Talk:List of best-selling music artists/Archive5

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Contents

AR rahman

RAHMAN needs source citation. can any one cite his more THAN 300 million hundred record —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.251.2.235 (talk) 15:24, 28 October 2007 (UTC)

Frank Sinatra 200+??

http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/sinatra_frank/bio.jhtml

Somehow I am going to consider VH1 a greater authority on music than some German website.

In 1993, he re-signed to Capitol Records and recorded Duets, on which he re-recorded his old favorites, joined by other popular singers ranging from Tony Bennett to Bono of U2 (none of whom actually performed in the studio with him). It became his biggest-selling album, with sales over 3,000,000 copies, and was followed in 1994 by Duets II, which won the 1995 Grammy Award for Traditional Pop Performance.


So if his top selling album sold 3 million copies... I find it hard to really believe that he sold 200 million albums... let alone the 600 claimed on that German source.

Not to mention that every single reference I have ever seen for the top selling solo artists of all time rank Elvis Presely #1 and Garth Brooks #2.... and Garth is at something like 116 million album sales.

—The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.234.128.56 (talk) 04:59, 16 May 2007 (UTC).

Bias towards older artists

Since when does illegal downloading start in 1990, and since when does illegal downloading hurt music sales? Proof of this would be useful before declaring it a bias. The-bus 19:25, 23 March 2007 (UTC)

Just to add something in on this that drives me nuts everytime I see something like that.

Those older than 30 can tell you that with out a doubt there is no way that music piracy today is greater than it was in the 80s.

Not in regards to full albums that people actually wanted... all you had to do was look at the tapes that everyone had. There might have been one store bought copy in a high school... and hundreds of copies of that one album.

When you look at someones CD collection today - you see a large number of CDs that were bought in the store.

When you looked at a tape case that held 30 to 50 tapes when I was in school you might have seen one or two store bought tapes... might

Ayumi Hamasaki

quit fucking deleting her name, she had a fucking source!

Ravenshield936 09:50, 12 April 2007 (UTC)ravenshield936

Ayumi is in the list, right?? this is what i found on WIKI: Ayumi Hamasaki (浜崎あゆみ, Hamasaki Ayumi?, born October 2, 1978) is a Japanese pop singer. Commonly known just as Ayu, Ayumi Hamasaki is one of the most popular and influential Japanese pop singers in Japanese music history, and is dubbed “The Empress of J-Pop”. She was born and raised in Fukuoka and moved to Tokyo to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Since her debut in 1998 with her first single "poker face," she has sold more than 50 million records, with the releases of her eight full-length studio albums, one mini-album, four compilation albums, 40 singles, and several non-studio albums, being the top selling solo and female artist and the fourth top selling Japanese artist in the history of Japan.[1] With the release of her 40th single "Blue Bird," Hamasaki's single sales have passed the 20 million mark, making her the first solo and female singer to do so.[2]

Vicky Leandros (singer

Vicky Leandros has officially exceeded the 150 million records according to Sony Classical and other sources.It appears in many catalogues in Greece and other countries. Here she appears for more than 50 millions. I think is wrong.--The preceding unsigned comment was added by 194.219.44.116 (talk) 11:34, 27 January 2007 (UTC).

If you can cite the source, feel free to adjust the chart accordingly.--Son of Somebody 17:42, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

www.vickyleandros.com in "chronology" refers to 100 million copies. Also Sony Classical. The Sony Classical site says that Vicky has sold over 150 Million . There are many sites which say the same though I do not know how to transfer a reference . maybe someone else can help . I find many refs to 150M also I must say to less than that as well . However since every other singer here is listed with the highest claim or reference that can be found why should not this also be the case for Vicky ? Vicky received an award for her sales in excess of 150.000.000 in 2003 which was well publicised ( in IKONES magazine ) among others . It is unlikely that this official government given award would be given were the figures untrue . They are atleast as likely as all the other figures here . mindyou that may not be saying alot ! Vicky should not be demoted in listings I find to the 50/60 M area as there are many 150M claims for her - other artists are listed by the highest claims so she should be too .

Pink (singer)

hey i dont noe how but can sum1 plz add pink 2 the 50 million list cause i dont know how but she has sold over 50 million...if u dont believe me look at her page on this site

Her wiki page says she sold 30 million, and all websites found says 18 - 22 million. So sorry to say, Pink shopuld not be on the list. 60.234.242.196 03:05, 16 December 2006 (UTC)

Rush

212.2.183.83 21:20, 4 December 2006 (UTC). Rush has 23 gold and 14 platinum albums (a little more than KISS). Shouldn't they be on here?

  • No. Rush has sold 25M in the US. Worldwide, the estimates are between 35 and 50 million, but certainly not more than 50M. While almost every record they've released has gone at least gold, very few have gone multiplatinum. As for the comparisons with KISS, either KISS's numbers are incredibly wrong (which is likely), or KISS must be far more popular overseas than they are domestically (very unlikely). KISS doesn't even appear on the RIAA's list of top-sellers. MikeCerm 00:06, 7 November 2007 (UTC)

KISS Does appear in [http://www.riaa.com/ in page 2 with 19 million. boricua00917 00:31 20 december 2007.

Tupac and Eminem

212.2.183.83 21:20, 4 December 2006 (UTC) There is a problem with '2pac' and 'Eminem', the source is outdated, as Tupac Shakur (2pac) is still the greatest selling rap artist of all time, yet eminem is under the 'over 100 million records sold' and 2pac is in the '50 million records sold', which doesn't add up.

