List of best-selling music artists

The following list of best-selling music artists includes musical artists from the 20th century to the present with claims of 75 million or more record sales worldwide. The tables list artists in descending order by claimed sales; artists with equal claimed sales are ranked by certified units.

The claimed-sales and certified-unit figures include sales of albums, singles, compilation albums, and music videos as well as downloads of singles and full-length albums. Sales figures, such as those from SoundScan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, are not included in the certified-units column.

Definitions

From 2011 to 2021, the number of platinum certifications for songs grew at an average annual rate of 18%.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and almost all other certifying bodies count streaming towards Gold and Platinum thresholds required for certification.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The RIAA counts 10 downloads of individual tracks as well as 1,500 audio/video streams as an equivalent to one unit of album, including those from singles released before the album release.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Theoretically, if one song were streamed 1.5 billion times on YouTube, the single would receive Diamond and its album could be certified Platinum; thus generating a combined total of 11 million certified units without any sales.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Kanye West's album The Life of Pablo was certified platinum exclusively through streaming.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Longer albums with more songs tend to generate more streams, which can lead to gold and platinum certifications. For example, Chris Brown's 45-song album Heartbreak on a Full Moon was certified gold in fewer than 10 days, although its singles did not perform well on sales charts.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

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" include Rihanna and Calvin Harris, while "Where Them Girls At" include Flo Rida and Nicki Minaj, 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 include Kanye West's "Monster" and "All Day".Template:Efn

Artists by reputed sales

250 million or more records

• 
  The Beatles
• 
  Michael Jackson
• 
  Elvis Presley
• 
  Elton John
• 
  Queen
• 
  Madonna
• 
  Led Zeppelin

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)Template:Efn	Claimed sales
The Beatles	United Kingdom	1960–1970<ref name="Allmusic: The Beatles (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1962<ref name="Allmusic: The Beatles (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: The Beatles (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	600 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 500 million<ref name="thriller">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Michael Jackson	United States	1964–2009<ref name="Allmusic: Michael Jackson (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1971<ref name="Allmusic: Michael Jackson (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Michael Jackson (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	500 million<ref name="thriller"/> 400 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Elvis Presley	United States	1953–1977<ref name="Allmusic: Elvis Presley (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1956<ref name="Allmusic: Elvis Presley (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Elvis Presley (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	500 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Elton John	United Kingdom	1962–present<ref name="Allmusic: Elton John (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1970<ref name="Allmusic: Elton John (Biography)" />	Pop / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Elton John (Biography)" />	Template:Ntsh	300 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 250 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Queen	United Kingdom	1971–present<ref name="Allmusic: Queen (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1973<ref name="Allmusic: Queen (Biography)" />	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Queen (Biography)" />	Template:Ntsh	300 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 250 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Madonna	United States	1979–present<ref name="Allmusic: Madonna (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1982<ref name="Allmusic: Madonna (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Madonna (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	300 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 250 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Led Zeppelin	United Kingdom	1968–1980<ref name="Allmusic: Led Zeppelin (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1969<ref name="Allmusic: Led Zeppelin (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Led Zeppelin (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	300 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 200 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Rihanna	Barbados	2003–present<ref name="Allmusic: Rihanna (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2005<ref name="Allmusic: Rihanna (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Rihanna (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	250 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 230 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Pink Floyd	United Kingdom	1965–1996, 2005, 2012–2014<ref name="Allmusic: Pink Floyd (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	1967<ref name="Allmusic: Pink Floyd (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Pink Floyd (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	250 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 200 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

200 million to 249 million records

• 
  Eminem
• 
  Mariah Carey
• 
  Whitney Houston
• 
  Taylor Swift
• 
  Beyoncé
• Error creating thumbnail:
  Ed Sheeran
• Error creating thumbnail:
  AC/DC

