The Beatles – 265 Million
That’s right, we’re kicking off this list with THE greatest band out there. EVER. Maybe that seems a bit cuckoo but come on, they’re The Beatles. They basically hold every single music record that is out there and we are not exaggerating in ANY way. The Beatles have the most number one albums on the US charts with 19 and the most number one singles in the US with 20. In the UK, they have the most number one albums and have sold more singles there than any other act. According to the RIAA, the Beatles are the best-selling music act in America, with over 178 million certified units sold and they even have the same honor in the UK, Germany, and the rest of Europe as well. No one has come close to topping their records.
Celine Dion – 125 Million
Slay, girl, slay. Celine Dion is the ONLY female artist to have two singles to sell more than a million copies in the UK and also her 1995 album ‘D’eux’ is the best-selling French-language album of all time so far. All this success follows her starts at a music career at a Eurovision Song Contest. I know, right? Back in 2004, she was presented with the Chopard Diamond Award at the World Music Awards for becoming the best-selling female artist of all time.
Eagles – 130+ Million
The Eagles are actually the biggest-selling American band of all time as they have an estimated total of over 150 million records sold worldwide. Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) even shares the top spot with Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ as the best-selling album ever in the US with 29 million copies sold. Plus it’s one of the highest-selling albums globally with 45 million copies sold worldwide.
U2 – 105 Million
When U2 first started out, they were a small rebellious group from Ireland and then they went on to pretty much conquer the world. Most say that their success comes from their front man, Bono, and all his charms (we can’t really complain there). To date, they have won 22 Grammy Awards which is more than any other band. Back in 2005, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. On top of all that, their U2 360° Tour set the most incredible record for the highest-grossing concert tour with $736 million in ticket sales, and for the highest-attended tour with over 7.2 million tickets sold. Yeah, we know, that’s pretty awesome.
Eminem- 115 Million
Our boy Eminem is obviously a genius rapper, record producer, and actor. Throughout his career, he’s had 10 number-one albums on the Billboard 200 and 5 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. With a record of US sales of 45.1 million albums and 42 million tracks as of June 2014, Eminem is actually the second best-selling male artist of the Nielsen SoundScan era. He’s the sixth best-selling artist in America and is also the best-selling hip-hop artist. Globally, he has sold over 172 million albums, which makes him one of the world’s best-selling artists. Rolling Stone even called him the King of Hip Hop. You won’t find us arguing that.
The Rolling Stones – 100+ Million
Another one of the longest-living band in history makes the list but surprising, The Rolling Stones have not sold as many albums as one may believe. Their estimated sales are thought to be about 200 million, but their certified units sold show no more than half this figure. But that doesn’t demean their powerful legacy, just remember that six of the top 20 highest-grossing concert tours were theirs.
Michael Jackson – 175 Million
Of course the King of Pop is on the list! Was there ever any doubt that he wouldn’t? He IS Michael Jackson after all. His extraordinary career includes the best-selling album of all time (Thriller), the best-selling music video of all time, and he’s won more music awards than any other musician or band in history. Let’s not forget his classic ‘moon walk’ that dazzled millions worldwide. Plus, Thriller is the best-selling album of all time and rightly so.
Britney Spears – 80 Million
The Princess of Pop herself. Britney rose up as one of the greatest teen music stars that there ever was and she had serious commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Something that can only be compared to that of Michael Jackson or Madonna. She’s so lucky, she’s a star.
Billy Joel – 100+ Million
Oh, Billy Joel, you musical genius. There are so many around the globe who adore your music, your lyrics have a way of hitting right into the core of one’s being and we can never thank you enough for that. Joel’s Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2 went platinum 23 times, which makes it the third best-selling album of all time in America. He’s also a member of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On top of all that, he’s also one of the biggest-selling artists ever with official certified sales of over 100 million.
Phil Collins – 80+ Million
Duh, of course Phil Collins makes the list! He has one seriously decorated musical career, starting with being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003, receiving his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010. Let’s remember that this genius started his career off as a drummer until an opportunity presented itself and he emerged into one of the greatest singing and songwriting legends of all time.