It is actually the other way around, Shakur has sold over 100 million, where eminem has sold an estimated 75 million (even by his own wikipedia page). The information is incorrect and conflicting.

Shakur (2pac) should be in the "over 100 million" bracket, while eminem should be placed down in the "over 75 million" bracket.

If a member could clean this up it would be great.

Id say probs 72+ mill for eminem because of the re-up album and about 76-77 for 2pac is bout right. Then again if were talking about albums then its 72ish for eminem & 2pac 77 mil but this page says its about record sales+ album sales+ download sales, so both couls be above 100+ lose yourself by eminem sold around 8 mill alone —Preceding unsigned comment added by Alanjohns (talk • contribs) 14:11, 14 September 2007 (UTC)

Tupac wiki page references a link from October 2006 that says Tupac has sold 73 million. It does not say over 100 million. Eminem's link says he has sold 70 million. So, yes, this should be moved. 60.234.242.196 03:13, 16 December 2006 (UTC)
I recall this being discussed and researched in November, so went back and checked this. The link says 70m for Eminem, but is 2005. His new album has sold 7.5 million, so 77.5 million total. This was reversed, but the research was good. Readded it back. 60.234.242.196 08:05, 18 December 2006 (UTC)
Apologies, that should read 5.5m for his new album. 60.234.242.196 08:14, 18 December 2006 (UTC)
Just need a citation claiming over 75 million.--Son of Somebody 04:57, 21 January 2007 (UTC)

what about best selling in different genres?

Can anybody make an extension to this article? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 76.17.28.62 (talk) 00:52, 8 December 2006 (UTC).

Yeah someone should do this it would be much neater, good idea —Preceding unsigned comment added by Alanjohns (talk • contribs) 14:04, 14 September 2007 (UTC)

500 million + section

According to the evidence for the inclusion of Michael Jackson here, he has sold 750 million records? Eh? Sorry but that claim has come from a fans website and is total rubbish. There is no way on earth that he has sold that many. I doubt if he has sold in excess of 500 million. 250 million+, I think is acceptable. He is not and never will be in the same sales league as the Beatles and Elvis. If someone has the real evidence - i.e. sales per record - then happy to concede, but I doubt it given that his US Sales alone are less than 100 million.

Should there be a 500 million + section for Elvis, Beatles and Michael Jackson? They have sold so much more than the rest of the artists in the 250M+ section that a new section should be creating to show that these 3 artists are in a league of their own. 59.100.94.3 05:59, 8 December 2006 (UTC)

I don't really see why. There's the section explaining it all at the top, and the seperate best seller article. --Robdurbar 11:16, 8 December 2006 (UTC)

i agree with a 500 million section even though elvis was such a copycat fake, and if you did put thet addition stupid people would add for example the crappy rolling stones to the 500 million list hahahaha--The preceding unsigned comment was added by 75.74.11.76 (talk) 18:27, 23 January 2007 (UTC).

A couple of users have tried to make this change today. I'm not entirely against it per se, but I'd like a bit of discussion here first for an explanation of why its needed. --Robdurbar 15:16, 10 January 2007 (UTC)


DONT PUT A 500 MILLION CAUSE THEN STUPID PEOPLE WILL PUT BING CROSBY OR LED ZEPELLIN, AND THATS PLAIN DUMB--The preceding unsigned comment was added by 207.203.31.186 (talk) 17:10, 14 February 2007 (UTC).

How is accurately reporting sales figures dumb?. It seems your version of events would be a better candidate for that. --Sicamous 21:50, 2 April 2007 (UTC)

AC/DC

I reversed this as most links on the net are saying 100 - 150m. As they have sold 68m in the USA alone (RIAA), it does not sound feasible that their world total is less than 100m as they are the most popular heavy metal band in the world. 60.234.242.196 08:25, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

do you know that they are the most popular band in the world?

They are not a heavy metal band. Hard rock it is called. Kaiketsu 10:23, 15 May 2007 (UTC)

This is vert true. AC/DC does come in with something like 70 million U.S. sales alone. They are also hugely popular in the Uk, Japan, Canada and other parts of the world. I would guestimate that AC/Dc has sold somewhere near 175 million worldwide - if not more.

As for most popular band worldwide - that one still goes to the Beatles, maybe Rolling Stones second, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd are also up there.

Abba - not over 250 million

I have recently read a very informative article which listed many reliable source (unfortunately I can not find the article again) which states Abba has not sold over 250 million albums - as speculated - but they have actually sold something more like 160 million albums. This sounds more accurate to me - as in reality in countries like the U.s. - not many of Abba's albums were mega-hits. The areas they were mega-hits - only sold in the hundred thousands. In the U.S. (which is usually the biggest selling market for most artists Abba has sold under 20 million albums - something around 17 million). In proportion for Abba to have sold 250 million copies worldwide - they most likely would have had to sell something like 50 million or more in the U.S. alone.

abba , rod stewart? queen? 250 million? this is too funny --The preceding unsigned comment was added by 75.74.11.76 (talk) 18:58, 23 January 2007 (UTC).

I stand and firmly believe Abba is at around 160 million copies. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 63.215.27.121 (talk) 17:26, 3 January 2007 (UTC).