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)Template:Efn	Claimed sales
Eminem	United States	1996–present<ref name="Allmusic: Eminem (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1999<ref name="Allmusic: Eminem (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop<ref name="Allmusic: Eminem (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	220 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Mariah Carey	United States	1988–present<ref name="Allmusic: Mariah Carey (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1990<ref name="Allmusic: Mariah Carey (Biography)" />	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Mariah Carey (Biography)" />	Template:Ntsh	220 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Whitney Houston	United States	1977–2012<ref name="Allmusic: Whitney Houston (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1984<ref name="Allmusic: Whitney Houston (Biography)" />	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Whitney Houston (Biography)" />	Template:Ntsh	220 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Taylor Swift	United States	2006–present<ref name="Allmusic: Taylor Swift (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2006<ref name="Allmusic: Taylor Swift (Biography)"/>	Pop / country<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Template:Ntsh	200 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 170 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Beyoncé	United States	1997–present<ref name="Allmusic: Beyonce (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Beyonce (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	200 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 160 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Ed Sheeran	United Kingdom	2004–present<ref name="Allmusic: Ed Sheeran (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2011<ref name="Allmusic: Ed Sheeran (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Ed Sheeran (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	200 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
AC/DC	Australia	1973–present<ref name="Allmusic: AC/DC (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1975<ref name="Allmusic: AC/DC (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: AC/DC (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	200 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Eagles	United States	1971–1980, 1994–present<ref name="Allmusic: Eagles (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1972<ref name="Allmusic: Eagles (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Eagles (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	200 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Celine Dion	Canada	1981–present<ref name="Allmusic: Celine Dion (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1981<ref name="Allmusic: Celine Dion (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Celine Dion (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	200 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Rolling Stones	United Kingdom	1962–present<ref name="Allmusic: The Rolling Stones (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1963<ref name="Allmusic: The Rolling Stones (Biography)" />	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: The Rolling Stones (Biography)" />	Template:Ntsh	200 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

120 million to 199 million records

• Drake
  Drake
• Garth Brooks
  Garth Brooks
• Kanye West
  Kanye West
• Coldplay
  Coldplay
• Billy Joel
  Billy Joel
• Katy Perry
  Katy Perry
• Justin Bieber
  Justin Bieber

