is not the first time I've come across a figure of this kind which may easily confuse some editors. Beyonce's entire US sales does not surpass 27 million (that's albums, singles, videos combines). Her album sales in the entire European continent looks pitiful as she has sold only just over 1 million on her Dangerously in Love and just over 1 million on her B'Day . In the same vein, Knowles' sales is not looking bright in South America as I am seeing only 1 Gold (50,000 units) from the Mexican market on her B'Day . Harout72  (talk) 02:49, 5 June 2009 (UTC)


 * If you delete Beyonce for having Destiny's Child as a bulk of her sales, you might as well delete Micheal Jackson as well, since you have him both on the list for the Jackson 5 and himself solo. And no, soundtracks are not included for her album sales. You only posted Europe and mexico sales, not sales for the whole world for her total albums. The source I listed is a reputable source.LAUGH90 (talk) 04:05, 5 June 2009 (UTC)


 * I am only posting teritories where she has actually sold noticeable amounts of records. That said, will it surprise you to find out that in Canada she has not even sold more than 250,000 units and in Australia her sales stands at only 700,000 units. Now you have sales from North American, European, Australian markets not to mention her Mexico's figures (which is all she seems to have scored in South America). That covers at least the 80-90 percent of her sales and she is still not passing the 30-35 million boarder as a solo artist. As for Jackson, he's being supported by four highly reliable sources all of which clearly state his sales as a solo artist whereas you are providing only one source which happens to be a finance related source. Therefore, they are reporting her entire sales including solo career and other participations which naturally embellishes their article.--Harout72 (talk) 04:52, 5 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Another source: Marie Claire magazine: "This coming from a woman who has sold 100 million records, won seven Grammys........"LAUGH90 (talk) 14:14, 5 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Unfortunately, they have done the same exact thing here. Besides, we are only to accept highly reliable news services here, which actually put some effort into studying sales figures. This page was full of sources of this kind when I discovered it years ago. And poorly studied and inflated sales figures is the reason why I decided to keep only highly reliable sources. To see what I mean, see the section of thereferences. Marie Clair is under no circumstances is a news service which can be compared to those such as BBC, CNN etc. They are a fashion magazine and they could care less about being specific about Knowles' figures (whether solo career or Destiny Child). You have to understand that we need a source that states her record-sales separately for her solo career only. As for the article by Forbes, I have posted it at WP:RSN . Let's wait and see what the final word from the folks there will be.--Harout72 (talk) 15:16, 5 June 2009 (UTC)

Just located this article by The New York Times which claims Beyonce's sales of 75 million records for both her solo career and Destiny's Child's. I have kept Beyonce on the list adding a Note within the citation: "In the following article, The New York Times credits Beyonce for the sales of 75 million records which includes sales of both the solo career and Destiny's Child's ". This way readers will know what they are reading, and it's a better source in terms of both reliability and clarity.--Harout72 (talk) 23:58, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

LOL ITS PRETTY CLEAR THAT BEYONCE HAS ONLY SOLD 20 MILLION WORLDWIDE, LOOK AT HER DISCOVERY ON HER PAGE, LOL 75 MILLION WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM? —Preceding unsigned comment added by AJS2050 (talk • contribs) 16:30, 7 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Actually, Beyonce as a solo artist has sold more than just 20 million records worldwide. I have studied her sales already, she has sold good 27 million in US, although her sales has been quite week in other parts of the world as a solo artist, she still has over 30 million under her belt with her solo career. There is a note within the citation where I explain that the 75 million within the source is for her solo career and Destiny's Child.--Harout72 (talk) 17:27, 7 June 2009 (UTC)

Yeah, Beyonce probably needs to be dropped from the 75mil section for now as the source supporting her states those as being the sales of her solo career and work with Destiny's Child combined. Destiny's child is already in the 50-75mil section so asa solo act it is impossible for her to have sold that many albums. Alternatively Destiny's child could be deleted and Beyonce left where she is now, but that would probably be less accurate. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 124.183.117.47 (talk) 22:35, 7 June 2009 (UTC)

OK. Some clarification is needed here.