Pink Floyd – 115+ Million
This incredibly talented and legendary band has sold over 250 million records worldwide, including 74.5 million certified units in America. Pink Floyd’s claim to fame and musical legacy is easily traced back to their unique use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, and elaborate live shows, which has had a huge impact on many great groups and solo artists that have followed.
Barbra Streisand – 97 Million
We are just not worthy, this diva is so freaking wonderful. Let’s see, how do we even begin to count all her achievements, there are so many. Barbra Streisand is THE biggest-selling female artist in US history and is one of the very few artists who has won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy. She also sold 51 gold, 30 platinum, and 13 multi-platinum albums and 71.5 million albums just in America alone.
Bruce Springsteen – 100 Million
Bruce Springsteen is and always has been very hard working and he has won many accolades for his music which include an astonishing 20 Grammy Awards, 2 Golden Globes, and an Academy Award, among others. He was also inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. After the release of his most recent album ‘High Hopes’, he worked his way up to 100 million certified unit sales globally.
Elton John – 162 Million
Elton John was an international superstar by the time he was 30. 30! All throughout the 70s, he absolutely ruled pop and rock. His 1997 version of “Candle in the Wind,” which was rewritten to celebrate the life of Princess Diana, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is still considered to be the best-selling single of all time. With estimated sales of over 250 million records worldwide, Elton John is the biggest-selling British solo artist ever. He’s also the second best-selling British musical act of all time, surpassed only by the Beatles, of course.
Queen – 105+ Million
If you don’t know who Queen is then I must urge you to listen to any one of their incredible classic hits like, “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “We Are the Champions.” We’re pretty sure you’ve heard the songs play in countless movies so you may as well familiarize yourself now. Queen has 18 number one albums and 18 number one singles in the US, UK and Europe.
Whitney Houston – 112 Million
I will always love you, girl. (Pardon me for making that super lame joke but it’s out there now.) Whitney Houston is the definition of girl power and no one can argue with that. She broke several records during her short but legendary prime. As she is the only artist to chart 7 consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits; her 1985 debut album, Whitney Houston, quickly became the best-selling debut by a woman at the time. Plus her famous remake of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became an instant best-selling single by a woman in music history. With certified sales of over 112 million plus all the countless awards and honors she received, we will always remember this legend for her incredibly powerful voice.
Garth Brooks – 145 Million
What, you didn’t really think this list was going to exclude country singers? I mean, come on, statistically Garth Brooks is the biggest-selling music artist in US history and he’s the overall third behind the Beatles and Elvis Presley. He’s also the solo artist with the most diamond albums in RIAA’s history, with six of his albums achieving sales of over 10 million copies. Not too shabby, eh? Even now, his albums continue to break records and according to Nielsen Soundscan, his albums sales up to 2014 are around 70 million, which makes him the best-selling artist in America since the advent of the SoundScan era (1991 to the present). He’s pretty much the King of Country.
Aerosmith – 90+ Million
I just can’t believe that Aerosmith is making music, it’s extraordinary. This band has been around for something like 45 years, making them one of the longest-living bands in history. That alone is something amazing, not even counting the fact that they’ve sold over 150 album copies.
Mariah Carey – 130 Million
Say what you want about Mariah Carey but this woman can really sing and no can deny that. I mean she has a five-octave vocal range and not many people do. She was also the best-selling recording artist of the 90s and she even has 18 number one singles in the US, making her the female artist with the most number one singles in history. How could we forget that it was her signature use of the whistle register made her famous worldwide.
Elvis Presley – 210 Million
More commonly known as “The King”, Elvis Presley is the only solo artist in history who has broken the 200 million barrier. Here’s the weird part though, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) only began tracking sales of Elvis Presley’s music in 1958, which means that they don’t even include many of his successful recordings he released before that year. With all that being said, Elvis has more gold (90), platinum (52) and multi-platinum (25) album awards than any artist and he is the best-selling solo artist of all time in America.
