document_title: List of best-selling music artists

question_text: who has sold the most records to date

question_tokens: who has sold the most records to date

text: List of best-selling music artists

text: Definitions

text: All artists included on this list, which have begun charting on official albums or singles charts have their available claimed figures supported by at least 20% in certified units. That is why Cliff Richard, Diana Ross, Scorpions, Bing Crosby, Gloria Estefan, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Tom Jones, The Jackson 5, Dionne Warwick, the Spice Girls, Dolly Parton, Ozzy Osbourne, Andrea Bocelli and others have not been included on this list. The more recent the artist, the higher the required percentage of certified units, this is because more music markets instituted certification systems after 1980s and 1990s.[a] So artists such as Rihanna, Chris Brown, Taylor Swift, Flo Rida, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Adele, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj and Ed Sheeran are expected to have their claimed figures supported by over 75% in certified units. The certified units are sourced from available online databases of local music industry associations. All certified units are converted from Gold/Platinum/Diamond certification awards based on criteria provided by certifying bodies. The certified units percentage varies according to the first year that an artist appeared in the charts.[b]

text: The requirements of certified units are designed to avoid inflated sales figures, which are frequently practiced by record companies for promotional purposes.[1][2] The claimed figures are referenced from online articles created by highly reliable sources. For clarity, the sources used, say the term "records" (singles, albums, videos) and not "albums". However, if all available sources for an artist or band say "albums", such sources are only used if the certified album units of the said artist meet the required percentage amount. This list uses claimed figures that are closest to artists' available certified units: inflated claimed figures that meet the required certified units amount but are unrealistically high, are not used.

text: The claimed figures are upgraded only when there is a significant progress in artists' certified units. In other words, the available certified units for each artist should get relatively closer to already listed claimed figure in order for higher figures to replace the listed ones.

text: The certified units of the newer artists may sometimes be higher than their listed claimed figures. This is because Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and almost all other certifying bodies count streaming towards Gold and Platinum thresholds required for Digital Single Award certification.[3][4][5] For this reason, some singles and even albums get over certified by hundreds of thousands of units. The over certified figures, however, are often in millions of units for RIAA certifications, one such example is Rihanna's single "We Found Love", which is certified at nine times Platinum by the RIAA, yet during the time of the certification, it had sold 5.4 million downloads.[6][7]

text: The certified units for some artists/bands who have multi-disc albums can be higher than their listed claimed figures due to Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) counting each unit within set as one unit toward certification.

text: Issued certifications for songs which have been recorded by multiple artists including featured artists are added to each artist's total amount of certified units, as all the artists would have played a significant part in a song. For example "This Is What You Came For" and "Where Them Girls At" include Rihanna and Flo Rida, Nicki Minaj as featured artists respectively, so the certifications issued for these songs are added to the total amount of certified units for all involved artists. However, the certifications issued for songs that have been recorded by four or more artists are not included as the artists involved would have played minor roles, examples of such songs are Kanye West's "Monster" and/or "All Day".[c]

text: Artists by reputed sales

text: 250 million or more records

text:
The Beatles

Michael Jackson

Elvis Presley

Elton John

Madonna

Led Zeppelin

Pink Floyd

tag: ul

text:
To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
The figures of total certified units within the tables below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
Markets' order within the tables is based on Retail Value: each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and smallest at the bottom.[8][9]

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[a]

Claimed sales

The Beatles

United Kingdom

1960–1970[10]

1962[10]

Rock / Pop[10]

showTotal available certified units: 271.9 million
US: 212.250 million[11]
JPN: 4.950 million[a][12]
GER: 8 million[a][13]
UK: 18.445 million[a][14]
FRA: 3.890 million[a][15][16]
CAN: 14.455 million[a][17]
AUS: 3.060 million[a][18][19]
BRA: 550,000[a][20]
NLD: 295,000[a][21]
ITA: 380,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.250 million[a][23][24]
SWE 485,000[a][25]
DEN: 270,000[a][26][27][28]
SWI: 350,000[a][29]
ARG: 1.606 million[a][30][31]
BEL: 390,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 500,000[a][34]
POL: 175,000[a][35]
NZ: 660,000[a][36][37]

600 million[38][39]500 million[40]

Elvis Presley

United States

1954–1977[41]

1954[41]

Rock and roll / Pop / Country[41]

showTotal available certified units: 224.5 million
US: 199.150 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[a][12]
GER: 1.2 million[a][13]
UK: 13.145 million[a][14]
FRA: 2.590 million[a][15][16]
CAN: 2.925 million[a][17]
AUS: 1.797 million[a][18][42]
BRA: 125,000[a][20]
NLD: 555,000[a][21]
ITA: 105,000[a][22]
SPA: 300,000[a][23][43][44]
SWE 380,000[a][25]
DEN: 120,000[a][45][46][47]
SWI: 185,000[a][29]
MEX: 105,000[a][48]
ARG: 110,000[a][30]
BEL: 115,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 205,000[a][34]
FIN: 213,945[a][49]
NZ: 117,500[a][36][37]

600 million[50][51]500 million[52]

Michael Jackson

United States

1964–2009[53]

1971[53]

Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B[53]

showTotal available certified units: 229.5 million
US: 145.3 million[11]
JPN: 4.650 million[a][12][54]
GER: 11.275 million[13]
UK: 29.045 million[14]
FRA: 11.375 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 4.670 million[17]
AUS: 6.775 million[a][18][19][56][57][58]
BRA: 280,000[a][20]
NLD: 2.105 million[21]
ITA: 1.195 million[a][22]
SPA: 1.995 million[a][23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 1.230 million[a][25][60]
DEN: 1.289 million[a][61][62][28]
SWI: 910,000[a][29]
MEX: 3.670 million[a][48]
ARG: 124,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 665,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 1.197 million[a][34]
POL: 530,000[a][35]
FIN: 384,127[49]
NZ: 902,500[36][37]

350 million[63][64]300 million[65][66]

Madonna

United States

1979–present[67]

1982[67]

Pop / Dance / Electronica[67]

showTotal available certified units: 172.9 million
US: 85.675 million[11]
JPN: 6.450 million [a][12][54]
GER: 12.4 million[13]
UK: 29.245 million[14]
FRA: 12.81 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 6.030 million[17]
AUS: 4.787 million[a][18][68][69]
BRA: 3.440 million[a][20]
NLD: 1.735 million[21]
ITA: 465,000[a][22]
SPA: 2.815 million[23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 1.070 million[a][25][60]
DEN: 407,000[a][61][62][70][28][71][72]
SWI: 1.080 million[a][29]
MEX: 510,000[a][48]
ARG: 1.098[30][31]
BEL: 740,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 602,500[a][34]
POL: 530,000[a][35]
FIN: 652,686[49]
NZ: 417,500[36][37]

300 million[73][74]275 million[75]

Elton John

United Kingdom

1964–present[76]

1969[76]

Pop / Rock[76]

showTotal available certified units: 182.8 million
US: 129.350 million[11]
JPN: 1.1 million [a][12]
GER: 7.9 million[a][13]
UK: 23.395 million[a][14]
FRA: 4.825 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 5.975 million[a][17]
AUS: 2.947 million[a][18][77]
BRA: 835,000[a][20]
NLD: 975,000[21]
SPA: 1.2 million[a][23][24][44][59]
SWE: 740,000[a][25]
DEN: 195,000[a][46][62][78][28]
SWI: 1.313 million[a][29]
MEX: 100,000[a][48]
ARG: 128,000[30][31]
BEL: 565,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 765,000[a][34]
POL: 150,000[a][35]
FIN: 163,481[49]
NZ: 255,000[a][36][37]

300 million[79][80]250 million[81][82]

Led Zeppelin

United Kingdom

1968–1980[83]

1969[83]

Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock[83]

showTotal available certified units: 140 million
US: 114.1 million[11]
JPN: 400,000 [a][12]
GER: 3.775 million[a][13]
UK: 9.530 million[a][14]
FRA: 2.310 million[a][15][16][84]
CAN: 4.710 million[17]
AUS: 2.8 million[a][18][85][86]
BRA: 820,000[a][20]
ITA: 465,000[a][22]
SPA: 450,000[a][24][44][59]
SWI: 211,000[a][29]
ARG: 360,000[a][30]
POL: 120,000[a][35]

300 million[87][88]200 million[89][90]

Pink Floyd

United Kingdom

1965–1996, 2014[91][92]

1967[91]

Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock[91]

showTotal available certified units: 120.1 million
US: 78 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[a][93]
GER: 7.5 million[a][13]
UK: 11.720 million[a][14]
FRA: 6.360 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 6.790 million[a][17]
AUS: 2.932 million[a][18][19]
BRA: 515,000[a][20]
NLD: 435,000[a][21]
ITA: 2.035 million[a][22]
SPA: 625,000[a][23][24][43][59]
SWE: 220,000[a][25][60]
SWI: 390,000[a][29]
ARG: 582,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 115,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 460,000[a][34]
POL: 590,000[a][35]
NZ: 787,500[a][36][37]

250 million[94][95]200 million[96]

text: The column for certified sales includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

text: 200 million to 249 million records

text:
Rihanna

Eminem

Mariah Carey

Queen

Celine Dion

Whitney Houston

AC/DC

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[a]

Claimed sales

Rihanna

BarbadosUnited States

2005–present[97]

2005[97]

R&B / Pop / Dance / Hip-hop[97]

showTotal available certified units: 263.8 million
US: 194.55 million[11]
JPN: 1.4 million[12][54]
GER: 10.075 million[13]
UK: 32.9 million[14]
FRA: 1.465 million[16]
CAN: 3.120 million[17]
AUS: 9.325 million[18]
BRA: 705,000[20]
ITA: 1.560 million[a][22]
SPA: 1.470 million[23]
SWE: 2.480 million[25][60]
DEN: 1.292[61][62][28][70][78][98][99][100]
SWI: 860,000[29]
MEX: 410,000[48][101]
BEL: 660,000[33]
AUT: 135,000[34]
POL: 520,000[35]
IRE: 240,000[102]
NZ: 682,500[36][37]

230 million[103][104]

Eminem

United States

1996–present[105]

1999[105]

Hip-hop[105]

showTotal available certified units: 217.5 million
US: 163.2 million[11]
JPN: 2.9 million [12][54]
GER: 6.7 million[13]
UK: 25.225 million[14]
FRA: 3.288 million[16][84]
CAN: 4.010 million[17]
AUS: 5.947 million[18]
BRA: 220,000[20]
NLD: 250,000[21]
ITA: 700,000[a][22]
SPA: 290,000[23][59]
SWE: 910,000[25][60]
DEN: 666,000[a][61][28]
SWI: 805,000[29]
MEX: 365,000[48]
BEL: 505,000[32][33]
AUT: 362,500[34]
POL: 250,000[35]
FIN: 124,547[49]
IRE: 285,000[a][102]
NZ: 600,000[36][37]

220 million[106]200 million[107]

Mariah Carey

United States

1988–present[108]

1990[108]

R&B / Pop / Soul / Hip-hop[108]

showTotal available certified units: 138.7 million
US: 92.6 million[11]
JPN: 14.5 million [a][12][54][109]
GER: 3.750 million[13]
UK: 10.220 million[14]
FRA: 4.690 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 4.1 million[17]
AUS: 3.515 million[a][18][110]
BRA: 835,000[20]
NLD: 1.425 million[21]
ITA: 200,000[a][22]
SPA: 1 million[23][24][44][59]
SWE: 425,000[25]
DEN: 280,000[28][111]
SWI: 515,000[29]
BEL: 175,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 200,000[34]
POL: 100,000[a][35]
NZ: 240,000[a][36]

200 million[112][113]175 million[114][115]

Queen

United Kingdom

1971–present[116]

1973[116]

Rock[116]

showTotal available certified units: 128.3 million
US: 65 million[11]
JPN: 2.850 million[a][12][54][117]
GER: 12.375 million[a][13]
UK: 29.075 million[a][14]
FRA: 4.495 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 1.870 million[a][17]
AUS: 2.167 million[a][18][19]
BRA: 970,000[a][20]
NLD: 1.990 million[a][21]
ITA: 545,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.720 million[a][23][24][43][44]
SWE: 190,000[a][25]
DEN: 250,000[28]
SWI: 1.256 million[a][29]
ARG: 1.080 million[a][30][31]
BEL: 175,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 900,000[a][34]
POL: 810,000[a][35]
FIN: 366,152[49]
NZ: 275,000[a][36][37]

200 million[118]170 million[119]

Celine Dion

Canada

1981–present[120]

1981[120]

Pop[120]

showTotal available certified units: 127.9 million
US: 56.550 million[11]
JPN: 7.150 million[a][12][121][122]
GER: 8 million[13]
UK: 13.915 million[14]
FRA: 15.768 million[15][16][55][84]
CAN: 12.245 million[17]
AUS: 3.302 million[a][18][19]
BRA: 505,000[a][20]
NLD: 2.180 million[21]
SPA: 1 million[44][59]
SWE: 1.105 million[a][25]
DEN: 370,000[a][46][123][124][28]
SWI: 1.685 million[a][29]
ARG: 340,000[30]
BEL: 2.160 million[a][32][33]
AUT: 440,000[a][34]
POL: 680,000[a][35]
FIN: 356,183[49]
NZ: 192,500[36][37]

200 million[125][126]175 million[127][128]

Whitney Houston

United States

1977–2012[129]

1984[129]

R&B / Soul / Pop[129]

showTotal available certified units: 115.7 million
US: 76.775 million[11]
JPN: 4.3 million[a][12][130]
GER: 5.6 million[a][13]
UK: 15.205 million[14]
FRA: 2.275 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.430 million[17]
AUS: 1.755 million[a][18][19][131]
BRA: 1.025[a][20]
NLD: 780,000[21]
ITA: 140,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.260 million[23][24][43][44]
SWE: 1.035 million[a][25]
DEN: 140,000[62][28]
SWI: 845,000[a][29]
BEL: 215,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 535,000[a][34]
POL: 190,000[a][35]
FIN: 247,222[49]

200 million[132][133]170 million[134][135]

AC/DC

Australia

1973–present[136]

1975[136]

Hard rock / Blues rock / Rock and roll[136]

showTotal available certified units: 115 million
US: 79.7 million[11]
GER: 10.3 million[a][13]
UK: 5.5 million[14]
FRA: 4.180 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.490 million[a][17]
AUS: 7.740 million[a][18]
ITA: 775,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.355 million[a][23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 350,000[a][25][60]
DEN: 215,000[62][28][137]
SWI: 894,000[a][29]
ARG: 594,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 100,000[a][33]
AUT: 380,000[a][34]
FIN: 321,169[49]
NZ: 140,000[a][36][37]

200 million[138][139]150 million[140][141]

The Rolling Stones

United Kingdom

1962–present[142]

1963[142]

Rock / Blues rock [142]

showTotal available certified units: 99.1 million
US: 74.750 million[11]
JPN: 950,000[a][12]
GER: 3.8 million[a][13]
UK: 9.170 million[a][14]
FRA: 3.377 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 3.025 million[a][17]
AUS: 417,500[a][18]
BRA: 100,000[a][20]
NLD: 610,000[a][21]
ITA: 205,000[a][22]
SPA: 690,000[a][23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 310,000[a][25]
SWI: 238,000[a][29]
ARG: 718,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 120,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 300,000[a][34]
POL: 140,000[a][35]
NZ: 190,000[a][36][37]

200 million[143][144]

ABBA

Sweden

1972–1982[145]

1972[145]

Pop / Disco[145]

showTotal available certified units: 62.4 million
US: 12.7 million[11]
JPN: 1.5 million[a][54][146][147]
GER: 10.450 million[a][13]
UK: 19.170 million[a][14]
FRA: 2.750 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 2.785 million[a][17]
AUS: 6.127 million[a][18][148]
BRA: 275,000[a][20]
NLD: 1.390 million[a][21]
ITA: 120,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.005 million[a][23][43]
SWE: 800,000[a][25]
DEN: 600,000[a][149][150][151]
SWI: 600,000[a][29]
MEX: 260,000[a][48]
ARG: 238,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 380,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 175,000[a][34]
POL: 150,000[a][35]
FIN: 656,319[49]
NZ: 297,500[a][37][152][153]

200 million[154][155]100 million[156]

text: 120 million to 199 million records

text:
Taylor Swift

Garth Brooks

Justin Bieber

Eagles

Bruno Mars

Ed Sheeran

Kanye West

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[a]

Claimed sales

Taylor Swift

United States

2006–present[157]

2006[157]

Country / Country pop / Pop / Pop-rock[157]

showTotal available certified units: 199.8 million
US: 172.5 million[11]
JPN: 3.050 million[12][54]
GER: 1.750[13]
UK: 9.8 million[14]
FRA: 300,000[16]
CAN: 4.820 million[17]
AUS: 5.530 million[18]
BRA: 440,000[20]
ITA: 285,000[a][22]
SWE: 280,000[60]
DEN: 140,000>[28]
MEX: 510,000[48][101][158]
AUT: 100,000[34]
NZ: 382,500[36][37]

175 million[159]