Remember this is albums AND singles. Throughout their career, there has been many references to their climb in sales. In 1976 their world sales were estimated at 40 million (Harry Edgington biography ISBN 0905018 745), the reissue of the same book in late 1977 references 60m sold. "More than 150 million ABBA records were estimated to have passed over shop counters in the 1970's" (John Tobler ISBN 0 312 11227 0 - 1993). In 1995, the estimate was 275 million (Miguel Angel Sanchez biography ISBN 84-376-1339-6). In 2001, the estimate was 300 million (Carl Magnus Palm biography ISBN 0 7119 8389 5). In 2004 Universal and Polar Studios awarded then disks for 365m in sales. Currently they are still selling 3m per year. As with all the top acts, when you add up their sales data, it isn't even close to the figures being pushed about. Therefore all you can do is reference reliable sources. 60.234.242.196 09:19, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

According to the RIAA site's "top artists" chart, ABBA sold 10.5 million albums in the US. I don't dispute the 250 million+ figure but still, if Led Zeppelin is reported to have sold 300 million records then the ABBA figure is probably as accurate as that is. Led Zeppelin never released any singles which were successful. And I'm very sure that their single sales worldwide won't even cumulatively add up to 1 million. On the other hand, they weren't very popular outside the US. I doubt they've sold 200 million records outside the US(109.5 million in the US alone) but the sources say they did so meh... <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:XXSaifXx"><font color="orange"><b>Saif</b></font></a> 16:32, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

500 Million and 1 Billion Categories?

This page breaks down 50,75,100, and 250 million. Please add over 1 Billion and 500 million to the top of this list. The Beatles and Elvis Presley are in a class by themselves at over 1 billion and Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra over 500 million. They deserve distinction with their extraordinary success far beyond all the other categories. Avatar413 12:59, 26 January 2007 (UTC)

WHO SAYS THE BEATLES AND BITCH ELVIS ARE ONLY ALONE? MICHAEL JACKSON CAN BE THERE TOO WHITE BITCH, AND WHAT ABOUT SINATRA, WHO SAID HE SOLD 500 MILLION ALBUMS WHITE BITCH?

There is the Best selling music artist page. The claims of 500 million and 1 billion are nowhere near certain enough to create sub sections. --Robdurbar 13:41, 26 January 2007 (UTC)

Oasis- 50 million

who keeps deleting Oasis off the 50 million or more list, they have definitely not sold over 50 million and pretty much every site says so. [1] —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 81.153.133.12 (talk) 14:14, 30 January 2007 (UTC).

Ace of Base/ 2 Unlimited

Hey, I've got a question: why aren't Ace of Base and 2 Unlimited in this list? I don't no how much they sold, but both groups were a hype in the 90's, and both groups were populair in at least 4 continents. Perhaps they don't reach any of the numbers in this list, but I still would think that it would be at least something to find out. Maybe anybody knows more about the record-sales of these both groups? --84.104.123.100 17:00, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

2 Unlimited didnt sell that many, they have several dance hits in the 1990s but nothing on this scale, as for Ace of Base, they were extremely popular at one time but they sort of died out after that.81.155.50.231 18:55, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

Hey, the producer of Ace of Base has a new band [since lik,e 10 years ago XD} called Sweetbox im not sdure of their sales, but i remember seing something that they have sold over 70 Million in compilations alone. not sure if this is true, memory could be failing me here. XD (Impracticable 13:39, 3 February 2007 (UTC)

Ayumi Hamasaki, 50 Million

Ayumi Hamasaki has just sold her 50 millionth album. I think she deserves to be on the list, first off, she meets the requiremtns, second, she is the best selling female artist ever. She just sold her 50 millionth about a week ago. i will go look to see if i can find her sales estimates on RIAJ or something. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Impracticable (talk • contribs) 13:10, 3 February 2007 (UTC).

AYUMI HAMASAKI AND UTADA HIKARU SHOULD BE ADDED! UTADA HIKARU HAS SOLD OVER 40,000,000 MILLION WORLDWIDE BUT HER DIGITAL SALES ARE CLEARLY OVER 10 MILLION... SHE EVEN HAS ONE SONG WITH 2.5M DL'S. AYUMI HAMASAKI IS CREDITED WITH 46M IN JAPAN EXCLUDING HER NEWEST ALBUMS AND SINGLES AND HER INTERNATIONAL SALES. HER DOWNLOADS ARE VERY HIGH AS WELL BUT ORICON ONLY COUNTS PHYSICAL SALES!! MR. CHILDREN SHOULD BE ADDED AS WELL, THEY HAVE SOLD 48M IN JAPAN EXCLUDING INTERNATIONAL AND DIGITAL SALES!

What does that have to do with Ayumi? If you feel those artists should be on the list, add them and see whether they hold up to scrutiny. And please stop shouting. 121.45.240.148 23:53, 20 April 2007 (UTC)

The issue is not that they have sold these figures, as most believe/know this is true. The problem is that it needs to be referenced, and to date have not seen any sources to say these figures. The best reference is actually her discography on wikiprdia, but the policy for wiki is that wikipedia cannot be a reference for itself. So rather than complaining, please do research - especially japanese sites, and track down a verifiable resource. 60.234.242.196 08:41, 21 April 2007 (UTC)

That is a problem, as Ayumi has just recieved this recently. It will be a little while or so until she gets a very reliable recognition for it. I will see if I can find an English site that confirms this. Ayumi4u 23:58, 26 April 2007 (UTC)

JOHNNY MATHIS 350 million record sales worldwide.