1. FORBES states 118 million copies - that's ALBUMS + SINGLES + SOUNDTRACKS for Beyonce and DESTINY'S CHILD combined. That doesn't count for Beyonce only, same as for any other artists.

2. The New York Times states 75 million for Beyonce and Destiny's Child COMBINED. That doesn't count for Beyonce, the same way as it doesn't count for other solo artists that were once members of a group. Example: The Beatles are in the 1 billion+ category. But you don't see John Lennon or Paul McCartney in that 1 billion+ category, because it doesn't count for their solo careers. The same must apply to Beyonce and Destiny's Child. I hope this is clear once and for all. 75 millions is for both entries.

3. Since we already have Destiny's Child on the list in the 50 million+ category, we just need to do simple math. 75 - 50 = 25. That's maximum what Beyonce could have sold.

4. If math is not enough for you, then go to the individual album sales figures for all her 3 albums and see for yourself. Dangerously in Love - 15 million copies worldwide. B'Day - under 6 million. I Am - under 4 million copies so far. That barely makes 25 million copies.

5. Still not enough? Go to Media Traffic website and track down her sales certificates.

6. Just stop putting Beyonce on the list. Is it a fanclub organized vandalism? Simply stop.

7. It took some time to remove her from 100 million+ category, and seems to take ages to remove her from 75 million+ too. I hope there won't be a fight for 50 million+ category, because she doesn't belong here. Period. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Zone (talk • contribs) 17:24, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

There won't be any arguments coming from my side. The only reason I wanted to keep Beyonce within the bracket of (75-99) for only awhile, supporting it with the article by The New York Times (which happens to give a correct sales figure) is because I wanted to prove that the figure of 118 million by Forbes is incorrect and awfully inflated. He/she seems to be having a difficult time to comprehend something as simple as the fact that Beyonce could not have sold as many as 118 million records as a solo artist; even though, I presented my arguments with all the Certifications she's gathered in numerous territories.--Harout72 (talk) 01:05, 9 June 2009 (UTC)

Bruce Springsteen
He sold more than 120 million albums.--GreatOrangePumpkin (talk) 12:55, 5 June 2009 (UTC)
 * Do you have a reliable source supporting this claim?
 * RIAA says 64m certified in the US, every (obviously unreliable) source I have viewed seems to use the 120 million, perhaps just because it is in the Wikipedia article? k.i.a.c  ( talktome  -  contribs ) 15:30, 5 June 2009 (UTC)

This article says Springsteen has sold 120 million worldwide: http://classicrock.about.com/od/a1/ig/Bruce-Springsteen/ This article from today's UK Telegraph says "more than 120 million": http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glastonbury/5649663/Glastonbury-2009-Bruce-Springsteen.html His listing in this wiki under 50-74 million is not believable by any stretch of the imagination. He has sold 64 million in the US alone according to RIAA, 15 million additional just for Born in the USA (from multiple sources, including the wiki for album sales). This already puts him at 79 million, and he is hugely popular in Europe. Beyond the sources given, 120 million makes sense, while the 50-74 million is obviously impossible.

Also, the time period for him says 1965-present, but his first album wasn't released until 1973.