Garth Brooks

United States

1989–present[160]

1989[160]

Country[160]

showTotal available certified units: 156.1 million
US: 149.4 million[11]
UK: 520,000[14]
CAN: 5.730 million[17]
AUS: 350,000[a][18][161]
IRE: 120,000[a][102]

160 million[162]

Eagles

United States

1971–1980, 1994–present[163]

1972[163]

Rock[163]

showTotal available certified units: 149.2 million
US: 127.9 million[11]
JPN: 600,000[a][12]
GER: 925,000[a][13]
UK:  8.035 million[a][14]
FRA: 2.040 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 4.2 million[a][17]
AUS: 3.395 million[a][18][164]
NLD: 540,000[a][21]
SPA: 500,000[a][23][24]
SWE: 140,000[a][25]
DEN: 185,000[a][62][28]
SWI: 290,000[a][29]
FIN: 124,749[49]
NZ: 352,500[a][36][37]

150 million[165]

U2

Ireland

1976–present[166]

1980[166]

Rock[166]

showTotal available certified units: 108.6 million
US: 53.1 million[11]
JPN: 1.450 million[a][12]
GER: 5.525 million[13]
UK: 18.720 million[14]
FRA: 5.125 million[15][16]
CAN: 7.155 million[17]
AUS: 4.412 million[a][18][19][167]
BRA: 2.675 million[a][20]
NLD: 945,000[21]
ITA: 880,000[a][22]
SPA: 2.295 million[23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 515,000[a][25]
DEN: 518,000[a][61][62][28][78][168]
SWI: 696,000[a][29]
MEX: 835,000[a][48]
ARG: 806,000[30][31]
BEL: 750,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 522,500[a][34]
POL: 370,000[a][35]
FIN: 235,460[49]
IRE: 316,000[a][102]
NZ: 765,000[36][37]

150 million[169]

Billy Joel

United States

1964–present[170]

1971[170]

Pop / Rock[170]

showTotal available certified units: 103 million
US: 87.950 million[11]
JPN: 2 million[a][12][171]
GER: 1.250 million[a][13]
UK: 5.715 million[a][14]
FRA: 925,000[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 3.275 million[a][17]
AUS: 1.267[a][18][19]
NLD: 350,000[a][21]
AUT: 125,000[a][34]
NZ: 162,500[a][36]

150 million[172]

Phil Collins

United Kingdom

1980–2011, 2015–present[173]

1981[173]

Rock / Progressive rock / Adult contemporary[173]

showTotal available certified units: 89.7 million
US: 39.850 million[11]
JPN: 800,000[a][12]
GER: 13.8 million[13]
UK: 16.050 million[14]
FRA: 6.410 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.375 million[17]
AUS: 1.522[a][18][19]
BRA: 1.370 million[a][20]
NLD: 1.050 million[21]
SPA: 2.150 million[23][24][44][59]
SWE: 245,000[a][25]
SWI: 973,000[a][29]
ARG: 1.044 million[30][31]
BEL: 330,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 440,000[a][34]
FIN: 182,581[49]
NZ: 122,500[36][37]

150 million[174]

Aerosmith

United States

1970–present[175]

1973[175]

Hard rock[175]

showTotal available certified units: 84.9 million
US: 70.250 million[11]
JPN: 2.7 million[a][12][54]
GER: 2 million[a][13]
UK: 3.230 million[14]
FRA: 225,000[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.950 million[a][17]
AUS: 225,000[a][18][176]
BRA: 600,000[a][20]
NLD: 200,000[a][21]
ITA: 100,000[a][22]
SPA: 200,000[a][23][44]
SWE: 260,000[a][25]
SWI: 145,000[a][29]
MEX: 230,000[a][48]
ARG: 338,000[a][30][31]
AUT: 125,000[a][34]
POL: 100,000[a][35]
FIN: 101,722[49]

150 million[177]

Frank Sinatra

United States

1935–1995[178]

1939[178]

Pop / Swing[178]

showTotal available certified units: 37.5 million
US: 28.2 million[a][11]
GER: 1 million[a][13]
UK: 5.645 million[a][14]
FRA: 600,000[a][15]
CAN: 650,000[a][17]
AUS: 315,000[a][18][179]
BRA: 350,000[a][20]
SPA: 500,000[a][24][44][59]
SWE: 130,000[a][25]
ARG: 188,000[a][30][31]

150 million[180]

Barbra Streisand

United States

1960–present[181]

1963[181]

Pop / Adult contemporary[181]

showTotal available certified units: 98.2 million
US: 82.450 million[11]
GER: 750,000[a][13]
UK: 5.765 million[a][14]
FRA: 3.150 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 2.650 million[a][17]
AUS: 2.152 million[a][18]
NLD: 710,000[a][21]
SPA: 150,000[a][59]
SWE: 120,000[25][60]
FIN: 186,501[a][49]
NZ: 137,500[a][36]

145 million[182]

Justin Bieber

CanadaUnited States

2008–present[183]

2009[183]

Pop / Teen pop, Dance pop[183]

showTotal available certified units: 152.3 million
US: 104.5 million[11]
JPN: 850,000 [12][54]
GER: 4 million[13]
UK:  18.685 million[14]
FRA: 1.098[16]
CAN: 5.780 million[17]
AUS: 4.795 million[18]
BRA: 810,000[20]
ITA: 1.945 million[22]
SPA: 880,000[23]
SWE: 2.020 million[25][60]
DEN: 2.400 million[28]
MEX: 2.970 million[48][101]
BEL: 450,000[33]
POL: 370,000[35]
AUT: 140,000[34]
NZ: 615,000[36]

140 million[184]

Kanye West

United States

1996–present[185]

2004[185]

Hip-hop / Electronic / Pop rock[185]

showTotal available certified units: 123.5 million
US: 105.750 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[186]
GER: 1.350[13]
UK: 12.260 million[14]
CAN: 1.180 million[17]
AUS: 2.135 million[18]
ITA: 160,000[a][22]
SWE: 160,000[60]
DEN: 414,000[62][28][70][187]

132 million[188]

Bruno Mars

United States

2004–present[189]

2010[189]

Pop rock / R&B[189]

showTotal available certified units: 129.2 million
US: 91.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.2 million[12][54]
GER: 3.6 million[13]
UK: 15 million[14]
FRA: 1.950 million[16]
CAN: 5.240 million[17]
AUS: 5.950 million[18]
ITA: 760,000[a][22]
SPA: 490,000[23]
SWE: 440,000[25][60]
DEN: 480,000[a][28][190]
SWI: 405,000[29]
MEX: 810,000[48][158]
BEL: 360,000[33]
AUT: 180,000[34]
NZ: 592,500[36]
PHL: 330,000[191]

130 million[192]

Ed Sheeran

United Kingdom

2004–present[193]

2011[193]

Pop / Folk pop [193]

showTotal available certified units: 128.3 million
US: 56 million[11]
JPN: 350,000[12][54]
GER: 7.850 million[13]
UK: 37.260 million[14]
FRA: 1.691 million[16]
CAN: 6.440 million[17]
AUS: 7.840 million[18]
NLD: 330,000[21]
ITA: 2.590 million[22]
SPA: 860,000[23]
SWE: 1.360 million[60]
DEN: 2.335 million[28]
SWI: 635,000[29]
MEX: 180,000[48]
BEL: 665,000[33]
AUT: 355,000[34]
POL: 360,000[35]
NZ: 1.2 million[36]

126 million[194]

Bruce Springsteen

United States

1972–present[195]

1973[195]

Rock[195]

showTotal available certified units: 102.7 million
US: 76.150 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[a][12]
GER: 4.325 million[a][13]
UK: 7.345 million[14]
FRA: 1.887 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.2 million[a][17]
AUS: 3.362 million[a][18]
BRA: 100,000[a][20]
NLD: 740,000[a][21]
ITA: 600,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.730 million[a][23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 810,000[a][25][60]
DEN: 255,000[a][61][28][70][196]
SWI: 400,000[a][29]
BEL: 155,000[33]
AUT: 290,000[a][34]
FIN: 449,800[49]
IRE: 189,500[a][102]
NZ: 375,000[36][37]

120 million[197]

Metallica

United States

1981–present[198]

1983[198]

Heavy metal / Thrash metal[198]

showTotal available certified units: 95.6 million
US: 73.3 million[11]
JPN: 900,000[a][12]
GER: 4.025 million[13]
UK: 3.535 million[14]
FRA: 940,000[15][16]
CAN: 3.885 million[17]
AUS: 2.637 million[a][18][19][199]
BRA: 380,000[a][20]
NLD: 460,000[21]
ITA: 180,000[a][22]
SPA: 420,000[23][44][59]
SWE: 675,000[a][25]
DEN: 180,000[28][62]
SWI: 560,000[a][29]
MEX: 430,000[a][48][101]
ARG: 874,000[30][31]
BEL: 385,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 340,000[a][34]
POL: 735,000[a][35]
FIN: 530,676[49]
NZ: 315,000[36][37]