AC/DC- 110 Million
So AC/DC are an Australian rock band which formed way back in 1973 by the brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. They’re considered a hard rock/blues rock band, or even a heavy metal band, although they have always believed their music to simply be “rock and roll”. Whatever the genre, we love them! They’ve sold more than 200 million albums worldwide, including 71.5 million in America alone. After the lead singer and co-songwriter Bon Scott tragically passed away, AC/DC considered dismantling but Bon Scott’s parents urged the group to find a replacement and carry on. Wow, talk about family love. After which they found Brian Johnson and he became the new lead singer, to commemorate Bon Scott, the band wrote the album ‘Back in Black’ which launched them to a whole new height of success and became their all-time best-seller. What a fabulous tale!
Rod Stewart – 76 Million
This incredibly talented musician has six consecutive number one albums which is pretty impressive. He also has six number one singles on the UK charts and sixteen top ten singles in the US (four reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100), Rod Stewart is single handedly one of the most successful chart-topping British solo artists ever.
Metallica – 90 Million
Over the past 23 years, Metallica’s 1991 album has sold over 16 million copies in America alone which makes it the best selling album of the SoundScan era. Now that’s something, folks. Metallica is easily on the most commercially successful bands of all time.
Dave Matthews Band – 33.5 Million
Can you believe that the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) has been together for an incredible 25 years? Just last year (2016) the band celebrated their 25th Anniversary. This is definitely a “wow I feel old moment’ for all you “DaveHeads” out there. Now, for more than two decades, DMB has performed thousands of shows around the world, magically entertaining all audiences. To this day DMB has released 75+ albums!
Bon Jovi – 34.5 Million
Bon Jovi’s fame began in the mid 80’s and to this day the band continues to wow audiences worldwide. They proudly achieved their goal of “rock stardom” rather quickly and efficiently, as they adapted to the continuous trends to maintain their status/spot throughout the years. Every album they’ve produced has contained more experimentation, brilliant songcraft, and creativeness. Hence the reason for their albums to (almost always) be ranked number one. Rock at it’s finest ladies and gents.
Bob Dylan – 36 Million
Bob Dylan is presumably one of the most restless, timeless, and talented of all artists. Throughout his career he surpassed genre and redefined his medium. In addition to the endless bootlegs, live recordings, and reissues, Dylan’s growth over the course of 50+ years includes more than 37 albums, one being more inspiring then the next. Endlessly self-critical, Dylan has never stood still for long, even in the 70’s and he shows no sign of slowing down.
Tupac Shakur – 36.5 Million
Any city, any hip-hop concert, it’s inevitable that there will be a point when the performer recognizes hip-hop’s most famous fallen heroes; it’s a codified ritual. And when the shout-out happens the audience knows exactly what to do — raise two fingers in honor of Tupac Shakur aka “put your twos in the air.” Tupac was one of the first people to reach iconic status in the hip-hop world. And with more than the career totals for the likes of the Doors, Willie Nelson, or Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, makes Tupac nothing more then a beloved legend.
Santana – 43.5 Million
In the 60’s, Carlos Santana pioneered an innovative fusion of rock, fiery Afro-Latin polyrhythms, and contrasting cool, low-key vocals. And wow was it good! As a fourth-generation musician and the son of a violinist father who played mariachi music, Carlos was basically born to be a talented and successful musician. With guest performers and collaborations with music geniuses like Wyclef Jean, Dave Matthews, Lauryn Hill, Rob Thomas, Everlast, Eagle-Eye Cherry, and Eric Clapton, put Santana’s career and album sales through the roof. Santana has steadily maintained a core classic-rock audience that’s supported him every step of the way.
Eric Clapton – 40 Million
Before he issued his first solo album in 1970 Eric Clapton had already carved out a respectable career for himself. Since then, he has released more then two dozen LPs under his very own name. Even through all of his personal and professional misfortunes, the guitar hero seemingly hasn’t lost the focus and drive that established him as one of the most talked-about musicians in the 60’s. Nonetheless Eric has grown into himself, embracing his older years by playing music that sounds and feels right for him at this stage in his life.