 * I have updated Bruce Springsteen's source and moved him into the bracket of 100-199 million as the article by The Daily Telegraph is a reliable one. I was forced to keep him in a lower bracket up until now because RIAA's source was the only reliable source that I had so far come across to support his sales, although, the figure represented his US sales only. Thanks for the source, and I have also corrected his career period.--Harout72 (talk) 16:38, 27 June 2009 (UTC)

Donna Summer
Ms Summer was on this list a while ago but since it's been updated her entry in the 100-199 million section has been lost. According to many sources, including her own website and biographies, she has sold over 130 million records. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.152.78.88 (talk) 21:16, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

Summer was removed from the list by me months ago as she was supported by a completely unreliable source. I tried to locate a reliable source that claims any record sales figure for her. But my efforts went in vain as all reliable sources I came across did not have figures within. Note, official sites of artists cannot be used as reliable sources. --Harout72 (talk) 21:24, 6 June 2009 (UTC)

Pink Floyd
Why is Pink Floyd listed as "psychedelic rock" rather than "progressive rock"? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.22.59.38 (talk) 21:26, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

a-ha are selling more 75 millions
a-ha are selling more 75 millions discs, why why a-ha don´t here ???????????? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jerryoli (talk • contribs) 18:08, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

Neil Young
As stated by the main article about Neil Young, where you also can find sources, he has sold estimated more than 80 million albums worldwide. And he isn't on the list. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.212.153.77 (talk) 21:24, 16 June 2009 (UTC)


 * I have already removed that figure from his page as it was supported by an unreliable source. The figure was coming from a forum-like section on Charts in France. We cannot use anything like that here on Wikipedia to support statements of any kind. If you come across highly reliable sources claiming figures higher than 50 million for Neil Young, don't hesitate to bring them to my attention. I personally couldn't locate any sources that contained sales figures.--Harout72 (talk) 02:10, 17 June 2009 (UTC)

Hikaru Utada
From her Discography page. -75.85.213.146 (talk) 08:12, 21 June 2009 (UTC)


 * We don't accept sources of that kind here on this page. Sources must be highly reliable here.--Harout72 (talk) 18:49, 21 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Then shouldn't it be removed from her page? -75.85.213.146 (talk) 02:09, 22 June 2009 (UTC)


 * I personally would not use that source anywhere within Wikipedia. But if someone wants to support a non-significant statement with it, I guess that would be OK. Here; however, our main focus is sales figures, and that source in question would not work here. --Harout72 (talk) 04:28, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Motley Crue discrepancy
Motley Crue's entry on this page uses a reuters link as a citation for 50 million in sales. The Motley Crue article uses this Reuters article (newer) as a citation for 80 million. Being of by 2-3 million isn't much of a knock. But being off by 30 millions puts the reliability of this article at risk. Anyone want to lay some more weighted evidence on this entry? The Real Libs-speak politely 17:11, 28 June 2009 (UTC)


 * The 80 million on their page is supported by the second source coming from The Huffington Post which is only weakly reliable. We don't accept the use of that service here at List of best-selling music artists. That said, the 80 million figure on their page should be changed into 50 million by removing the less reliable source.--Harout72 (talk) 18:37, 28 June 2009 (UTC)

Actually you are wrong Harout72, the 80 million records sold by Motley Crue is supported by a Reuters.com article as well as that Huffington Post article. Pierre Reuters is one of the main associated press members and this article was chosen as his top ten news articles of that day. Take a look! Also blabber mouth reports over 80 million. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=104088. This was a debate a long time ago and now you people have edited it back. At one time there was an article in the Motley Crue section which explained how their public sales reports were inaccurate, which led to Motley Crue's own band members disputing this with some record sales counting outfits and eventually had some offical count up to over 80 million. Somebody erased that article however. In the last couple of years, there have been multiple sources supporting Motley's over 80 million sales number. It's about time this site got with the times in this reguard and quit changing it back to 40 or 50 million. MARKET WIRE, The Huffington Post, Blabbermouth, and Reuters of the associated press (Read 5th paragraph down)http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS254166+20-Nov-2008+MW20081120 all support this over 80 million sales figure. That's quite a few source's including a top selected article by a top associated press member. Hello!? Time to make an ajustment I'd say. —Preceding unsigned comment added by GaryDiddler (talk • contribs) 04:31, 14 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Unless you look at the beginning of the Reuters' article, you can never be sure where they are taking their information from. Take a look at this one article here again by Reuters on Motley Crue. This article was published almost at the same time that this one above was published. The articles are only a few months apart date-wise. Do you think Motley Crue managed to sell 30 million records on the top of the 50 million within only period of four months especially when their name has not been seen in the charts since 2006? And the other source cannot even be regarded as reliable.--Harout72 (talk) 07:22, 14 July 2009 (UTC)