A recent BBC radio documentary by the respected chart and music critic Paul Gambacini has quoted Johnny Mathis as having sold over "350-Million records" worldwide. This is proberbly true given his 50 years on the music charts. His albums have sold consistantly well with over 73 charted in the USA charts alone. His UK albums have also been big sellers as have Canadian, French,South American, Australian,South African and some other european countrys. Then there is his massive single sales in the early years and late seventies. Some notable USA sales are his Merry Cristmas album from 1958 still available with approx 6 million sales, His 1958 Greatest Hits approx 4 million, Heavenly from 1959 sold 2.5 milion to name but some. His total stay on the USA album charts have given him the 3rd highest total stay just less than Elvis and Sinatra.Mathis selling 350 million records seems proberbly about right.

Alla Pugacheva, Bing Crosby, Chubby Checker, Cliff Richard, Julio Iglesias, Nana Mouskouri, Rod Stewart, and Tino Rossi have not sold over 250 [b]million[/b] albums. Almost all sources have little to no credibility, I suggest removing them from the list until finding proof that is beyond a reasonable doubt. Even though I'm uncertain about some of the rest, the sources seem to be credible, and their careers have left a staple on society.

Example: Chubby Checker - The first source is a poster made to advertise him, of course it's going to be partial. The second source looks like it was made by someone fooling around in HTML. It later goes on to say tickets will be on sale. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Leethal (talk • contribs) 20:42, 3 February 2007 (UTC).

Well I'm pretty sure you're right about most of those people there but Bing Crosby should definitely be up there. Bing Crosby was more popular in his time than Frank Sinatra was at any time... So if you're going to remove Bing, you have to remove Frank. Other than that, I don't know about Rod Stewart's sales much. Can't say. He's probably closer to 200 million sales...but still...when you've got Led Zeppelin up there with the dodgy "Polar Music Award" site as source, removing Rod would be hypocrisy since Led Zeppelin's albums never did well outside the US. At best they've sold 150 million albums, and most sources quote 175-200 million, but it seems everyone's using the highest figures they can find to promote their favourite bands. Same case with ABBA. Yeah sure, they've definitely sold upwards of 250 million records but not 370 million...I mean come on! They've only sold 10.5 million albums in the US and probably a million singles there at best. XXSaifXx 08:16, 4 February 2007 (UTC)
Perhaps you need to check the last line of the introduction :"This means that these figures should be considered claims, not facts." We don't take any old website - fourms, pure fancruft etc - but becasue there's no official body recording these figures, we have to be fairly flexible. --Robdurbar 10:37, 4 February 2007 (UTC)
I would like to add that instead of complaining about what you *think* is wrong, then why not try and a better source instead. I think it would be great if the page used more paper sources. --Maitch 11:01, 4 February 2007 (UTC)
That is EXACTLY what I just said. I can't find a reputable source for Chubby Checker, so if someone can find one that's better, that's great. Until then though, he should not be on the list. And why would I try and find a better source for what I know is wrong, that doesn't make any sense. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Leethal (talk • contribs) 11:12, 7 February 2007 (UTC).

With the exception of sales info for elvis, the beatles, kenny rogers and garth brooks, everyone else's sales claims are pure fiction. 74.65.39.59 02:50, 21 February 2007 (UTC)

Unfortunately, there is a lot of fancruft here, but as Rob said, there's not much that we can do. Almost certainly, however, the claims for certain artists are exaggerated beyond belief. Obviously Bing Crosby has not sold 900 million records worldwide; any suggestions to the contrary are merely promotional and can be ignored. The same goes for a lot of these other artists here (The Beatles have not sold over a billion, neither has Elvis, and Michael Jackson has not sold 750 million). It's important to understand that many of these figures are PR gimmicks by the record companies of these artists. Beyond that, we can't do much here. People will just have to be very cautious about what they read into these claims.UberCryxic 23:16, 13 March 2007 (UTC)

BLACK SABBATH

Ozzie's page says 70+ million album sales, but is uncited. Anyone? (The Elfoid 21:48, 26 March 2007 (UTC))

Diana Ross/Supremes

Given her now 48 years in the industry, I am CERTAIN Diana Ross is somewhere in the top 10. Anyone got any idea of record sales for Diana?

If it's just Diana Ross solo, then she is not anywhere in the top ten all time. The Supremes should've been mentioned. They are not top ten, but they are definitely up there.UberCryxic 17:22, 3 April 2007 (UTC)

Top ten best-sellers? Even combined with The Supremes, her sales are suprisingly low. Yes she has had a lot of #1's (which rockets her on the list), but her album sales aren't that good. In the US she only has a few platinum albums (including The Supremes) and not one double platinum (though it should be noted that her Greatest Hits album with The Supremes I think should be x2 platinum since it was #1 for 5 weeks). Together, I would like to say she's somewhere in the 50-100 million range, but not any higher. Ayumi4u 20:07, 25 April 2007 (UTC)