120 million[200]

Bee Gees

United Kingdom Australia[201][202]

1963–20032009–2012[203]

1963[203]

Pop / Disco[203]

showTotal available certified units: 69.3 million
US: 42.5 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[a][12][204][205]
GER: 6.675 million[a][13]
UK: 9.525 million[a][14]
FRA: 3.4 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 3.215 million[a][17]
AUS: 1.187 million[a][18]
BRA: 350,000[a][20]
NLD: 540,000[a][21]
SPA: 450,000[a][24][43][59]
SWI: 415,000[a][29]
ARG: 188,000[a][30][31]
AUT: 125,000[a][34]
POL: 100,000[a][35]
NZ: 380,000[a][36][37]

120 million[206]

text: 100 million to 119 million records

text:
Katy Perry

Adele

Lady Gaga

Lil Wayne

Jay-Z

B'z

Bon Jovi

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[a]

Claimed sales

Lady Gaga

United States

2005–present[207]

2008[207]

Pop / Dance / Electronic[207]

showTotal available certified units: 102.2 million
US: 69.5 million[11]
JPN: 5.4 million[12][54]
GER: 4.1 million[13]
UK: 11.585 million[14]
FRA: 1.647 million[16]
CAN: 2.4 million[17]
AUS: 2.890 million[18]
BRA: 470,000[20]
NLD: 130,000[21]
ITA: 840,000[a][22]
SPA: 410,000[23]
SWE: 680,000[25][60]
DEN: 340,000[62][28][100]
SWI: 445,000[29]
MEX: 420,000[48][101][158]
BEL: 270,000[33]
AUT: 182,500[34]
POL: 130,000[35]
IRE: 165,000[102]
NZ: 277,500[36][37]

114 million[208]

Katy Perry

United States

2001–present[209]

2008[209]

Pop[209]

showTotal available certified units: 137.8 million
US: 104 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[12][54]
GER: 3.8 million[13]
UK: 13.010 million[14]
FRA: 867,000[16]
CAN: 6.160 million[17]
AUS: 5.3 million[18]
BRA: 625,000[20]
ITA: 790,000[a][22]
SPA: 180,000[23]
SWE: 600,000[25][60]
DEN: 235,000[61][28]
SWI: 160,000[29]
MEX: 960,000[48][101][158]
BEL: 135,000[33]
AUT: 247,500[34]
NZ: 360,000[36][37]

100 million[210]

Adele

United Kingdom

2006–present[211]

2008[211]

Pop, soul[211]

showTotal available certified units: 106.6 million
US: 61 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[12]
GER: 4.7 million[13]
UK: 21.350 million[14]
CAN: 6.480 million[17]
AUS: 3.955 million[18]
BRA: 1.310 million[20]
NLD: 380,000[21]
ITA: 1.570 million[a][22]
SPA: 800,000[23]
SWE: 320,000[25][60]
DEN: 857,500[61][28]
MEX: 1.490 million[48]
SWI: 510,000[29]
BEL: 795,000[33]
POL: 300,000[a][35]
FIN: 151,639[49]
NZ: 622,500[36]

100 million[212]

Lil Wayne

United States

1996–present[213]

1999[213]

Hip-hop[213]

showTotal available certified units: 101.7 million
US: 94.7 million[11]
GER: 300,000[13]
UK:  3.060 million[14]
CAN: 280,000[17]
AUS: 630,000[18]

100 million[214]

Jay-Z

United States

1996–present[215]

1996[215]

Hip-hop[215]

showTotal available certified units: 100.8 million
US: 84.7 million[11]
JPN: 1.050 million[54]
GER: 2 million[13]
UK:  9.520 million[14]
FRA: 400,000[16]
CAN: 1.6 million[17]
AUS: 1.260[18]
ITA: 215,000[a][22]
SWE: 130,000[25][60]

100 million[216]

B'z

Japan

1988–present[217]

1988[217]

Rock / Pop rock / Hard rock[217]

showTotal available certified units: 85.8 million
JPN: 85.85 million[a][12][54][109]

100 million[218]

Bon Jovi

United States

1983–present[219]

1983[219]

Hard rock / Glam metal[219]

showTotal available certified units: 85.1 million
US: 49.9 million[11]
JPN: 4.4 million[a][12][54]
GER: 5.650 million[13]
UK: 9.690 million[14]
FRA: 825,000[15][16][55]
CAN: 4.735 million[17]
AUS: 3.030 million[a][18][220][221]
BRA: 435,000[a][20]
NLD: 710,000[21]
ITA: 160,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.620 million[23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 365,000[a][25][60]
SWI: 1.275 million[a][29]
MEX: 250,000[a][48]
ARG: 358,000[30][31]
BEL: 290,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 725,000[a][34]
POL: 120,000[a][35]
FIN: 422,500[49]
NZ: 210,000[36][37]

100 million[222]

Beyoncé

United States

1997–present[223]

2002[223][224]

R&B / Pop[223]

showTotal available certified units: 84.4 million
US: 57.150 million[11]
JPN: 1.7 million [12][54]
GER: 1.550 million[13]
UK: 15.845 million[14]
FRA: 560,000[16][84]
CAN: 1.475 million[17]
AUS: 3.115 million[18]
BRA: 390,000[20]
ITA: 285,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.190 million[a][23][225]
SWE: 120,000[25][60]
DEN: 312,500[62][28][70][100][226][227]
SWI: 165,000[29]
MEX: 110,000[48]
BEL: 115,000[33]
POL: 110,000[35]
NZ: 210,000[36][37]

100 million[228]

Coldplay

United Kingdom

1996–present[229]

1999[229]

Alternative rock, Pop rock, Pop[229]

showTotal available certified units: 83.6 million
US: 30.6 million[11]
JPN: 750,000[12][54]
GER: 4.550 million[13]
UK: 26.245 million[14]
FRA: 3.013[16]
CAN: 3.585 million[17]
AUS: 3.795 million[18]
BRA: 340,000[20]
NLD: 390,000[21]
ITA: 2.885 million[a][22]
SPA: 1.030 million[23]
SWE: 750,000[25][60]
DEN: 894,000[61][28]
SWI: 550,000[29]
MEX: 1.890 million[48][101]
ARG: 528,000[30][31]
BEL: 765,000[33]
AUT: 197,500[34]
POL: 320,000[a][35]
IRE: 210,000[a][102]
NZ: 345,000[36]

100 million[230]

Linkin Park

United States

1996–present[231]

2000[231]

Alternative rock / Nu metal / Rap rock[231]

showTotal available certified units: 82.9 million
US: 61.6 million[11]
JPN: 1.550 million[12][54]
GER: 5.850 million[13]
UK: 6.605 million[14]
FRA: 1.025[16]
CAN: 1.330 million[17]
AUS: 1.485 million[18]
BRA: 595,000[20]
ITA: 740,000[a][22]
SPA: 175,000[23]
SWE: 165,000[25][60]
DEN: 175,000[61][28]
SWI: 435,000[29]
MEX: 225,000[48]
BEL: 140,000[33]
AUT: 252,500[34]
POL: 220,000[35]
FIN: 120,469[49]
NZ: 252,500[36][37]

100 million[232]

Britney Spears

United States

1998–present[233]

1998[233]

Pop / Dance / Dance-pop[233]

showTotal available certified units: 82.2 million
US: 46.2 million[11]
JPN: 2.1 million[12][130]
GER: 5.350 million[13]
UK: 10.750 million[14]
FRA: 3.732 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.680 million[17]
AUS: 3.165 million[18]
BRA: 380,000[20]
NLD: 665,000[21]
ITA: 200,000[a][22]
SPA: 990,000[23][44][59]
SWE: 1.010 million[25][60]
DEN: 180,000[a][61][62][234][235]
SWI: 485,000[29]
MEX: 1.175 million[a][48]
ARG: 248,000[30][31]
BEL: 935,000[32][33]
AUT: 365,000[34]
POL: 210,000[35]
FIN: 143,627[49]
NZ: 240,000[36][37]

100 million[236]

Rod Stewart

United Kingdom

1964–present[237]

1969[237]