Beyonce – 118 Million
Roll out the red carpet, Queen B has (finally) arrived! Beyonce has sold over 13 million albums in the US and over 118 million records worldwide as a solo artist. Oh, and an additional 60 million with Destiny’s Child. So we’re no mathematician, but when you total up all these (double-digit) millions you’re left with this fact: Beyonce is one of the most popular, well-liked, musically gifted, best-selling artists of all time. We’ll forever love you Queen B!
Rihanna – 117.9 Million
While we’re on the topic of musically successful divas, did you know that Rihanna is now officially (as of February 2017) the best-selling solo recording artist of all time? Rhianna has even stepped in front of rock and roll’s legend Elvis Presley with current global sales of 213.2 million accredited albums and singles and eight Grammy Awards. The incredible milestones and endless recognition as the best female solo artist, Rhianna has conquered all the ups and downs within the music industry, coming a long way since first stepping into the industry in the early 90’s. Yea, she’s not going anywhere soon — she’s on fire!
Def Leppard — 35 Million
Living all together under one roof, the musicians, unsure where to start, made little (if any) initial progress. While carrying out their writing sessions, Def Leppard found time (maybe too much time), because these boys were partying heavily. But when the band finally was ready to record several songs their producer Mutt Lange dropped-out of the project, as he was exhausted from the repetitive rock albums. The innovative production elements of their legacy album, Hysteria , became industry standard, giving rise to a whole new genre called rock-pop.
Neil Diamond – 120 Million
Truly one of the world’s best-selling and most-liked artists of all time. Since the start of his career in the early 60’s, Neil Diamond has sold over 120 million records worldwide. With over 38 songs in the Top 10, he is noted as the second most successful artist of the Billboard Adult Contemporary Top 10 charts. From a variety of musical genres, there have been numerous international performers to cover his top songs. Diamond continues to occasionally perform in concerts and write vast music catalogs, which is recorded by himself as well as other artists.
Adele – 31 Million
Year by year, the adored music megastar continues to effortlessly move audiences and move her way up to the top of the “music totem pole.” The biggest record of 2016 was her third studio album “25”, and when sales and streams mix you get a whopping total of 753,000… just in the last 12 months! The ever-so musically gifted female solo artist provides audiences with a moving, inspiring, and phenomenal music performance every time she hits the stage. Truly the voice of an angel.
Backstreet Boys – 37 Million
“Backstreets back, ALRIGHT!” Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson, A. J. McLean, and Howie Dorough make up this handsome, yet super talented, vocal quintet group. The infamous all American pop boy band entered the music scene back in 1993, and boy-oh-boy could teenage girls not get enough of this boy band. The vocal group currently consists of 8 studio albums, 28 singles, one line album,3 compilation albums, and 25 music videos. It’s no doubt that the boys experienced a ton of fame, if not the most, during the 90’s. However the Backstreet Boys haven’t left the scene, as they are currently working on various music projects.
Tim McGraw – 37.5 Million
Tim’s neotraditional country style of singing began with 1997’s “Everywhere,” but developed into a more friendly crossover of country and pop. Out of his 14 studio albums, 10 have successfully reached the number 1 spot on the Top Country Albums charts. Oh and every single one of these albums have led to 65 singles, 25 at the number 1 spot on the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts. Country music and Tim McGraw mix almost too perfectly.
Simon & Garfunkel — 38.5 Million
Simon & Garfunkel consisted of Paul Simon (singer-songwriter) and Art Garfunkel (singer). The dynamic duo met back in 1953 in Queens, New York where they started to write original material and harmonize together. I guess those initial harmonies worked because in 1960 they became one of the best-selling music groups, as well as counterculture icons of their decade. “The Sound of Silence”, “Mrs. Robinson”, “Bridge over Troubled Water”, and “The Boxer”, are just some of their biggest and most well-known songs to date.