Genres

The listing of genres is not helpful because it relies on editors' opinions and has the potential to take up too much space (see the Alice Cooper entry). For example, Led Zeppelin recorded songs with a folk rock influence, but I will venture to say that Led Zeppelin albums or CDs have never been so categorized in any retail environment, and this article is about commercial performance. The Beatles performed much more folk-rock than Zeppelin, yet they are labelled much more clearly as simply "pop/rock". But since this article, like so many others, appears to be 'controlled' by anonymous IPs who will always insist that Queen is "prog-rock", I suppose this is just me spitting into the wind...--Son of Somebody 12:16, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Well Queen is mainly Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Their first album was more like a classic power metal rock-opera. The second one too, in addition to being a concept album. A Night At The Opera has "The Prophet's Song" - clearly prog-rock but not enough to make Queen a prog-rock band. XXSaifXx 17:39, 15 April 2007 (UTC)

Well some moron called Kiss heavy metal and Iron Maiden hard rock. Biased piece of shit. Oh, and very early Queen is prog-rock/hard rock with some heavy metal in it.--Gustav Lindwall 19:11, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

"Possible biases of this page"

This entire section is speculation and really should go. Corvus cornix 21:22, 15 April 2007 (UTC)

Actually, I agree. It adds no value to the list. 60.234.242.196 22:30, 21 April 2007 (UTC)

We need some reliable sources for that section. It's a good idea to have sort of disclaimer, so we shouldn't get rid of entirely.UberCryxic 16:50, 24 April 2007 (UTC)

I agree. This page needs a disclaimer because worldwide sales tend to be inaccurate. Ayumi4u 20:09, 25 April 2007 (UTC)

Adding a 175/200 million sub-category

I think this would be great idea. Right now the sub-categories go as followed: 50, 75, 100, huge gap to 250, 500. This way people would get a more general understanding and people wouldn't think that people ike Dolly Parton or A. R. Rahman have sold as much as Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. I don't think the 175/200 is needed more than the 75 mill ever was. I'll organize it myself if that's what the people want. What's everyones opinion of this? Ayumi4u 00:16, 27 April 2007 (UTC)

Enya

the source given in the Enya entry is a little lightwight (a review on a cd sales site). I'll replace it with the respective section in the FAQ of her official site. Wefa 00:45, 8 May 2007 (UTC)

Ayumi Hamasaki

Ok Dudes, Just add Ayumi. Under the RIAJ she has sold over 50 million in Japan Alone. Under Oricon She has sold about 47 million in Japan Alone. She has also sold many more in other countries. She deserves to be on the list. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.239.162.2 (talk) 21:24, 14 May 2007 (UTC).

Most agree she deserves to be on the list, but it is finding the reference that is allowable. Linking to wiki is not Maggott2000 21:21, 23 May 2007 (UTC)

=

omg who the hell removed her name again? someone have something against her?

Opinion

LISTEN TO ME ARTIST LIKE DEEP PURPLE AND BOB DYLAN DID NOT SELL OVER 100 MILLION ALBUMS YOUR SOURCES ARE FROM FAN SITES. MOST OF ALL CHUBBY CHECKER DID NOT SELL OVER 250 MILLION ALBUMS HIS SOURCE IS FROM HIS OWN WEBSITE THAT HE CONTROLS EACH OVER HIS ALBUMS. HE HAS ONLY RELEASED A HAND FULL OF SINGLES AND RELEASED 8 ALBUMS. HIS SINGLES WOULD HAVE TO SELL 50 MILLION AND EACH OF HIS ALBUMS WOULD HAVE TO SELL 25 MILLION, HIS BEST SELLING ALBUM HASNT EVEN SOLD 10 MILLION WORLDWIDE.

I take you seriously, as anyone writing in all caps is always serious.--Gustav Lindwall 19:10, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Edit to change of format

This was discussed once before, but without concensus. I would like to propose that the overall chart structure be amended. This is to make it be the article it is reporting o be. Rather than having a 'source' column, this would make more sense to be the 'claim' column, with sources tagged beside it. The reason being is that although it lists the artists it does not show the actual claim, so Users need to go to every link to verify. Also with the ability to now sort the columns, Users can then sort by claim if need be.

The other area this article is lacking, is an 'alternative' area for artists that have sold under multiple groups/as solo for example Paul McCartney, Cher, Robbie Williams, Michael Jackson where their representation on the list is much lower in some cases, as they are separated. I believe Cher's sales are impacted the most. Maybe an addendum at the bottom with a note specifying full sales by these artists. Maggott2000 22:55, 15 June 2007 (UTC)

The user Maggott2000 is right, many artists have their representation on the list much lower as they are separated, another example is Tina Turner who has her representation much lower, she's in the 50 million list when she should be in the list of 100 million or more due to her sales over 180 million since her debut in the 60's. And I agree with the changes in the article and the creation of a note specifying full sales by these artists. This article needs to be fixed. Salmoria 2 July 2007 (UTC)

no thats not a good idea at all! there will be an edit war between mccartney, lennon and jackson fans! it would lead to speculation, no need to go down that route. Realist2 12:52, 3 July 2007 (UTC)


The user Realist2 is completely wrong, this article really needs to be fixed as soon as possible, there won't be a war because of an addendum at the bottom with a note specifying full sales. This is a great idea. Stelllamariss 16:56 3 July 2007 (UTC)

I also think that the suggestions by the user maggott2000 are very good, they will improve this article very much especially if a 'claim' column be created. Fiskar 17:20 3 July 2007 (UTC)