Rock / Pop[237]

showTotal available certified units: 78.2 million
US: 43.650 million[11]
JPN: 450,000[a][12]
GER: 3.8 million[a][13]
UK: 18.630 million[a][14]
FRA: 1.8 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 4.055 million[a][17]
AUS: 2.610 million[a][18][19]
BRA: 980,000[a][20]
NLD: 140,000[a][21]
SPA: 290,000[a][23][24][43]
SWE: 440,000[a][25]
SWI: 100,000[a][29]
ARG: 524,000[a][30][31]
AUT: 100,000[a][34]
POL: 220,000[a][35]
IRE: 195,000[a][102]
NZ: 280,000[a][36][37]

100 million[238]

Fleetwood Mac

United Kingdom United States

1967–present[239]

1968[239]

Rock / Pop[239]

showTotal available certified units: 77.9 million
US: 51.250 million[11]
UK: 14.785 million[a][14]
GER: 3.5 million[a][13]
FRA: 800,000[a][15][16]
AUS: 2.767 million[a][18][19]
CAN: 2.950 million[a][17]
NLD: 590,000[a][21]
SPA: 300,000[a][44][59]
SWI: 100,000[a][29]
BEL: 100,000[a][33]
NZ: 572,500[a][37][240][241]

100 million[242]

Guns N' Roses

United States

1985–present[243]

1987[243]

Hard rock / Heavy metal[243]

showTotal available certified units: 75.6 million
US: 48.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.7 million[a][12]
GER: 4.1 million[13]
UK: 6.550 million[14]
FRA: 1 million[16]
CAN: 3.520 million[17]
AUS: 2.410[a][18][19][164]
BRA: 1.9 million[a][20]
NLD: 705,000[21]
ITA: 710,000[a][22]
SPA: 450,000[23][24][43]
SWE: 485,000[25]
DEN: 175,000[a][28][244]
SWI: 365,000[a][29]
MEX: 760,000[a][48]
ARG: 1.248 million[a][30][31]
BEL: 165,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 365,000[34]
POL: 160,000[a][35]
IRE: 105,000[a][102]
NZ: 270,000[36][37]

100 million[245]

Backstreet Boys

United States

1993–present[246]

1995[246]

Pop[246]

showTotal available certified units: 73 million
US: 41.5 million[11]
JPN: 5.4 million[12][54][247]
GER: 7 million[13]
UK: 4.875 million[14]
FRA: 325,000[15][16]
CAN: 3.430 million[17]
AUS: 1.4 million[a][18]
BRA: 1.625 million[20]
NLD: 830,000[21]
SPA: 1.850 million[44][59]
SWE: 655,000[25]
DEN: 165,000[a][248][249][28]
SWI: 415,000[29]
MEX: 1.475 million[a][48]
ARG: 740,000[30]
BEL: 450,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 325,000[34]
POL: 300,000[35]
FIN: 171,390[49]
NZ: 132,500[36]

100 million[250]

George Strait

United States

1981–present[251]

1984[251]

Country[251]

showTotal available certified units: 72.8 million
US: 72.150 million[11]
CAN: 705,000[17]

100 million[252]

Neil Diamond

United States

1966–present[253]

1966[253]

Pop / Rock[253]

showTotal available certified units: 68.9 million
US: 55.9 million[11]
GER: 1 million[a][13]
UK:  7.330 million[a][14]
FRA: 400,000[a][15]
CAN: 1.725 million[a][17]
AUS: 2.085 million[a][18][254]
NLD: 250,000[a][21]
SPA: 100,000[a][43]
NZ: 127,500[a][36][37]

100 million[255]

Santana

United States

1966–present[256]

1969[256]

Rock[256]

showTotal available certified units: 65.2 million
US: 50.295 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[a][12]
GER: 2.4 million[a][13]
UK: 2.980 million[a][14]
FRA: 3.510 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 1.660 million[a][17]
AUS: 855,000[a][18]
BRA: 375,000[a][20]
NLD: 540,000[a][21]
SPA: 450,000[a][44][59]
SWE: 125,000[a][25]
SWI: 375,000[a][29]
MEX: 405,000[a][48]
ARG: 158,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 190,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 145,000[a][34]
POL: 205,000[a][35]
NZ: 135,000[a][36][37]

100 million[257]

Prince

United States

1976–2016[258]

1978[258]

Funk / R&B / Pop / Soul / Rock[258]

showTotal available certified units: 65.1 million
US: 48.950 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[a][12]
GER: 2.4 million[13]
UK: 7.245 million[14]
FRA: 2.110 million[15][16]
CAN: 1 million[17]
AUS: 1.120[a][18][19]
NLD: 670,000[a][21]
SPA: 700,000[a][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 100,000[25]
SWI: 250,000[a][29]
AUT: 125,000[a][34]
NZ: 177,500[a][36]

100 million[259]

Kenny Rogers

United States

1958–present[260]

1975[260]

Country / Pop[260]

showTotal available certified units: 61.4 million
US: 54.050 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[a][261]
UK: 2.520 million[14]
CAN: 4.6 million[17]
AUS: 100,000[a][262][263]
SPA: 100,000[a][43]

100 million[264]

Paul McCartney

United Kingdom

1960–present[265]

1970[265]

Rock[265]

showTotal available certified units: 60.6 million
US: 41.450 million[11]
JPN: 500,000[a][12]
GER: 1.525 million[a][13]
UK: 12.425 million[a][14]
FRA: 1.305 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 1.955 million[a][17]
AUS: 465,000[a][18][19]
SPA: 640,000[a][24][43]
SWE: 210,000[a][60][266]
DEN: 210,000[a][62][28]

100 million[267]

Simon & Garfunkel

United States

1956–present[268]

1964[268]

Folk rock[268]

showTotal available certified units: 59.2 million
US: 42.6 million[11]
JPN: 700,000[a][12]
GER: 2.325 million[a][13]
UK: 6.620 million[a][14]
FRA: 3.9 million[a][15]
CAN: 1.425 million[a][17]
AUS: 390,000[a][18][19]
NLD: 300,000[a][21]
ITA: 100,000[a][22]
SWE: 150,000[a][25]
SWI: 450,000[a][29]
AUT: 100,000[a][34]
FIN: 163,350[a][49]

100 million[269]

Janet Jackson

United States

1982–present[270]

1982[270]

R&B / Pop[270]

showTotal available certified units: 52.5 million
US: 39.750 million[11]
JPN: 1.6 million [a][12]
GER: 1.4 million[13]
UK: 4.760 million[14]
FRA: 1.475 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 1.460 million[17]
AUS: 1.155[a][18][19]
NLD: 400,000[21]
SPA: 150,000[44][59]
SWE: 105,000[a][25]
SWI: 170,000[a][29]
BEL: 125,000[a][32]

100 million[271]

Julio Iglesias

Spain

1968–present[272]

1968[272]

Latin[272]

showTotal available certified units: 51.2 million
US: 11 million[11]
JPN: 800,000[a][273]
GER: 250,000[a][13]
UK: 1.620 million[a][14][273]
FRA: 6.1 million[15][16][55][273]
CAN: 1.5 million[17]
AUS: 505,000[a][18][273]
BRA: 12.475 million[a][20][273]
NLD: 1.2 million[a][21][273]
ITA: 400,000[a][22][273]
SPA: 8.7 million[a][23][24][43][44][59][273]
SWE: 290,000[a][25][273]
MEX: 2.975 million[a][48][273]
ARG: 3.220 million[a][30][273]
BEL: 125,000[a][273][33]
FIN: 131,636[a][49]

100 million[274]

Chicago

United States

1967–present[275]

1969[275]

Rock / Pop[275]

showTotal available certified units: 48.4 million
US: 44.150 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[a][12][276]
GER: 250,000[a][13]
UK: 1.490 million[a][14]
FRA: 100,000[a][15]
CAN: 1.865 million[17]
NLD: 100,000[a][21]
SPA: 100,000[a][24]

100 million[277]

Dire Straits

United Kingdom

1977–1995[278]

1978[278]

Rock [278]

showTotal available certified units: 46.5 million
US: 15.5 million[11]
GER: 3.750 million[13]
UK: 11.8 million[14]
FRA: 5.3 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.575 million[17]
AUS: 2.190 million[a][18][19]
BRA: 175,000[a][20]
NLD: 900,000[21]
ITA: 385,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.380 million[a][23][24][43][44]
SWE: 360,000[a][25]
DEN: 195,000[a][62][61][28]
SWI: 1 million[a][29]
BEL: 100,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 300,000[a][34]
FIN: 471,530[49]
NZ: 155,000[a][37]

100 million[279]

Bob Dylan

United States

1959–present[280]

1963[280]