Taylor Swift – 170 Million
So far our list consists of some of the most histrionically iconic musicians, as well as music artists who born in the 90’s such as Ms. Taylor Alison Swift. This is definitely one of the more honorable and memorable milestones in Taylor’s life. Taylor is tremendously recognized as a (current) popular contemporary female recording artist. Many of her “story-telling” songs involve her personal life which in turn has the media giving her a crazy amount of attention. She has won 10 Grammy Awards, one Emmy Award, 23 Billboard Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, 8 Academy of Country Music Awards, and one Brit Award. Swift is one of the best-selling artists of all time, having sold 40+ million albums!
Chicago – 38.5 Million
Formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, Chicago is a former American rock band that generated several hit ballads/songs. The band hit its peak in the 70’s and 80s, but even in 2008 Chicago was listed as the “greatest of all time” American band in singles chart success. Chicago is the longest-running and most successful rock groups, and one of the world’s best-selling groups of all time, having sold more than 100 million records.
Bruno Mars – 124 Million
Bruno Mars (Peter Gene Hernandez) is a dazzling singer and songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer. But when you’re born in Hawaii to a family of musicians, of course you know what you’re going to be when you grow up. From a young age Bruno has had such a strong passion for music that he even began making music as a child and performed in several of his hometown music venues. In 2009 Mars signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records, and well yea the rest is history. A man who’s moves and voice leaves you bobbing your head and tapping your feet.
Bee Gees – 120 Million
The Bee Gees is the result of three brothers who know a thing or two about music and can carry a tune. The pop band was created in 1958 and for most of their decades of recording music they hit success, notably during the late 1960s and early 1970s, as the disco music era started to emerge. With Robin’s clear vibrato lead vocals and Barry’s R&B falsetto, the group sang highly recognisable three-part (tight) harmonies. The Bee Gees have sold more than 220 million records worldwide! Nicely done brothers.
Jay Z – 100 Million
Wherever his wife goes, Jay Z fabulously follows right behind, even if its on “the greatest selling music artists of all time” list. But who are we kidding, we can’t compare Beyonce’s music talents to Jay Z’s and vice versa, such gifted individuals. Jay Z (Shawn Corey Carter) is both an American rapper and businessman who’s received over 21 Grammy Awards for his music. In 2006 MTV ranked him as the “greatest MC of all time” and Rolling Stone ranked “Reasonable Doubt”, “The Blueprint”, and “The Black Album” among the 500 greatest albums ever. Jay Z remains to be one of the most successful, most well-liked, and legendary hip-hop artists to ever walk this plant.
Fleetwood Mac – 100 Million
1967 was the year, the year of Fleetwood Mac, achieving much recognition throughout London. The late 1960’s was a very successful period for the British-American rock band thanks to the “British Blues” boom. In 1998, selected members of Fleetwood Mac were honored into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, accepting the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Just these couple sentences greatly demonstrate/prove how music wasn’t just something they did, music was simply part of them, part of their lifestyle.
Prince – 100 Million
Beloved singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, philanthropists, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. When trying to describe the immense impact, beauty, and passion Prince had/felt towards music, to the music industry at large, is nearly impossible. Prince was an innovator known for his eclectic style, flamboyant stage presence, fantastic (yet excessive) dress and makeup, and vast vocal range. His music incorporates a variety of styles, such as funk, rock, R&B, new wave, soul, psychedelia, and pop. Before we start tearing up, we’ll leave you with this, “Prince was the most influential artists of the rock & roll era”.
Frank Sinatra – 150 Million
Frank Sinatra was the most famous and influential musical artists of the 20th century. The American (no he wasn’t Italian, just his paretns were) actor, singer, and producer began his career in music during the infamous swing era. Sinatra’s success blossomed after signing with Columbia Records in 1943, releasing his debut album “The Voice of Frank Sinatra” in 1946. The warm and sharp feel of Sinatra’s perfect (singing) voice, is a voice that cannot be forgotten. Nowadays, there are numerous singers who base their music/songs off of Frank’s legendary, one-of-a-kind, purely beautiful tone.