I think you mis understand, in principle i think its great expecially for the likes of tina turner etc. however I have great concerns about the top end artists. we can always give it a try, see how it goes and if an edit war breaks out just revert back to this method that stands? I dont think it should be a definate thing and should go back if it causes serious problemsRealist2 20:36, 3 July 2007 (UTC)


NOT only for the likes of Tina Turner but also the likes of Cher,Paul McCartney,Robbie Williams etc... Yes we need to change the article and see how it goes, what in my opinion won't create a war, and yes, improve the quality of this article. Salmoria 13:05 4 July 2007 (UTC)

well it is worth a try maybe, I dont under stand the need though, if someone wants to no how well an artist has sold then they can just add together the figures already provided, people using wikipedia are not stupid, they can easily add the 2 figures together to reach a grand total.Realist2 18:59, 4 July 2007 (UTC)


Yes, WE ARE NOT STUPID, but to know the total, we, Users, need to go to every link to verify and add the 2 figures, if an addendum at the bottom with a note specifying full sales by these artists be created it will be better and easier. Salmoria 19:29 4 July 2007 (UTC)

alphabetical order ???

please, what's the definition of "alphabetical order" in this article ?!?!???!?!? anyhow, at the moment it's VERY wrong ordered!!! or it's a joke 84.227.195.32 21:32, 16 June 2007 (UTC)

George Michael

Wham! was George Michael, so shouldnt those sale figures (aprox. 40 million) be added to his solo-sales of 85? Wham! was essentially a solo-project with Andrew playing the guitar. 62.194.76.69 18:41, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

Unreliable sources

Firstly, and dramatic changes as has been done has to go through discussion. You do not just go ahead and do it. Secondly, wikipedia is about 'verifiable sources', and all these are verifiable. The fact that they are from official sites does not amke them a conflict of interest, as the actual artists did not participate in the sites. Thirdly, if the ones selected were to be removed, then the same can be said for MJ's (conveniently left on, as User is part of the MJ Project). Forthly, if wikipedia were to use unreliability as a criteria, then the entire article would need to be removed. The only reliable source is the sales data, and nobody collects these globally. UWC is the most referred to, but only annual sales. Maggott2000 00:46, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

y are you bringing up the fact that I am a member of the mj project? what does that have to do with anything? infact there were a few from official sites I left in place not so much because I didnt want to delete them but because it would cause to much conflict. People are entitled to join whichever project they choose and should not be judged or thought of as less reliable because of these offiliations. It is not your place to tell others of my edit history or direction unless I am a vandal to wikipedia, behaviour like this will not be tolerated. Realist2 09:50, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

I agree. It was not professional. My apologies. Maggott2000 09:35, 11 July 2007 (UTC)

Christina Aguilera??

Just wondering but hasnt she sold enough to be on this list? Yeah id say she has too need a good reference :) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Alanjohns (talk • contribs) 20:20, 1 October 2007 (UTC)

David Bowie

He is not glam rock whatsover. Dude's made four albums that are in the genre of glam rock which would be Diamond Dogs, Ziggy Stardust, Pin-Ups, and Aladdin Sane. Hell, if you want to put Scary Monsters in as glam rock, go right ahead. That's five. He's had twenty three solo albums all together. So, there's eighteen albums right there not in the genre of glam rock. David Bowie is avante garde pop.

Should Britney Spears be put in the 100 million category?

I was thinking about this recently and i decided to share it with all you... Dont you think that britney has sold over 100 million records. i mean there isn't any source that claims total sales for her less than 100 million. just take a look at that.

... baby one more time: 28 million oops i did it again: 24 million britney: 15 million in the zone: 10 million greatest hits: my prerogative: 8 million B in the mix: 1 million

total: 86 million albums! + about 50 million singles = 136 million!!!

she has surely sold over 100 million records worldwide! what do others say!?

You cant include single sales with album sales if so then this hole page needs re sorting.


proof about the album sales:


[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

--Mysterious Spy 10:21, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

If there is a single undisputed source then yes, im sure she has, i remember a documentary resently that said she had sold 75 million albums so its very possible. Realist2 18:05, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

http://www.zombalabelgroup.com/news.html#57741

83+

(The Elfoid 15:54, 21 October 2007 (UTC))

Frank Sinatra (again)

The website used as a source states "Sinatras Songs, darunter "New York, New York", sollen weltweit mit etwa 600 Millionen Schallplatten verkauft worden sein." "Sollen" means "is supposed to" or "is said to" in this context, and no source is given. This cannot be regarded as a good quality reference for this information.

The RIAA[1], surely a reliable source, states that Sinatra sold 25.5 million certified units in the US (cf. 170 million for the Beatles). It seems extremely unlikely that Sinatra sold over 600 million in the world, but only 25.5 million in the US. It is much more plausible to place Sinatra in the 100 million plus category. AussieBoy 13:05, 3 August 2007 (UTC)

Sinatra falls into the same catagory as Crosby, in that he was a big seller prior to RIAA was set up in 1952, so none of his sales will be credited except those after 1952. So comparing to The Beatles is not valid. Maggott2000 11:13, 20 August 2007 (UTC)

What happened to Bing Crosby?

Bing is generally estimated to have sold approximately 1 Billion disks.

Even if you feel there isn't enough documentation from the 1930s and 40s to justify the 1 Billion claim, he should at least *appear* somewhere on the list.