What about Prince?
I've read that he has sold 80 million albums world-wide, but I don't see him mentioned on the page. Is there some reason for this? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Thomhickey (talk • contribs) 09:17, 4 July 2009 (UTC)


 * He most probably has sold as many as 80 million records (singles, albums, videos) not just albums worldwide. Unfortunately, I personally cannot find a single reliable source claiming a sales figure for him so I could put him on the list. If you come across one, don't hesitate to bring it to my attention.--Harout72 (talk) 16:39, 4 July 2009 (UTC)

I've found two websites that claim he's sold 60 million albums. While I'm somewhat sure that he's sold more, these are the only reliable(?) sources I've found on the subject of his record sales.


 * http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2006_Feb_27/ai_n16086136/
 * http://musicremedy.com/p/Prince/album/3121-2240.html

Here's another website that says he's sold over 100 million records. I know that's it's a Geocities website but the owner has basically copied and pasted an article from the National Post. The original link to the National Post (at the bottom of the page) doesn't work anymore. But I see no reason why this person would create a whole newspaper article out of thin air, especially as it refers to a National Post reporter at the bottom.

http://www.geocities.com/propertytycoonguy/bridlepathprince.html

--Ujm90 (talk) 20:36, 6 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Please refer to the reference section of the page to see what kind of news services we accept here to avoid inflated figures. I hate to say it but none of the above sources you're providing qualifies for this page. --Harout72 (talk) 00:20, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

better to take out first two sections
i think we should put the 1 billion section artists and 500-999 million artists in the 200-499 million section and make it a 200mln+ section. in all honesty, those figures are grossly exaggerated for those four artists (and probably for many others below as well). its very possible that some artists in the 200-499 mln section have in reality outsold those four. you can keep the so-called sales figures for them, but those four may not be the only ones in question for best selling artists of all time. for example, ive heard claims elsewhere that abba, pugacheva, mouskouri, and rahman have outsold everyone. while there are sources to back up the claims in the article, many record companies, for example, boost the sales numbers to bolster the images of their artists. i just think it would be better to omit those two sections as we really don't know how they actually stack up against other artists. Vpuliva (talk) 07:36, 5 July 2009 (UTC)


 * That's why the article doesn't use record companies as sources. It's as accurate as it is going to get with what we have available. This article is not about comparing artists' sales, it's a collection of reliably sourced sales figures of artists, it's not Abba v The Beatles or Elvis v Bon Jovi.. it's what the sources individually state. Don't be fooled by the fact its a list. And I can't say I agree with only a 200+ million section, if there's sources clearly stating a much higher figure, then that figure (or something closer to the extent of the figure) is more accurate to publish. k.i.a.c  ( talktome  -  contribs ) 08:01, 5 July 2009 (UTC)

Ok, I guess. I should have added that in reality, the figures for those top 4 artists (and many other artists in the article) have been exaggerated from their more realistic previous figures which were in the range of 100-300 mln. Over time, a virtual war of made up figures came up where there figures doubled or tripled or multiplied by more. But anyway, if you leave it as is, there should then be clear mention that this is not a list. Also, since these figures may lack accuracy, mention should be made that they should not at all be used to compare artists as artists from 'lower' categories may in reality have outsold those in 'higher' categories. Many (probably almost all) readers use these numbers to say their favorite artists are more successful or 'better' than other artists since their artists may be higher on the 'list.' That's good the article does not have rankings beside the artists, but there should also be clear mention that there are no rankings. Vpuliva (talk) 20:13, 12 July 2009 (UTC)