Folk / Rock[280]

showTotal available certified units: 45.3 million
US: 35.6 million[11]
GER: 625,000[a][13]
UK: 6.025 million[a][14]
FRA: 800,000[a][15][16]
CAN: 1.5 million[a][17]
AUS: 480,000[a][18]
SWI: 175,000[a][29]
NZ: 105,000[a][36]

100 million[281]

Def Leppard

United Kingdom

1977–present[282]

1979[282]

Hard rock / Heavy metal[282]

showTotal available certified units: 42.3 million
US: 36.150 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[a][12]
UK: 1.960 million[14]
FRA: 200,000[15]
CAN: 2.995 million[17]
AUS: 385,000[19][283]
SWE: 150,000[a][25]
SWI: 125,000[a][29]
MEX: 200,000[a][48]

100 million[284]

Cher

United States

1964–present[285]

1965[285]

Pop / Rock / Dance / Folk[285]

showTotal available certified units: 41 million
US: 21.9 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[a][12]
GER: 4.175 million[a][13]
UK: 6.510 million[a][14]
FRA: 1.525 million[a][16][55]
CAN: 1.340 million[a][17]
AUS: 1.530 million[a][18][286]
BRA: 125,000[a][20]
NLD: 375,000[a][21][287][288]
ITA: 300,000[a][289]
SPA: 600,000[a][44][59][289]
SWE: 850,000[a][25][60]
SWI: 295,000[a][29]
MEX: 200,000[a][48]
DEN: 370,000[a][289][28]
ARG: 106,000[a][30][273]
BEL: 275,000[a][32]
AUT: 250,000[a][34]
POL: 100,000[a][35]
NZ: 150,000[36][290]

100 million[291]

Genesis

United Kingdom

1967–19992006–present[292]

1969[292]

Progressive rock / Pop rock[292]

showTotal available certified units: 40.2 million
US: 21.650 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[a][12]
GER: 5.875 million[a][13]
UK: 7.325 million[a][14]
FRA: 3.460 million[a][15][16]
CAN: 805,000[a][17]
NLD: 300,000[a][21]
SPA: 250,000[a][23][24][43]
SWE: 100,000[a][25]
SWI: 400,000[a][29]

100 million[293]

Olivia Newton-John

Australia

1966–present[294]

1966[294]

Pop[294]

showTotal available certified units: 35.9 million
US: 27 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[a][12]
GER: 250,000[a][13]
UK: 3.950 million[a][14]
FRA: 1 million[55]
CAN: 3.025 million[a][17]
AUS: 450,000[a][18][19][295]
NLD: 150,000[a][21]

100 million[296]

James Taylor

United States

1968–present[297]

1970[297]

Rock / Pop[297]

showTotal available certified units: 35.5 million
US: 34.650 million[11]
UK: 655,000[a][14]
CAN: 100,000[a][17]
AUS: 100,000[a][18]

100 million[298]

Stevie Wonder

United States

1961–present[299]

1962[299]

Funk / R&B / Soul[299]

showTotal available certified units: 35.1 million
US: 21.650 million[11]
JPN: 1.050 million[a][12]
GER: 500,000[a][13]
UK: 8.485 million[a][14]
FRA: 1.4 million[a][15][55]
CAN: 1.550 million[17]
NLD: 250,000[a][21]
SPA: 250,000[a][43]

100 million[300]

David Bowie

United Kingdom

1962–2016[301]

1967[301]

Art rock / Glam rock / Pop[301]

showTotal available certified units: 34.3 million
US: 13.7 million[11]
JPN: 200,000[a][12]
GER: 525,000[a][13]
UK: 13.495 million[a][14]
FRA: 2.380 million[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 2.315 million[a][17]
AUS: 635,000[a][18][77]
NLD: 465,000[a][21]
ITA: 370,000[a][22]
SPA: 170,000[a][23][24][43]
NZ: 142,500[a][36]

100 million[302]

Tina Turner

United States

1955–present[303]

1975[303]

Rock / Pop[303]

showTotal available certified units: 33.4 million
US: 12.7 million[11]
GER: 6.050 million[13]
UK: 8.145 million[14]
FRA: 1.135 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 1.560 million[17]
AUS: 480,000[a][18][19]
NLD: 565,000[a][21]
SPA: 700,000[a][23][24][43][44]
SWE: 330,000[a][25]
SWI: 565,000[a][29]
BEL: 190,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 630,000[a][34]
POL: 120,000[a][35]
FIN: 241,954[49]

100 million[304]

Linda Ronstadt

United States

1967–present[305]

1968[305]

Rock / Folk / Country[305]

showTotal available certified units: 32.5 million
US: 31.5 million[11]
UK: 435,000[a][14]
FRA: 100,000[a][15]
CAN: 500,000[a][17]

100 million[306]

Donna Summer

United States

1968–2012[307]

1974[307]

Pop / Disco / R&B[307]

showTotal available certified units: 30.9 million
US: 24.5 million[11]
UK: 3.735 million[a][14]
FRA: 900,000[a][15][16]
CAN: 1.550 million[a][17]
BRA: 100,000[a][20]
NLD: 100,000[a][21]
SPA: 100,000[a][44]

100 million[308]

The Beach Boys

United States

1961–present[309]

1962[309]

Rock / Pop / Surf Rock[309]

showTotal available certified units: 30.7 million
US: 25.6 million[11]
GER: 250,000[a][13]
UK: 3.610 million[a][14]
FRA: 400,000[a][15][16][55]
CAN: 100,000[a][17]
AUS: 492,500[a][18][19]
SPA: 250,000[a][43][44]

100 million[310]

The Who

United Kingdom

1964–present[311]

1965[311]

Rock / Hard rock[311]

showTotal available certified units: 27.5 million
US: 22.150 million[11]
UK: 4.565 million[a][14]
FRA: 300,000[a][15]
CAN: 425,000[a][17]
ITA: 125,000[a][22]

100 million[312]

Barry White

United States

1972–2003[313]

1973[313]

R&B / Soul[313]

showTotal available certified units: 21.7 million
US: 16.5 million[11]
UK: 3.665 million[a][14]
FRA: 1.1 million[a][15][16]
CAN: 150,000[a][17]
SPA: 200,000[a][59]
BEL: 175,000[a][33]

100 million[314]

text: 80 million to 99 million records

text:
Chris Brown

Nicki Minaj

Shania Twain

Flo Rida

Pink

Justin Timberlake

Van Halen

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[a]

Claimed sales

Shania Twain

Canada

1993–present[315]

1993[315]

Country pop[315]

showTotal available certified units: 77.1 million
US: 54.5 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[12]
GER: 1.750 million[13]
UK: 7.395 million[14]
FRA: 975,000[16][55]
CAN: 6.880 million[17]
AUS: 2.360 million[a][18]
BRA: 475,000[20]
NLD: 540,000[21]
SPA: 100,000[59]
SWE: 330,000[25]
DEN: 210,000[a][61][28]
SWI: 310,000[29]
MEX: 100,000[a][48]
ARG: 120,000[30]
BEL: 250,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 115,000[34]
NZ: 402,500[36][37]

90 million[316]

Pink

United States

1995–present[317]

2000[317]

Pop, Pop rock, R&B[317]

showTotal available certified units: 70.6 million
US: 32.225 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[12]
GER: 5.725 million[13]
UK: 13.575 million[14]
FRA: 1.198 million[16][55]
CAN: 4.130 million[17]
AUS: 9.870 million[18]
NLD: 175,000[21]
ITA: 425,000[a][22]
SWE: 530,000[25]
SWI: 565,000[29]
DEN: 281,500[61][28]
MEX: 360,000[48]
BEL: 235,000[33]
AUT: 417,500[34]
POL: 100,000[35]
NZ: 465,000[36][37]

90 million[318]

The Carpenters

United States

1969–1983[319]

1969[319]

Pop[319]

showTotal available certified units: 46 million
US: 34.6 million[11]
JPN: 2.9 million[a][12][122][320]
GER: 250,000[a][13]
UK: 7.950 million[a][14]
CAN: 275,000[a][17]
BRA: 100,000[a][20]

90 million[321]

Lionel Richie

United States

1968–present[322]

1981[322]

Pop / R&B[322]

showTotal available certified units: 40.8 million
US: 28.650 million[11]
GER: 1.050 million[a][13]
UK: 6.555 million[a][14]
FRA: 1.4 million[a][15][16]
CAN: 2.380 million[a][17]
AUS: 260,000[a][18][323]
BRA: 100,000[a][20]
NLD: 180,000[21]
SPA: 150,000[24][43]
SWI: 145,000[a][29]

90 million[324]

Earth, Wind & Fire

United States

1969–present[325]

1971[325]