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)Template:Efn	Claimed sales
Drake	Canada	2001–present<ref name="Allmusic: Drake (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2009<ref name="Allmusic: Drake (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop / pop / R&B<ref name="Allmusic: Drake (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	170 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Garth Brooks	United States	1989–present<ref name="Allmusic: Garth Brooks (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1989<ref name="Allmusic: Garth Brooks (Biography)"/>	Country<ref name="Allmusic: Garth Brooks (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	170 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Kanye West	United States	1996–present<ref name="Allmusic: Kanye West (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2003<ref name="Allmusic: Kanye West (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop<ref name="Allmusic: Kanye West (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	160 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Coldplay	United Kingdom	1997–present<ref name="Allmusic: Coldplay (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1999<ref name="Allmusic: Coldplay (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Coldplay (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	160 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Billy Joel	United States	1964–present<ref name="Allmusic: Billy Joel (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1971<ref name="Allmusic: Billy Joel (Biography)"/>	Pop / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Billy Joel (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	160 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Katy Perry	United States	2001–present<ref name="Allmusic: Katy Perry (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2008<ref name="Allmusic: Katy Perry (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Katy Perry (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	151 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Justin Bieber	Canada	2008–present<ref name="Allmusic: Justin Bieber (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2009<ref name="Allmusic: Justin Bieber (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Justin Bieber (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bruno Mars	United States	2004–present<ref name="Allmusic: Bruno Mars (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2010<ref name="Allmusic: Bruno Mars (Biography)"/>	Pop / R&B<ref name="Allmusic: Bruno Mars (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Britney Spears	United States	1998–present<ref name="Allmusic: Britney Spears (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1998<ref name="Allmusic: Britney Spears (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Britney Spears (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Metallica	United States	1981–present<ref name="Allmusic: Metallica (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1983<ref name="Allmusic: Metallica (Biography)"/>	Heavy metal / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Metallica (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bruce Springsteen	United States	1972–present<ref name="Allmusic: Bruce Springsteen (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1973<ref name="Allmusic: Bruce Springsteen (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Bruce Springsteen (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
U2	Ireland	1976–present<ref name="Allmusic: U2 (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1980<ref name="Allmusic: U2 (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: U2 (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Aerosmith	United States	1970–present<ref name="Allmusic: Aerosmith (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1973<ref name="Allmusic: Aerosmith (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Aerosmith (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Phil Collins	United Kingdom	1980–2011, 2015–present<ref name="Allmusic: Phil Collins (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1981<ref name="Allmusic: Phil Collins (Biography)"/>	Pop / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Phil Collins (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Barbra Streisand	United States	1960–present<ref name="Allmusic: Barbra Streisand (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1963<ref name="Allmusic: Barbra Streisand (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Barbra Streisand (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
ABBA	Sweden	1972–1982, 2016–present<ref name="Allmusic: ABBA (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1972<ref name="Allmusic: ABBA (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: ABBA (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Julio Iglesias	Spain	1968–present<ref name="Allmusic: Julio Iglesias (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1968<ref name="Allmusic: Julio Iglesias (Biography)"/>	Latin / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Julio Iglesias (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Frank Sinatra	United States	1935–1971, 1973–1995<ref name="Allmusic: Frank Sinatra (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1940<ref name="Allmusic: Frank Sinatra (Biography)"/>	Easy listening / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Frank Sinatra (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	150 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Chris Brown	United States	2005–present<ref name="Allmusic: Chris Brown (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2005<ref name="Allmusic: Chris Brown (Biography)"/>	R&B / hip-hop / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Chris Brown (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	140 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Jay-Z	United States	1996–present<ref name="Allmusic: Jay-Z (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1996<ref name="Allmusic: Jay-Z (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop<ref name="Allmusic: Jay-Z (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	125 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Lady Gaga	United States	2005–present<ref name="Allmusic: Lady Gaga (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2008<ref name="Allmusic: Lady Gaga (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Lady Gaga (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	124 million<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Lil Wayne	United States	1996–present<ref name="Allmusic: Lil Wayne (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1999<ref name="Allmusic: Lil Wayne (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop<ref name="Allmusic: Lil Wayne (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Maroon 5	United States	1994–present<ref name="Allmusic: Maroon 5 (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2002<ref name="Allmusic: Maroon 5 (Biography)"/>	Pop / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Maroon 5 (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Adele	United Kingdom	2006–present<ref name="Allmusic: Adele (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2008<ref name="Allmusic: Adele (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Adele (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Red Hot Chili Peppers	United States	1983–present<ref name="Allmusic: Red Hot Chili Peppers (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1987<ref name="Allmusic: Red Hot Chili Peppers (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Red Hot Chili Peppers (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Bon Jovi	United States	1983–present<ref name="Allmusic: Bon Jovi (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1983<ref name="Allmusic: Bon Jovi (Biography)"/>	Heavy metal / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Bon Jovi (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Fleetwood Mac	United Kingdom United States	1967–present<ref name="Allmusic: Fleetwood Mac (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1968<ref name="Allmusic: Fleetwood Mac (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Fleetwood Mac (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Rod Stewart	United Kingdom	1964–present<ref name="Allmusic: Rod Stewart (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1969<ref name="Allmusic: Rod Stewart (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Rod Stewart (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bee Gees	United Kingdom Australia<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>	1963–2003 2009–2012<ref name="Allmusic: Bee Gees (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1963<ref name="Allmusic: Bee Gees (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Bee Gees (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Roberto Carlos	Brazil	1961–present<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	1963	Latin	Template:Ntsh	120 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

100 million to 119 million records

• Nicki Minaj
  Nicki Minaj
• Linkin Park
  Linkin Park
• George Strait
  George Strait
• Journey
  Journey
• Pink
  Pink
• Shania Twain
  Shania Twain