 * All we can do here is try and support the figures with the highest reliable sources there are out there. I too think many figures for many artists including Michael Jackson and The Beatles are exaggerated at least by half. But it's almost impossible to degrade them when there is more than one highly regarded news service claiming the same figure. I personally think Michael Jackson's worldwide sales should not go beyond 300-350 million, at least that's what I see by looking at his Certifications which he's gathered in major territories. I, however, reject those acts, the exaggerated figures of which are being claimed by a single source. In other words, I refuse adding them to the list unless I see more than one reliable source claiming alike figure. You can go through my discussions at this talk page and see it for yourself what it takes to keep this page straight. Unfortunately, even the highly regarded news services sometimes publish figures without thoroughly studying them or copy the figures from each other thinking that maybe one of them has done their homework, but in reality even the original/first news service happens to have just tossed in some figures in their turn.--Harout72 (talk) 23:43, 12 July 2009 (UTC)

Whitesnake - over 100 million records sold.
Hi!

I cannot edit this article. Could someone please add Whitesnake to the list (over 100 million records sold)?

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS105660+18-May-2009+PRN20090518 is one amongst numerous references.

Thanks, Robin. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.113.51.158 (talk) 14:38, 5 July 2009 (UTC)


 * I'm actually going to need another highly reliable source claiming this figure of 100 million for Whitesnake as I strongly doubt that the act could have sold that many records. By looking at their Gold/Platinum Certifications in numerous markets including the USA's, it's clear that the figure is quite exaggerated. In fact, their worldwide sales should not surpass 30-40 million. They have sold only 13,000,000 in the US market, 500,000 in Canada, 250,000 in Germany, 25,000 in Switzerland. They Don't have any Certifications in Austria, The Netherlands, France, Finland, Norway and the list goes on and on. The figure of 100 million actually puts the reliability of Reuters in a very questionable spot; in other words, we probabaly should stop accepting the use of this News Service since they seem to publish articles without thoroughly studying.--Harout72 (talk) 17:51, 5 July 2009 (UTC)

Hi again,

well actually I've seen many references that Slide it in went double platinum in the US, but I don't know.. Then it'd be 15 million ALBUMS sold in the US (that has went platinum/gold). But then one must not forget that many whitesnake albums have charted in america (ready an' willing, come and get it, good to be bad) and so on, but then have sold less.. But there's been many whitesnake albums. Don't know where you find the sales for Japan. They are very popular there. They have sold millions of albums in the UK! Let's not forget south america, and so on..And by the way, many of your sources only dates back to about 1990, the year coverdale disbanded whitesnake (and whitesnake was never as poular when they reunited later)!

Two other comments: 1. Still other artists sales you can rely on "news like this"... Unfair wouldn't you say? Let's say that this is an inflated number (100 millions+) then perhaps other artists have inflated numbers as well? And yet, they can be on the list?

2. Other sources (for "the same article) http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=48545

http://www.entrepreneur.com/PRNewswire/release/156957.html and so on.. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.113.51.158 (talk) 08:48, 6 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Whitesnake may have sold some 1 or 1.5 million in the UK; unfortunately, we have to wait as the UK's searchable database is under construction at the moment . As for the south American markets, the only notable ones are Mexican and the Brazilian markets neither one of which has certifications for Whitesnake. If you noticed above, I have exaggerated their worldwide sales figure in order to include all the sales coming from smaller markets and those that don't have searchable database for certifications. I; however, doubt that it may go as high as 40 million, even if we included the sales from the Japanese market. By the way, your second source above is only weakly reliable, that won't qualify for this page as we accept only highly reliable sources, see the reference section to get an idea what kind of news services would qualify for this page. As for other artists on the list, I am trying my best to keep this page free of inflated figures, there may be slight exaggerations within some of them, but the sales figure (100 million) for Whitesnake is outrageously inflated.--Harout72 (talk) 00:14, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