Bing Crosby should indeed be on the list. A reference stating that he sold 900 million records is http://www.noblemind.com/toptenlists/Best_Selling_Musicians Best Selling Musicians: Top selling musicians of all time ranked by number of albums sold This has previously been removed by an apparently one-eyed Michael Jackson supporter, on the basis that Bing is pictured with other musicians. There are plenty of pictures of Michael Jackson with the Jackson 5 too--so what? The reference clearly indicates a sales total of 900 million for Bing Crosby. And btw, I am most certainly NOT a Bing Crosby fan. I just think his contribution (supported by an appropriate reference) should be noted. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by AussieBoy (talk • contribs).
Have seen this link also, but the problem is that all the detail from this almanac is derived from wikipedia, so is a wiki clone, so cannot be used. The point is not that he belongs on the list, the point is that it is hard to find a reference that states it. Although your comment about MJ sales being inclusive of J5 is true, removing J5 sales he remains in the same sales bracket. There is another reference I found from Time magazine from 1945 saying Bring had sold 75 million worldwide back then[13], but it is hard to get from 75 million to 900 million. Good luck in finding a good reference. Maggott2000 11:00, 20 August 2007 (UTC)

I am not a "one eyed michael Jackson supporter" Im getting quite fucked off with people like Aussieboy and Maggott 2000 judgeing how valid my edits are based on my offiliation to the michael jackson wiki project, if you look at my edits on this page I am a major positive contributor so how dare you put that on me, frankly the source blatantly suggested that it was a combination of group and solo work which cant be counted on this article as its either one or the other. As for michael Jacksons hes so amazing that even without the Jackson 5 he still remain in the top 500 mill section. As I have said before this sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable, it is not your place to tell others of my edit history unless I am a vandal on wikipedia (which Im not) I suggest an apology is in order. Realist2 11:13, 20 August 2007 (UTC)

What is unacceptable, and deserves an apology is the language used in the above comment. Maggott2000 18:51, 20 August 2007 (UTC)
I am not sure what evidence you have that the Noblemind link is based on Wikipedia. I am happy to accept that this is so if you have evidence. In any case, another link stating sales of 400 million at the time of his death is [14] This looks OK to me so I will go ahead and use it. AussieBoy 01:16, 26 August 2007 (UTC)
The evidence is in the articles about each of the artists. You will note they are word for word what wikipedia has, therefore the article has been derived from wikipedia. The new link provided is exactly what is required, so should not cause any issues. Good finding Maggott2000 09:07, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Pink Floyd

I moved Pink Floyd from the 250 million bracket to the 100 million bracket. The cite for the 250 million claim was circular linking. It was merely a page that copied text from Pink Floyd's own wikipedia page, which listed the 250 million figure while the cite for the claim, at About.com, says 200 million. I also edited Pink Floyd's page to reflect the figure from the cite used. 74.77.208.52 20:52, 21 August 2007 (UTC)

Why the heck are you putting Pink Floyd in the 250 million bracket when the citation you're using claims 200 million? With that cite, they belong in the 100 million bracket. Stop reverting. 74.77.208.52 22:22, 21 August 2007 (UTC)

Pink Floyd claimed 250 million, edit please. About.com has old information.

http://www.americanroyalarts.com/catalog_search.php?p=1&id_nivel3=66&cat=2&id_sub=0&id_nivel_padre=17 http://rock-project.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=28 http://www.top10land.com/top-ten-best-selling-music-artists.html

The first two links are wikipedia based articles i.e the information is directly from the wikipedia Pink Floyd page. The third link also closely resembles this list, but does not specify as such - just says it was gathered from various sources. There is enough doubt to suggest it is from wiki also. Therefore none of these links are relevant. 60.234.242.196 04:20, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

-- Try this link: http://www.hitzonly.com/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by Walrus89PF (talk • contribs) 15:30, 2 September 2007 (UTC) -- Or this: not based on Wikipedia information http://ringtones.msnemotions.org/Artists/211.Pink-Floyd.html —Preceding unsigned comment added by Walrus89PF (talk • contribs) 15:41, 2 September 2007 (UTC) http://www.worldticketshop.com/concerts/pink_floyd_tickets —Preceding unsigned comment added by Walrus89PF (talk • contribs) 15:44, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Are you think that every resource that say Pink Floyd have sold more 250 million albums is based on Wikipedia? Edit, please your list. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Walrus89PF (talk • contribs) 16:10, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

two links are valid references. The hitzonly is forum based, so is not. There is a policy on what constitutes a verified source and what does not. It is not decided by upon editors to this list, and they are just trying to keep within the boundaries. '10:56, 4 September 2007 (UTC)

semi protection

can we semi protect this page im tired of having to revert vandals. Ideas anyone.Realist2 20:20, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

It is an easy process. Just list it on Wikipedia:Requests for page protection. I agree that this needs protection due to the rampant vandalism, but it should be noted that this protection will only stop those from anonymous IP addresses, whereas the vandalism is across registered Users also. Same can be said for List of best-selling albums worldwide Maggott2000 00:12, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Its better than nothing surely. Realist2 19:38, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Didn't say it wasn't. Said I agreed with your decision Maggott2000 10:56, 4 September 2007 (UTC)

Excellent we reach a consensus (something thats rare between me and you) (im being humours) would you mind dealing with it as well as the other article, I cant completely understand the page (I dont no the meanings of some of those english words) , cheers. Realist2 18:09, 5 September 2007 (UTC)

eminem

watha hell happened to eminem...?? pls somebody add eminem back to the list--Frans Adiesha 13:02, 13 September 2007 (UTC)