Funk / R&B / Soul[325]

showTotal available certified units: 36.1 million
US: 31.8 million[11]
JPN: 500,000[a][12][326][327]
UK: 2.725 million[14]
FRA: 500,000[15][16]
CAN: 360,000[17]
NLD: 250,000[a][21]

90 million[328]

Johnny Cash

United States

1954–2003[329]

1956[329]

Country / Rock and roll / Gospel[329]

showTotal available certified units: 31.1 million
US: 25.7 million[11]
GER: 550,000[a][13]
UK: 3.910 million[a][14]
CAN: 490,000[a][17]
AUS: 522,500[a][18]

90 million[330]

Justin Timberlake

United States

1992–present[331]

2002[331]

Pop, R&B, Neo soul[331]

showTotal available certified units: 67 million
US: 43.2 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[12]
GER: 3.050 million[13]
UK: 12.720 million[14]
FRA: 578,000[16][55]
CAN: 2.480 million[17]
AUS: 2.450 million[18]
NLD: 105,000[21]
ITA: 345,000[a][22]
SPA: 120,000[59]
SWE: 210,000[25]
DEN: 440,000[61][28]
SWI: 230,000[29]
MEX: 330,000[48]
BEL: 300,000[33]
POL: 170,000[35]
NZ: 185,000[36]

88 million[332]

Chris Brown

United States

2005–present[333]

2005[333]

Pop / R&B, Hip-hop [333]

showTotal available certified units: 100 million
US: 84.050 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[54]
GER: 450,000[13]
UK: 10.240 million[14]
CAN: 770,000[17]
AUS: 2.590 million[18]
BRA: 570,000[20]
ITA: 140,000[22]
SWE: 310,000[60]
DEN: 207,500[28]
MEX: 150,000[48]
NZ: 260,000[36]

86 million[334]

Nicki Minaj

United States

2008–present[335]

2010[335]

Hip-hop, Pop[335]

showTotal available certified units: 86 million
US: 69 million[11]
JPN: 450,000[54]
GER: 1.150 million[13]
UK:  8.9 million[14]
FRA: 566,000[16]
CAN: 800,000[17]
AUS: 3.115 million[18]
BRA: 250,000[20]
ITA: 485,000[22]
SPA: 220,000[23]
SWE: 420,000[25][60]
DEN: 220,000[28]
SWI: 120,000[29]
MEX: 150,000[48][101]
NZ: 247,500[36]

85 million[336]

R.E.M.

United States

1980–2011[337]

1983[337]

Alternative rock[337]

showTotal available certified units: 42.8 million
US: 21.150 million[11]
GER: 4.275 million[13]
UK: 8.765 million[14]
FRA: 1.450 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.650 million[17]
AUS: 1.030[a][18][19]
BRA: 100,000[a][20]
NLD: 100,000[21]
ITA: 225,000[a][22]
SPA: 1.1 million[23][24][44][59]
SWE: 500,000[a][25]
DEN: 155,000[a][61][62]
SWI: 450,000[a][29]
ARG: 158,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 185,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 350,000[a][34]
IRE: 127,500[a][102]
NZ: 105,000[36]

85 million[338]

Flo Rida

United States

2007–present[339]

2007[339]

Hip-hop, Hip house, EDM[339]

showTotal available certified units: 71.8 million
US: 50 million[11]
JPN: 650,000[a][12][54]
GER: 3.7 million[13]
UK: 7.960 million[14]
FRA: 225,000[16]
CAN: 3.090 million[17]
AUS: 3.605 million[a][18]
ITA: 360,000[a][22]
SPA: 140,000[59]
SWE: 780,000[25]
SWI: 420,000[29]
DEN: 205,000[a][28]
MEX: 330,000[a][48]
AUT: 180,000[34]
NZ: 247,500[36][37]

80 million[340]

Van Halen

United States

1978–present[341]

1978[341]

Hard rock / Heavy metal[341]

showTotal available certified units: 64.5 million
US: 57.8 million[11]
JPN: 1.3 million[a][12][130]
GER: 1.5 million[13]
UK: 740,000[14]
FRA: 400,000[15]
CAN: 2.450 million[17]
BRA: 200,000[a][20]
NLD: 200,000[21]

80 million[342]

Ayumi Hamasaki

Japan

1998–present[343]

1998[343]

J-pop / Pop / dance / electronic[343]

showTotal available certified units: 64.3 million
JPN: 64.3 million[12][54][109]

80 million[344][345]

Red Hot Chili Peppers

United States

1983–present[346]

1987[346]

Funk rock / Alternative rock[346]

showTotal available certified units: 59.4 million
US: 32.250 million[11]
JPN: 2.6 million[a][12][54]
GER: 2.650 million[13]
UK:  10.795 million[14]
FRA: 1.420 million[16]
CAN: 2.020 million[17]
AUS: 2.625 million[a][18][19][347]
BRA: 515,000[a][20]
NLD: 660,000[21]
ITA: 570,000[a][22]
SPA: 640,000[23][44][59]
SWE: 390,000[a][25]
SWI: 405,000[a][29]
MEX: 150,000[a][48]
DEN: 227,000[a][61][62][70][28]
BEL: 195,000[a][33]
ARG: 406,000[30][31]
AUT: 247,500[a][34]
POL: 245,000[a][35]
FIN: 171,951[49]
NZ: 285,000[36][37]

80 million[348]

Foreigner

United StatesUnited Kingdom

1976–present[349]

1977[349]

Rock / Hard Rock[349]

showTotal available certified units: 49.3 million
US: 45.1 million[11]
GER: 1.5 million[13]
UK: 1.3 million[14]
FRA: 400,000[15][16]
CAN: 700,000[17]
AUS: 105,000[a][18]
NLD: 150,000[21]
SWI: 125,000[a][29]

80 million[350]

George Michael

United Kingdom

1981–2016[351]

1984[351]

Pop[351]

showTotal available certified units: 48 million
US: 20.8 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[a][12]
GER: 2.4 million[13]
UK: 12.850 million[14]
FRA: 3.217 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 1.870 million[17]
AUS: 2.205 million[a][18][19]
BRA: 350,000[a][20]
NLD: 1.140 million[21]
SPA: 850,000[23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 310,000[a][25]
DEN: 400,000[61][28][70][352]
SWI: 335,000[a][29]
ARG: 118,000[30][31]
BEL: 315,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 140,000[a][34]
POL: 340,000[a][35]
NZ: 140,000[36][37]

80 million[353]

The Doors

United States

1965–1973[354]

1967[354]

Psychedelic rock[354]

showTotal available certified units: 46.9 million
US: 36.6 million[11]
GER: 1.750 million[a][13]
UK: 2.040 million[a][14]
FRA: 1.9 million[a][15][16]
CAN: 2.780 million[a][17]
AUS: 1.022 million[a][18]
BRA: 100,000[20]
ITA: 130,000[a][22]
SPA: 300,000[a][43][59]
SWI: 125,000[a][29]
ARG: 150,000[a][30]
AUT: 100,000[a][34]

80 million[355]

Reba McEntire

United States

1975–present[356]

1987[356]

Country / Country Pop[356]

showTotal available certified units: 42.7 million
US: 41.9 million[11]
CAN: 850,000[17]

80 million[357]

Meat Loaf

United States

1968–present[358]

1977[358]

Rock / Hard rock[358]

showTotal available certified units: 42.2 million
US: 23.6 million[11]
GER: 2.350 million[13]
UK: 9.665 million[14]
CAN: 3.380 million[17]
AUS: 2.522 million[a][18][19]
NLD: 425,000[21]
SWE: 100,000[a][25]
SWI: 115,000[a][29]
AUT: 100,000[a][34]

80 million[359]

Tom Petty

United States

1976–2017[360]

1977[360]

Rock[360]

showTotal available certified units: 34.7 million
US: 31.250 million[11]
GER: 500,000[13]
UK: 1.060 million[14]
CAN: 1.7 million[17]
SWE: 200,000[a][25]

80 million[361]

Johnny Hallyday

France

1957–2017[362]

1960[362]

Rock / Pop[362]

showTotal available certified units: 25.4 million
FRA: 24.672 million[a][15][16][55][84][363]
SWI: 268,000[a][29]
BEL: 510,000[a][32][33]

80 million[364]

text: 75 million to 79 million records

text:
Maroon 5

Journey

Tim McGraw

The Black Eyed Peas

Usher

R. Kelly

Robbie Williams

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[a]

Claimed sales

The Black Eyed Peas

United States

1995–present[365]

1998[365]