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)Template:Efn	Claimed sales
Nicki Minaj	Trinidad and Tobago	2007–present<ref name="Allmusic: Nicki Minaj (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2010<ref name="Allmusic: Nicki Minaj (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Nicki Minaj (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Linkin Park	United States	1996–present<ref name="Allmusic: Linkin Park (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2000<ref name="Allmusic: Linkin Park (Biography)"/>	Heavy metal / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Linkin Park (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
George Strait	United States	1981–present<ref name="Allmusic: George Strait (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1984<ref name="Allmusic: George Strait (Biography)"/>	Country<ref name="Allmusic: George Strait (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Journey	United States	1973–present<ref name="Allmusic: Journey (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1975<ref name="Allmusic: Journey (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Journey (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Pink	United States	1995–present<ref name="Allmusic: Pink (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2000<ref name="Allmusic: Pink (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Pink (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Shania Twain	Canada	1993–present<ref name="Allmusic: Shania Twain (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1993<ref name="Allmusic: Shania Twain (Biography)"/>	Country / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Shania Twain (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Sortname	United States	1993–present<ref name="Allmusic: Christina Aguilera (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1998<ref name="Allmusic: Christina Aguilera (Biography)"/>	Pop / R&B<ref name="Allmusic: Christina Aguilera (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
B'z	Japan	1988–present<ref name="Allmusic: B'z (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1988<ref name="Allmusic: B'z (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: B'z (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Guns N' Roses	United States	1985–present<ref name="Allmusic: Guns N' Roses (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1987<ref name="Allmusic: Guns N' Roses (Biography)"/>	Rock / heavy metal<ref name="Allmusic: Guns N' Roses (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Backstreet Boys	United States	1993–present<ref name="Allmusic: Backstreet Boys (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1995<ref name="Allmusic: Backstreet Boys (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Backstreet Boys (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Eric Clapton	United Kingdom	1962–present<ref name="Allmusic: Eric Clapton (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1970<ref name="Allmusic: Eric Clapton (Biography)"/>	Pop / rock / blues<ref name="Allmusic: Eric Clapton (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Neil Diamond	United States	1966–present<ref name="Allmusic: Neil Diamond (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1966<ref name="Allmusic: Neil Diamond (Biography)"/>	Pop / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Neil Diamond (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Prince	United States	1976–2016<ref name="Allmusic: Prince (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1978<ref name="Allmusic: Prince (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Prince (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Paul McCartney	United Kingdom	1960–present<ref name="Allmusic: Paul McCartney (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1970<ref name="Allmusic: Paul McCartney (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Paul McCartney (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Janet Jackson	United States	1982–present<ref name="Allmusic: Janet Jackson (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1982<ref name="Allmusic: Janet Jackson (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Janet Jackson (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Kenny Rogers	United States	1958–2020<ref name="Allmusic: Kenny Rogers (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1975<ref name="Allmusic: Kenny Rogers (Biography)"/>	Country / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Kenny Rogers (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Santana	United States	1966–present<ref name="Allmusic: Santana (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1969<ref name="Allmusic: Santana (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Santana (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Simon & Garfunkel	United States	1956–2004<ref name="Allmusic: Simon & Garfunkel (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1964<ref name="Allmusic: Simon & Garfunkel (Biography)"/>	Rock / folk<ref name="Allmusic: Simon & Garfunkel (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Doors	United States	1965–1973<ref name="Allmusic: The Doors (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1967<ref name="Allmusic: The Doors (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: The Doors (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