Led Zeppelin – 140 Million
With RIAA-certified sales of nearly 111.5 million, Led Zeppelin is renowned as the second best-selling band in the United States, well after the Beatles that is. Hand downs they’re one of the most commercially successful music acts in history (and for all the right reasons). According to several sources, Led Zeppelin’s official record sales apparently range between 200 and 300 million units worldwide. Truthfully, there are no words/adjectives to describe this iconic band.
Van Halen
Ah yes, Van Halen – America’s favorite hard rock band in the late 70s. In 1974-1985 the bands members included guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony – definitely recognizable names. All four members were crazy talented, each one contributing something different, but awesome, to the band’s rising success. By the early 1980s they were already star-status, being named one of the most successful rock acts of that time. But it wasn’t just their popular songs that got worldwide audiences attention, but it was their epic/extraordinary/down-right impressive stage performances.
Shania Twain – 85 Million
Thanks to the combination of country and pop music , Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain has made our list. Shania became an international star following the release of her 1997 album “Come On Over.” Shania had a strong passion for music early on, writing songs starting at just 10-years-old. “The Woman in Me” was her second and most successful album. This five-time Grammy winner had recently announced (in 2015) that she’ll be embarking on one last final tour, performing in 48 cities.
James Taylor – 100 Million
James Taylor creates music through the brilliant combination of folk, rock, and pop sensibilities. James rose to stardom in the 1970’s as his writing and performance of sensitive/warmhearted songs gained much recognition. Throughout his music career Taylor has surely experienced positive many accomplishments like winning 5 Grammy Awards and having several of his albums go platinum. But his biggest claim-to-fame was first in 2000, when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and then again in 2011 when he received a National Medal of the Arts.
Kenny Rogers – 47.5 Million
Kenny Rogers has no doubt enjoyed an enormous amount of success both on the country and pop charts. In 1978 Rogers released “The Gambler” which gave awarded him his second Grammy Award. Rogers additionnaly recorded a series of hits with country legends Dottie West and Dolly Parton. Continuing to remain a presence on the country charts while becoming an iconic artist, Rogers has also published numerous books, including a 2012 autobiography.
Journey – 48 Million
Journey has hit both the highs and the lows of stardom. The American rock band was formed in 1973, way back when Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch were members. Journey’s strongest success ocurred from 1978 to 1987, when the band released a series of top songs including every college student’s favorite song, “Don’t Stop Believing,” which eventually became the first non 21st century top-selling track in iTunes HISTORY!
George Strait – 69 Million
Born and raised in Texas, George Strait has been a country music icon since the 80s. Commonly known for his traditional country sound, the country singer began performing in a band during his service in the U.S. Army. George stays true to traditional country, winning multiple awards and having the biggest-selling boxed set in country music history.
Willie Nelson – 35 Million
Popular for his hit songs like “Crazy” and “On the Road Again,” Willie Nelson was a prominent country singer-songwriter towards the end of the 60s. Nelson greatly contributed to the “outlaw country” subgenere which challenged the conservatism of Nashville, Tenesse. During his long, award-winning career, Willie has written a handful of timeless country classics that are frequently covered by aritsts worldwide. Age is irrelevant to Nelson, as the 80-something year legend continues to record, tour, and commit a lot of his time to various charities.
Pearl Jam – 32 Million
Lead by none other than musician and activist Eddie Vedder, the band Pearl Jam came to be in 1990. The bands first album (Ten) was an instant hit on the strength of their tracks with two follow-up records going multiplatinum. In addition to Vedder the band’s line-up is comprised of Mike McCready (lead guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), and Jeff Ament (bass). Together the group has succesfully outlasted and outsold many of its contemporaries from the alternative rock breakthrough of the early 1990s.
Madonna – 166 Million
This queen right here is one of very few artists in history who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility. Madonna is also recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by the Guinness Book of World Records and knowing Madonna’s global impact in the music world, we really have no reason to not accept that as fact.