Will do some hater keeps deleting him - alanjohns

SHANIA TWAIN

okay who deleted Shania Twain off the list? She has sold over 75 million copies worldwide but she's not on any of the list. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.87.162.21 (talk) 02:38, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

1 billion sales caterogry

Someone keeps removing the 1 billion sales for no apparent reason. Both the artists in this cateogry are backed up by readily verifiable sources, one from guiness world records and the other from the official website. These sourced figures are twice as high as the previous 500 millions section, so it should warrent its own. And before anyone even starts up on debating the truthfulness of these figures remember, wikipedia is based on verifiability, not truth. --124.176.60.126 11:08, 19 September 2007 (UTC)

  • im not removing the 1 billion category but i have to say that there is absolutely NO artist or band that has sold over 1 billion.
  • michael jacksons sales are put to over than 750 million
  • elvis prisleys sales are about 500-600 million 'cause none of his albums has charted in the best selling list therefore it whouldn't be wrong to say that elvis has sold WAY less than 50 million.
  • The Beatles according record guiness have sold over 1 billion COUNTING their solo careers.

THEREFORE WE CONCUDE To

there is need for a billion category since there is no artist to be placed there.

--Mysterious Spy 13:58, 22 September 2007 (UTC)

  • ok i cant accept this nonsense! there is no logical claim and there is no claim in general that puts an artists sales to surpassthe 1 billion mark and i explained this befor!!!! i just removed the one billion section!

--Mysterious Spy 14:14, 22 September 2007 (UTC)

  • Good decision to remove the one billion section!! Christo jones 14:25, 22 September 2007 (UTC)

I am re-instating the one billion sales category, because your arguments/ramblings are based purely on unsourced speculation. According to VERIFIABLE sources, there are two artists who have claimed to have over 1 billion in sales. And I will state this again, wikipedia is based on VERIFIABILITY not truth. And furthermore, if that 750 million claim by Jackson's PR folk that you so proudly proclaim is allowed, then I see no reason why a 1 billion category based on a source from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS shouldn't be included.--124.176.60.126 23:52, 22 September 2007 (UTC)

People people people, it doesn`t matter weither or not we personally believe the 1 billion claims, the point is some organisations that have a good reputation are saying they have sold 1 billion. As for michael Jackson the 750 million was not made by his PR it was announced at the world music awards in 2006, beyonce announced it, if you go on the michael Jackson article it is actually sourced to youtube and beyonce clearly announces it [[15]]. I removed the 1 billion catagory resently not because I have a problem with the 1 billion claims, I might not believe it personally but I do accept the claim was made by a very reliable source such as guiness world records. The reason I deleted it was because a consensus had previously been reached not to have a 1 billion catagory. That said consensus can be changed, if enough people want the new 1 billion catagory included a new consensus can be reached and it should be included. Realist2 17:50, 23 September 2007 (UTC)

ALL EDITORS SHOULD VOTE ON THE ONE BILLION TO STAY OR GO TO MAKE LIFE EASIER. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.80.222.179 (talk) 06:43, 26 September 2007 (UTC)

Dixie Chicks

Aren't the Dixie Chicks the greatest selling female band in history? Where are they?

AChrispy 17:08, 30 September 2007 (UTC)


Bruce Springsteen

Why is he not on the list? Hes sold more than 60million records in the US alone. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.148.170.96 (talk) 17:51, 20 November 2007 (UTC)

Celine Dion

I have no idea why Celine Dion is not even near the top of the 100 million albums section. Her Wikipedia page, and her record label announced that she has sold over 200 million albums worldwide. She had released 36 albums and 139 singles. She outsold Madonna and The Backstreet Boys. Why is she so low on the chart? She was higher the last time I checked, which was a couple of days ago.

ALBUMS DISCOGRAPHY: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celine_Dion_albums_discography

SINGLES DISCOGRAPHY: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celine_Dion_singles_discography

Now please move it into it's appropriate place. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.113.79.162 (talk) 20:03, 22 November 2007 (UTC)

30 Million category

I think there should be one for 30million because I added people like SWV, TLC, EN VOGUE, BEYONCE, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE and etc to the 50 Million and under category..then you guys erased it which he pretty dumb because it says 50 million and under. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.212.56.9 (talk) 03:20, 28 November 2007 (UTC)

Quality of music?

"Bias of fans, who feel that quantity of records sold, equates to quality of music" - Why is this a constraint on determining which artists are best-selling? This is, if anything, only a constraint on determining which artists have the highest-quality music, which is entirely outside the scope of this page. -Silence 04:34, 2 December 2007 (UTC)

Robbie Williams

why is robbie williams not on the 50 million list —Preceding unsigned comment added by BERTIE LOST FAN (talk • contribs) 15:02, 2 December 2007 (UTC)

Because he's a faggot hack, that's why. --Shifty86 17:26, 2 December 2007 (UTC)

Confusing headings

"100 million records or more/less"
"75 million records or more/less"
"50 million records or more/less"

Is it me, or does this not make any sense? What is "more/less" supposed to mean?? Does it mean "approximately" (as in the phrase "more or less")? Needs clarifying in the article I think. Matt 18:30, 5 December 2007 (UTC).