George Michael	United Kingdom	1981–2016<ref name="Allmusic: George Michael (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1984<ref name="Allmusic: George Michael (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: George Michael (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Dire Straits	United Kingdom	1977–1995<ref name="Allmusic: Dire Straits (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1978<ref name="Allmusic: Dire Straits (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Dire Straits (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Foreigner	United States United Kingdom	1976–present<ref name="Allmusic: Foreigner (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1977<ref name="Allmusic: Foreigner (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Foreigner (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Chicago	United States	1967–present<ref name="Allmusic: Chicago (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1969<ref name="Allmusic: Chicago (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Chicago (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bob Dylan	United States	1959–present<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Dylan (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1963<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Dylan (Biography)"/>	Rock / folk<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Dylan (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Meat Loaf	United States	1968–2022<ref name="Allmusic: Meat Loaf (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1977<ref name="Allmusic: Meat Loaf (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Meat Loaf (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Carpenters	United States	1969–1983<ref name="Allmusic: Carpenters (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1969<ref name="Allmusic: Carpenters (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Carpenters (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Cher	United States	1964–present<ref name="Allmusic: Cher (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1965<ref name="Allmusic: Cher (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Cher (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Earth, Wind & Fire	United States	1969–present<ref name="Allmusic: Earth, Wind & Fire (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1971<ref name="Allmusic: Earth, Wind & Fire (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Earth, Wind & Fire (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
David Bowie	United Kingdom	1962–2016<ref name="Allmusic: David Bowie (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1967<ref name="Allmusic: David Bowie (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: David Bowie (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Def Leppard	United Kingdom	1977–present<ref name="Allmusic: Def Leppard (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1979<ref name="Allmusic: Def Leppard (Biography)"/>	Heavy metal / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Def Leppard (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Stevie Wonder	United States	1961–present<ref name="Allmusic: Stevie Wonder (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1962<ref name="Allmusic: Stevie Wonder (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Stevie Wonder (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Genesis	United Kingdom	1967–1999 2006–2007 2020–2022<ref name="Allmusic: Genesis (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1969<ref name="Allmusic: Genesis (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Genesis (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Gloria Estefan	United States	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	1984<ref name="Allmusic: Gloria Estefan (Biography)"/>	Latin / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Gloria Estefan (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Tina Turner	United States	1958–2009<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	1960<ref name="Allmusic: Tina Turner (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	R&B / rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Tina Turner (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
James Taylor	United States	1968–present<ref name="Allmusic: James Taylor (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1970<ref name="Allmusic: James Taylor (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: James Taylor (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Olivia Newton-John	United Kingdom Australia	1966–2022<ref name="Allmusic: Olivia Newton-John (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1966<ref name="Allmusic: Olivia Newton-John (Biography)"/>	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Olivia Newton-John (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Linda Ronstadt	United States	1967–2011<ref name="Allmusic: Linda Ronstadt (Overview)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1968<ref name="Allmusic: Linda Ronstadt (Overview)"/>	Rock / folk / pop / country<ref name="Allmusic: Linda Ronstadt (Overview)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Beach Boys	United States	1961–present<ref name="Allmusic: The Beach Boys (Overview)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1962<ref name="Allmusic: The Beach Boys (Overview)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: The Beach Boys (Overview)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Donna Summer	United States	1968–2012<ref name="Allmusic: Donna Summer (Overview)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1974<ref name="Allmusic: Donna Summer (Overview)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Donna Summer (Overview)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Diana Ross	United States	1959–present<ref name="Allmusic: Diana Ross (Overview)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1970<ref name="Allmusic: Diana Ross (Overview)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Diana Ross (Overview)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Supremes	United States	1959–1977<ref name="Allmusic: The Supremes (Overview)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1962<ref name="Allmusic: The Supremes (Overview)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: The Supremes (Overview)"/>	Template:Ntsh	100 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