"Period" section
The period section suggests that sales added after the artist's death/no longer active are not included, Is this the case? If not, then it is misleading? 12bigbrother12 (talk) 19:14, 5 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Come again. I am not sure I follow you. The Period section speaks of the years the Artists/Acts have been active. The period section has nothing to do with sales and it doesn't suggest anything as you may have understood. And no, it's not misleading.--Harout72 (talk) 00:47, 6 July 2009 (UTC)

VAN HALEN
Where is Van Halen?? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 190.50.58.222 (talk) 20:37, 6 July 2009 (UTC)


 * I removed Van Halen just recently as the source could no longer be found, feel free to provide an equally reliable source such as CNN and I will add the act right back on the list. I personally can't locate a highly reliable source with a sales figure within.--Harout72 (talk) 00:25, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

Moody Blues
I do not know where they would fit but I would think the Moody Blues have sold over 50 million records. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 142.221.110.4 (talk) 17:16, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

Bon jovi
bon jovi have officially sold at least 120 million albums after the end of have a nice day tour ending 2006. as well as this lost highway has sold over 5 million copies worldwide and they are still selling albums in the meantime. they are listed on this page as selling 100 mill albums but that was officially reached mid 2003. they have releases 2 studio albums and the boxset since so this is definitely incorrect. Jon has also had two solo albums selling at the very least 5 million each up to now and richie has had two solo albums. There is no question that bon jovi have sold well over this amount because the first two albums (bon jovi, + 7800 fahrenheit have both sold at least 5 mil between them by now, slippery has sold around 28 mill, new jersey around 18, keep the faith around 15, crossroads around 18/19, these days at least 10, crush at least 10, bounce at least 8, this left feels right at least 5 mill, one wild night at least 5, have a nice day at least 8, lost highway about 5 so far, and the boxset at least a million. both jons solo efforts have at least sold 10 million between them by now easily and richies two have sold a few million together by now too im sure.

after looking at this you might say bon jovi as a unit has sold around 150 million so far.

Bon Jovi the "band" have at least sold about 135 million albums alone! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jovi 94 (talk • contribs) 19:13, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Do you have a reliable source to confirm 135 million albums? If so, then by all means update the info. If not, well, it'll have to stay as it is until you or someone else finds a source confirming what you've just said. 123.211.141.151 (talk) 06:34, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

no i dont know where i am supposed to put a "source" or how to submit anyway. All i know is that their website states it plus about anywhere or anyone who speaks about them or introduces them will mention the fact that since 2006 they have performed in fornt of 34 million, performed 2600 concerts and sold 120 MILLION albums worldwide. plus " bon jovi and jon bon jovi link" on wikipedia states this!!!!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jovi 94 (talk • contribs) 11:05, 8 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Wikipedia itself, and other user-submitted platforms such as forums and message boards are examples of unreliable sources. For information on adding sources to this page in particular, view the top of this page. Their website and record labels are not believed to be reliable enough for such figures. So your best bet is to go to the References section and google Bon Jovi's sales in each of the news sources that have already been used (eg. 1). To submit a source, simply post the link between tags - or you can use other references inside the article as a template of what to include - if you don't understand, just stick with the link and someone else will come around and clean it up. k.i.a.c  ( talktome  -  contribs ) 12:07, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

Michael Jacksons records sale mentioned on wiki is bound to be outdated soon
I don't have details, but the recent surge in Michael Jackson sales will probably mean the number of 750 million records will soon need to be changed. Worthwhile to keep an eye on, I'd say (especially since people are probably more interested in this information since the death of Michael Jackson).

the only reference I could find was this:

—Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.210.247.57 (talk) 21:17, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

Backstreet Boys recordsales underestimation
Now, I'm definately not a fan, but the mentioned sales of 100 million total for the Backstreet Boys seems to be a really inaccurate estimate (or the rest of wiki is untruthful).