Hip-hop / R&B / Dance[365]

showTotal available certified units: 58.8 million
US: 31.4 million[11]
JPN: 1.250 million[12][54]
GER: 3.3 million[13]
UK: 10.8 million[14]
FRA: 2.650 million[16]
CAN: 2.7 million[17]
AUS: 3.270 million[18]
BRA: 255,000[20]
NLD: 160,000[21]
ITA: 365,000[a][22]
SPA: 460,000[23]
SWE: 300,000[25][60]
DEN: 161,000[a][28][70][100][61]
SWI: 460,000[29]
MEX: 390,000[a][48]
BEL: 460,000[33]
IRE: 135,000[a][102]
NZ: 340,000[36][37]

76 million[366]

Maroon 5

United States

1994–present[367]

2002[367]

Pop rock / Funk rock / Dance-pop[367]

showTotal available certified units: 66.4 million
US: 37.2 million[11]
JPN: 2 million[12][54]
GER: 2.550[13]
UK: 10.360 million[14]
FRA: 792,000[16]
CAN: 4.085 million[17]
AUS: 3.045 million[18]
BRA: 380,000[20]
ITA: 810,000[a][22]
SPA: 250,000[a][23]
SWE: 770,000[25][60]
DEN: 517,500[a][28][62][61]
MEX: 3.365[48]
NZ: 345,000[36]

75 million[368]

Journey

United States

1973–present[369]

1975[369]

Rock / Soft rock[369]

showTotal available certified units: 62.1 million
US: 59.7 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[a][12][370]
UK: 1.4 million[14]
CAN: 725,000[17]

75 million[371]

Tim McGraw

United States

1990–present[372]

1994[372]

Country[372]

showTotal available certified units: 61.7 million
US: 60.150 million[11]
UK: 200,000[14]
CAN: 1.375 million[17]

75 million[373]

Usher

United States

1991–present[374]

1994[374]

R&B / Pop[374]

showTotal available certified units: 56.4 million
US: 41.435 million[11]
JPN: 750,000 [12][54]
GER: 1.150[13]
UK: 8.925 million[14]
FRA: 210,000[16]
CAN: 1.330 million[17]
AUS: 2.112 million[18]
SWE: 105,000[25][60]
DEN: 137,500[a][28][62]
SWI: 170,000[29]
NZ: 150,000[36]

75 million[375]

R. Kelly

United States

1989–present[376]

1991[376]

R&B / Soul / Hip-hop[376]

showTotal available certified units: 55.6 million
US: 46.9 million[11]
GER: 1.4 million[13]
UK: 5.420 million[14]
FRA: 825,000[16]
CAN: 300,000[17]
AUS: 105,000[18]
NLD: 365,000[21]
SWI: 100,000[29]
BEL: 275,000[32][33]

75 million[377]

Robbie Williams

United Kingdom

1990–present[378]

1996[378]

Pop rock[378]

showTotal available certified units: 52.8 million
US: 500,000[11]
GER: 10.275 million[13]
UK: 27.550 million[14]
FRA: 2.695 million[16][55]
CAN: 250,000[17]
AUS: 2.905 million[18]
NLD: 1.205 million[21]
ITA: 385,000[a][22]
SPA: 440,000[a][23][59]
SWE: 445,000[25][60]
DEN: 676,500[a][61][62][28][70][78]
SWI: 998,000[29]
MEX: 1.595 million[a][48]
ARG: 462,000[30][31]
BEL: 600,000[32][33]
AUT: 917,500[34]
POL: 140,000[35]
FIN: 235,743[49]
IRE: 135,000[a][102]
NZ: 445,000[36]

75 million[379]

Kenny G

United States

1982–present[380]

1984[380]

Smooth jazz[380]

showTotal available certified units: 52.1 million
US: 48.1 million[11]
JPN: 700,000[a][12]
UK: 360,000[14]
CAN: 950,000[17]
AUS: 245,000[a][18][179]
BRA: 1.350 million[a][20]
SPA: 450,000[24][44]

75 million[381]

Tupac Shakur

United States

1991–1996[382]

1991[382]

Hip-hop[382]

showTotal available certified units: 51.7 million
US: 46.2 million[11]
GER: 650,000[13]
UK: 3.695 million[14]
CAN: 820,000[17]
AUS: 430,000[18][383]

75 million[384]

Enya

Ireland

1982–present[385]

1987[385]

New-age / Celtic[385]

showTotal available certified units: 50.8 million
US: 26.5 million[11]
JPN: 4.6 million[a][12]
GER: 4.2 million[13]
UK: 5.250 million[14]
FRA: 775,000[15][16]
CAN: 1.540 million[17]
AUS: 1.505[a][18][19]
BRA: 1.650 million[a][20]
NLD: 730,000[21]
SPA: 1.760 million[23][44]
SWE: 390,000[25]
DEN: 100,000[a][26][386][387][388]
SWI: 370,000[a][29]
MEX: 125,000[a][48]
ARG: 390,000[30]
BEL: 510,000[a][33]
AUT: 185,000[a][34]
POL: 120,000[a][35]
NZ: 135,000[36]

75 million[389]

Alabama

United States

1972–present[390]

1980[390]

Country / Pop rock[390]

showTotal available certified units: 48 million
US: 46.8 million[11]
CAN: 1.2 million[17]

75 million[391]

Nirvana

United States

1987–1994[392]

1989[392]

Grunge / Alternative rock[392]

showTotal available certified units: 47 million
US: 26.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.3 million[a][12]
GER: 1.5 million[13]
UK: 5.970 million[14]
FRA: 2.5 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.970 million[17]
AUS: 1.362[a][18][199][393][254][394]
BRA: 725,000[a][20]
NLD: 250,000[21]
ITA: 600,000[a][22]
SPA: 450,000[23][24][44]
SWE: 380,000[25]
DEN: 160,000[a][28]
SWI: 190,000[29]
MEX: 475,000[a][48]
ARG: 522,000[30][31]
BEL: 375,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 230,000[a][34]
POL: 335,000[a][35]
NZ: 215,000[36][37]

75 million[395]

Bryan Adams

Canada

1979–present[396]

1979[396]

Rock[396]

showTotal available certified units: 45.7 million
US: 21 million[11]
JPN: 600,000[a][12]
GER: 4.1 million[13]
UK: 8.935 million[14]
FRA: 650,000[15][16][55]
CAN: 5.120 million[17]
AUS: 2.010 million[a][18][397]
BRA: 100,000[a][20]
NLD: 500,000[21]
SPA: 450,000 [a][24][44][59]
SWE: 440,000[a][25]
DEN: 105,000[a][62][28]
SWI: 805,000[a][29]
BEL: 375,000[a][32][33]
AUT: 375,000[a][34]
FIN: 183,444[49]

75 million[398]

Bob Marley

Jamaica

1962–1981[399]

1975[399]

Reggae[399]

showTotal available certified units: 40.9 million
US: 21.850 million[11]
JPN: 200,000[a][12]
GER: 1.750 million[13]
UK: 8.740 million[14]
FRA: 4.735 million[16]
CAN: 600,000[17]
AUS: 350,000[400][401]
NLD: 420,000[a][21]
ITA: 275,000[a][22]
SPA: 450,000[a][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 120,000[a][25]
SWI: 303,000[a][29]
ARG: 376,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 225,000[33]
AUT: 125,000[a][34]
NZ: 427,500[a][36][37]

75 million[402]

The Police

United Kingdom

1977–19862007–2008[403]

1978[403]

Pop / Rock[403]

showTotal available certified units: 39.4 million
US: 23.150 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[a][12]
GER: 1.775 million[13]
UK: 8.560 million[14]
FRA: 3.340 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 875,000[17]
AUS: 407,500[a][18]
BRA: 140,000[a][20]
NLD: 250,000[21]
ITA: 100,000[a][22]
SPA: 300,000[a][24][43]
MEX: 100,000[a][48]
ARG: 228,000[a][30][31]
BEL: 115,000[a][33]

75 million[404]

Barry Manilow

United States

1973–present[405]

1973[405]

Pop / Soft rock[405]

showTotal available certified units: 36.5 million
US: 33.3 million[11]
UK: 2.825 million[14]
CAN: 400,000[a][17]

75 million[406]

Kiss

United States

1972–present[407]

1974[407]

Hard rock / Heavy metal[407]

showTotal available certified units: 28 million
US: 26 million[11]
CAN: 1.495 million[a][17]
UK: 100,000[14]
AUS: 130,000[a][18]
NLD: 200,000[a][21]
ARG: 112,000[a][30]

75 million[408]

Aretha Franklin

United States

1956–2018[409]

1961[409]

Soul / Jazz / Blues / R&B[409]

showTotal available certified units: 24.9 million
US: 23.5 million[11]
UK: 1.040 million[a][14]
FRA: 275,000[a][15][16]
CAN: 150,000[a][17]

75 million[410]