80 million to 99 million records

• Shakira
  Shakira
• Ariana Grande
  Ariana Grande
• Alicia Keys
  Alicia Keys
• Tim McGraw
  Tim McGraw
• Lionel Richie
  Lionel Richie
• Johnny Cash
  Johnny Cash
• Justin Timberlake
  Justin Timberlake

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)Template:Efn	Claimed sales
Shakira	Colombia	1988–present<ref name="Allmusic: Shakira (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1995<ref name="Allmusic: Shakira (Biography)" />	Latin / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Shakira (Biography)" />	Template:Ntsh	95 million<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Ariana Grande	United States	2008–present<ref name="Allmusic: Ariana Grande (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2013<ref name="Allmusic: Ariana Grande (Biography)"/>	Pop / R&B<ref name="Allmusic: Ariana Grande (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	90 million<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Alicia Keys	United States	1996–present<ref name="Allmusic: Alicia Keys (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2001<ref name="Allmusic: Alicia Keys (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Alicia Keys (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	90 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Tim McGraw	United States	1990–present<ref name="Allmusic: Tim McGraw (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1994<ref name="Allmusic: Tim McGraw (Biography)"/>	Country<ref name="Allmusic: Tim McGraw (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	90 million<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Lionel Richie	United States	1968–present<ref name="Allmusic: Lionel Richie (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1981<ref name="Allmusic: Lionel Richie (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Lionel Richie (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	90 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Johnny Cash	United States	1954–2003<ref name="Allmusic: Johnny Cash (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1956<ref name="Allmusic: Johnny Cash (Biography)"/>	Country / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Johnny Cash (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	90 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Justin Timberlake	United States	1992–present<ref name="Allmusic: Justin Timberlake (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2002<ref name="Allmusic: Justin Timberlake (Biography)"/>	Pop / R&B<ref name="Allmusic: Justin Timberlake (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	88 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
R.E.M.	United States	1980–2011<ref name="Allmusic: R.E.M. (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1983<ref name="Allmusic: R.E.M. (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: R.E.M. (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	85 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Kelly Clarkson	United States	2002–present<ref name="Allmusic: Kelly Clarkson (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2002<ref name="Allmusic: Kelly Clarkson (Biography)" />	Pop<ref name="Allmusic: Kelly Clarkson (Biography)" />	Template:Ntsh	82 million<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Post Malone	United States	2013–present<ref name="Allmusic: Post Malone (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2015<ref name="Allmusic: Post Malone (Biography)"/>	Pop / hip-hop<ref name="Allmusic: Post Malone (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	80 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Flo Rida	United States	2007–present<ref name="Allmusic: Flo Rida (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2007<ref name="Allmusic: Flo Rida (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Flo Rida (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	80 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Usher	United States	1991–present<ref name="Allmusic: Usher (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1994<ref name="Allmusic: Usher (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Usher (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	80 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Black Eyed Peas	United States	1995–present<ref name="Allmusic: The Black Eyed Peas (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1998<ref name="Allmusic: The Black Eyed Peas (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop / pop<ref name="Allmusic: The Black Eyed Peas (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	80 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Van Halen	United States	1978–2020<ref name="Allmusic: Van Halen (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1978<ref name="Allmusic: Van Halen (Biography)"/>	Rock / heavy metal<ref name="Allmusic: Van Halen (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	80 million<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Ayumi Hamasaki	Japan	1998–present<ref name="Allmusic: Ayumi Hamasaki (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1998<ref name="Allmusic: Ayumi Hamasaki (Biography)"/>	Pop / world <ref name="Allmusic: Ayumi Hamasaki (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	80 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Tom Petty	United States	1976–2017<ref name="Allmusic: Tom Petty (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1977<ref name="Allmusic: Tom Petty (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Tom Petty (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	80 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Johnny Hallyday	France	1957–2017<ref name="Allmusic: Johnny Hallyday (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1960<ref name="Allmusic: Johnny Hallyday (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Johnny Hallyday (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	80 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

75 million to 79 million records

• The Weeknd
  The Weeknd
• Imagine Dragons
  Imagine Dragons
• Luke Bryan
  Luke Bryan
• Green Day
  Green Day
• Alabama
  Alabama