For albums /alone/, wiki mentions 104 million sales: here on wiki it is mentioned that Backstreet Boys have sold 94 million records via 3 albums alone (Millennium 40, Backstreet Boys 30 and Black&Blue 24) and another 10 million for Never Gone. If you would add these up, you get to more than 100 million, excluding even the sale of singles (as well as compilation-albums, music videos, downloads of singles and full-length albums).

Fuzzy-logifying this: Michael Jackson sold some 250 million albums (based on wiki . the number mentioned here gets to the amazing 750.000 (i.e. a threefold the albumsales). This would indicate that a more accurate estimate for the Backstreet Boys would lie in the region of 3 * 105 million, which is 315 million sold.

Either this page is off, or this one is:. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.210.247.57 (talk) 21:58, 8 July 2009 (UTC)


 * 10 million for the album Never Gone by Backstreet Boys? That is quite ludicrous don't you think? Where do you think they have sold 10 million units? Let me put in some effort just to show you that the sales of Never Gone and all other albums' sales is beyond exaggeration within the sources which are being utilized by List of best-selling albums worldwide.


 * Never Gone (Worldwide should be around 3 - 4 million)- U.S sales 1 Million, Entire European Continent less than 1 million units (Not certified due to not reaching 1 million units), Canada 100,000, Mexico 50,000, Australia 35,000. The total certified sales for these regions should be around 2 million units.


 * The Hits (Chapter One) (worldwide should be 3-4 million)- US sales 1 million, European Continent 1 million, Australia 35,000, Brazil 125,000. The total certified sales for the available regions is 2,160,000


 * Black & Blue (worldwide should be 15-17 million)- US sales 8 million, European Continent Less than 1 million (not certified due to not reaching 1 million units), Australia 70,000, Brazil 250,000, Mexico 300,000. The total certified sales should be around 9.5 million units.


 * Millennium (Worldwide should be 22-25 million)- US sales 13 Million, Entire European Continent 2 Million, Canada 1 Million, Australia 210,000, Brazil 500,000, Mexico 675,000. The total certified sales for these regions is 17,385,500 units.


 * Backstreet's Back (Worldwide should be 9-11 million)- European Continent 5 million, Australia 350,000, Brazil 500,000, Mexico 225,000. The total certified sales for these regions is 6,075,000 units.


 * Backstreet Boys (worldwide should be 20-25 million) - US sales 14 Million, Canada 1 million, Entire European Continent 3 million, Australia 70,000, Brazil 250,000, Mexico 100,000. The total certified sales for these regions is 18,420,000 units.
 * You also might want to refer to the discussion of Backstreet Boys from the past here.--Harout72 (talk) 02:06, 9 July 2009 (UTC)

ok, so basically the wiki on best sold albums needs to be changed, according to you. (its here: )  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.67.235.58 (talk) 07:52, 9 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Not according to me, according to what they have actually sold. People should not pick up every source they get their hands on and support wikipedia's pages with them, they first need to study the sales figures through the help of certifications to avoid inflated figures that we see almost in 70-80% of published articles.--Harout72 (talk) 15:33, 9 July 2009 (UTC)

Enrique Iglesias
He has sold 60 million albums worldwide: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hubs/heavenandhell/3542443/Enrique-Iglesiass-heaven-and-hell.html —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ihigham (talk • contribs) 04:21, 11 July 2009 (UTC)

beyonnce 75 million —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.226.127.159 (talk) 06:52, 12 July 2009 (UTC)

Herb Alpert
According to the WP page on him, he has sold at least 72 million. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.102.128.8 (talk) 04:49, 16 July 2009 (UTC)

Earth Wind & Fire
On the Earth Wind & Fire wiki page it says they have sold 90 million Gail Abner —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.211.145.93 (talk) 22:06, 18 July 2009 (UTC)