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)Template:Efn	Claimed sales
The Weeknd	Canada	2010–present<ref name="Allmusic: The Weeknd (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2013<ref name="Allmusic: The Weeknd (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: The Weeknd (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Imagine Dragons	United States	2008–present<ref name="Allmusic: Imagine Dragons (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2012<ref name="Allmusic: Imagine Dragons (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Imagine Dragons (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Luke Bryan	United States	2001–present<ref name="Allmusic: Luke Bryan (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	2007<ref name="Allmusic: Usher (Biography)"/>	Country<ref name="Allmusic: Usher (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Tupac Shakur	United States	1991–1996<ref name="Allmusic: 2 Pac (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1991<ref name="Allmusic: 2 Pac (Biography)"/>	Hip-hop<ref name="Allmusic: 2 Pac (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Nirvana	United States	1987–1994<ref name="Allmusic: Nirvana (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1990<ref name="Allmusic: Nirvana (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Nirvana (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Green Day	United States	1987–present<ref name="Allmusic: Green Day (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1994<ref name="Allmusic: The Black Eyed Peas (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Green Day (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Alabama	United States	1972–present<ref name="Allmusic: Alabama (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1980<ref name="Allmusic: Alabama (Biography)"/>	Country / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Alabama (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Oasis	United Kingdom	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> 2024–present<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Oasis (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
R. Kelly	United States	1989–2019<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	R&B / hip-hop / pop<ref name="Allmusic: R. Kelly (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Robbie Williams	United Kingdom	1990–present<ref name="Allmusic: Robbie Williams (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1996<ref name="Allmusic: Robbie Williams (Biography)"/>	Pop / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Robbie Williams (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bob Seger	United States	1961–present<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Seger (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1967<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Seger (Biography)"/>	Rock<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Seger (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Kenny G	United States	1982–present<ref name="Allmusic: Kenny G (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1984<ref name="Allmusic: Kenny G (Biography)"/>	Jazz / easy listening<ref name="Allmusic: Kenny G (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Enya	Ireland	1982–present<ref name="Allmusic: Enya (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1987<ref name="Allmusic: Enya (Biography)"/>	New-age / world<ref name="Allmusic: Enya (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bryan Adams	Canada	1979–present<ref name="Allmusic: Bryan Adams (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1979<ref name="Allmusic: Bryan Adams (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Bryan Adams (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bob Marley	Jamaica	1962–1981<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Marley (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1975<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Marley (Biography)"/>	Reggae<ref name="Allmusic: Bob Marley (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The Police	United Kingdom	1977–1986 2007–2008<ref name="Allmusic: The Police (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1978<ref name="Allmusic: The Police (Biography)"/>	Rock / pop<ref name="Allmusic: The Police (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Barry Manilow	United States	1973–present<ref name="Allmusic: Barry Manilow (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1973<ref name="Allmusic: Barry Manilow (Biography)"/>	Pop / rock<ref name="Allmusic: Barry Manilow (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Kiss	United States	1972–2023<ref name="Allmusic: Kiss (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1974<ref name="Allmusic: Kiss (Biography)"/>	Rock / heavy metal<ref name="Allmusic: Kiss (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Aretha Franklin	United States	1956–2018<ref name="Allmusic: Aretha Franklin (Biography)">Template:Cite news</ref>	1961<ref name="Allmusic: Aretha Franklin (Biography)"/>	R&B / pop<ref name="Allmusic: Aretha Franklin (Biography)"/>	Template:Ntsh	75 million<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

See also

• List of best-selling albums
  • List of best-selling albums by country
• List of best-selling singles
  • List of best-selling singles by country
• Best-selling artists by nationality
  • List of best-selling Belgian music artists
  • List of biggest-selling British music artists
  • List of estimated best-selling Italian music artists
  • List of best-selling Swedish music artists
• Best-selling artists by territory
  • List of best-selling music artists in Brazil
  • List of best-selling music artists in Finland
  • List of highest-certified music artists in Germany
  • List of best-selling music artists in Japan
  • List of best-selling female music artists in the United Kingdom
  • List of highest-certified music artists in the United States
• Best-selling artists by genre
  • List of best-selling Latin music artists
  • List of best-selling boy groups
  • List of best-selling girl groups
  • List of best-selling female rappers
  • List of best-selling gospel music artists
• IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year