What's up with Sarah Brightman?
She has sold 73 million records worldwide, including 40 million copies of the original cast soundtrack of The Phantom of the Opera,[4] and 26 million albums, 2 million DVDs and 5 million copies of the single "Time to Say Goodbye" as a soloist, [5] [6] distinguishing herself as the world's biggest selling soprano of all time. [7] She is said to be worth as much as £30m (about US$49m).[8]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Brightman —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hannahpunkie (talk • contribs) 03:56, 19 July 2009 (UTC)


 * That article of hers is terribly sourced. Wikipedia should not be used as a source - it is there. Reuters clearly states she has sold 26 million solo albums and 2 million DVDs - TPofO was not her solo project. So she has only sold 26 million albums. Bear in mind, adding multiple sources together would be considerd Original Research. k.i.a.c  ( talktome  -  contribs ) 04:46, 19 July 2009 (UTC)

Note that the article says 73 million records, not albums. The wikipedia page that is sourced has a source itself. If you have a problem with it, you can fix it rather easily. Sarah isn't currently listed on the list of best selling music artists. The link on her wiki page may have been a mistake. If you'd like to complain, this is not the page on which to do so.

Also, show me how 26+2+5+40=73 is original research. I admit the possibility.Chaos47 (talk) 10:47, 22 July 2009 (UTC)


 * I have fixed the article rather easily. It's not questionable because your addition skills aren't trusted! It's questionable because you're using multiple sources from different times and methods, and then just shoving them all in together, it's innaccurate. Better off just leaving it for the sources to work it out for themselves first. k.i.a.c  ( talktome  -  contribs ) 12:03, 22 July 2009 (UTC)

Eric Clapton anybody?
Eric Clapton has to be somewhere in the hundreds of millions, especially if you count Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes.

Somebody did the math

75.179.25.180 (talk) 23:07, 20 July 2009 (UTC)

GIVE ME A BREAK NOBODY CARES ABOUT CLAPTON EXCPET AMERICANS AND THE UK REALLY UNLIKE MICHAEL JACKSON WHO SOLD ALL OVER THE GLOBE AND WAS PLATINUM IN PLACES LIKE MEXICO LOL


 * I can't say I agree with the 120 million figure within the source that's provided above, but I definitely agree that Clapton needs to be on the list as his Certifications (the US especially = 46.5 million records) suggest that his worldwide sales should stagger around 80-90 million. I, however, could not locate a single reliable source after rummaging the web for one hour straight that claims a sales figure for Clapton. If you come across one please bring it to my attention.--Harout72 (talk) 03:19, 24 July 2009 (UTC)

Ranges
The ranges don't really make sense, for the most part. Saying 500 million to 999 million records sold, for example, doesn't make sense. It needs to be 999,999,999. So, I propose it being changed to "Between 500 million and 1 billion." Likewise for all the other ranges as well.98.228.31.217 (talk) 17:52, 26 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Perhaps, you should also propose the same thing to Billboard like associations, for example. Because they follow the same pattern for their charts (see the bottom of their charts). I don't think; however, your suggestion would be noted at all, since it may seem confusing to only a few.--Harout72 (talk) 18:19, 26 July 2009 (UTC)

Tom Jones
Sir Tom Jones has sold over 100 million copies and you can't find his name anymore in the list. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.190.154.22 (talk) 09:45, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

Madonna
She sold in excess of 350 million records, more than 200 million is her albums. Why are other artists counted as albums plus singles and Madonna only albums? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.104.87.45 (talk) 21:17, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

AND!!!! She's the ONLY one certified by the IFPI... The only real official source in the world... All the others are record company promotion or magazines (journalists that just guess or... are paid to promote) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.104.87.45 (talk) 22:01, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

Mina Mazzini
Where is she? She was 76 million a few months ago?

This list is English -heavy —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.104.87.45 (talk) 21:42, 27 July 2009 (UTC)