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%. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and almost all other certifying bodies count streaming towards Gold and Platinum thresholds required for certification. 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. 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. Kanye West's album The Life of Pablo was certified platinum exclusively through streaming. 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.

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".

Artists by reputed sales

250 million or more records

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)	Claimed sales
The Beatles	United Kingdom	1960–1970	1962	Rock / pop	295.9 million US: 217.25 million JPN: 4.95 million GER: 8 million UK: 35.155 million FRA: 4.09 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.06 million BRA: 670,000 NLD: 345,000 ITA: 640,000 SPA: 1.785 million SWE: 485,000 NOR: 200,000 DEN: 610,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.926 million BEL: 440,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 FIN: 118,048 NZ: 660,000 POR: 135,000	600 million 500 million
Michael Jackson	United States	1964–2009	1971	R&B / pop	298.3 million US: 178.3 million JPN: 4.65 million GER: 14.825 million UK: 46.98 million FRA: 11.7 million CAN: 10.35 million AUS: 7.72 million BRA: 460,000 NLD: 2.2 million ITA: 1.8 million SPA: 2.795 million SWE: 1.33 million NOR: 275,000 DEN: 3.119 million SWI: 1.01 million MEX: 5.69 million ARG: 664,000 BEL: 695,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 2.06 million POR: 160,000	500 million 400 million
Elvis Presley	United States	1953–1977	1956	Rock / pop / country / gospel	235.4 million US: 199.65 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.8 million UK: 23.215 million FRA: 2.59 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.867 million BRA: 125,000 NLD: 555,000 ITA: 285,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE: 380,000 NOR: 130,000 DEN: 210,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 POR: 100,000	500 million
Elton John	United Kingdom	1962–present	1970	Pop / rock	216.8 million US: 140.55 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 8.1 million UK: 40.605 million FRA: 5.158 million CAN: 6.295 million AUS: 4.697 million BRA: 855,000 NLD: 975,000 ITA: 300,000 SPA: 1.38 million SWE: 980,000 NOR: 400,000 DEN: 870,000 SWI: 1.333 million MEX: 450,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 870,000 AUT: 915,000 POL: 445,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 420,000	300 million 250 million
Queen	United Kingdom	1971–present	1973	Rock / pop	201.1 million US: 108.7 million JPN: 3.8 million GER: 12.525 million UK: 49.21 million FRA: 5.22 million CAN: 2.47 million AUS: 3.792 million BRA: 1.27 million NLD: 1.99 million ITA: 1.87 million SPA: 3.3 million SWE: 190,000 NOR: 150,000 DEN: 1.17 million SWI: 1.256 million ARG: 1.08 million BEL: 190,000 AUT: 900,000 POL: 940,000 FIN: 366,152 NZ: 515,000 POR: 222,000	300 million 250 million
Madonna	United States	1979–present	1982	Pop	193.4 million US: 91.675 million JPN: 6.45 million GER: 12.95 million UK: 34.10 million FRA: 13.105 million CAN: 6.03 million AUS: 5.737 million BRA: 4.380 million NLD: 1.745 million ITA: 3.700 million SPA: 3.280 million SWE: 1.07 million NOR: 280,000 DEN: 947,000 SWI: 1.28 million MEX: 550,000 ARG: 2.102 million BEL: 1.055 million AUT: 645,000 POL: 690,000 FIN: 665,267 NZ: 820,000 POR: 152,000	300 million 250 million
Led Zeppelin	United Kingdom	1968–1980	1969	Rock	143.1 million US: 115.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 11.43 million FRA: 2.31 million CAN: 4.71 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 970,000 ITA: 535,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000	300 million 200 million
Rihanna	Barbados	2003–present	2005	R&B / pop	411.2 million US: 288.55 million JPN: 1.4 million GER: 12.425 million UK: 61.7 million FRA: 2.316 million CAN: 5.52 million AUS: 10.2 million BRA: 15.512 million ITA: 2.075 million SPA: 1.800 million SWE: 2.6 million DEN: 2.796 million SWI: 860,000 MEX: 860,000 BEL: 800,000 AUT: 165,000 POL: 820,000 IRE: 240,000 NZ: 712,500 POR: 127,500	250 million 230 million
Pink Floyd	United Kingdom	1965–1996, 2005, 2012–2014	1967	Rock	124.8 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 15.11 million FRA: 6.26 million CAN: 6.79 million AUS: 3.242 million BRA: 515,000 NLD: 435,000 ITA: 1.81 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 NOR: 165,000 DEN: 290,000 SWI: 390,000 MEX: 210,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 165,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 770,000 NZ: 787,500 POR: 194,500	250 million 200 million

200 million to 249 million records

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)	Claimed sales
Eminem	United States	1996–present	1999	Hip-hop	345.8 million US: 242.7 million JPN: 2.9 million GER: 12.625 million UK: 54.425 million FRA: 3.665 million CAN: 4.57 million AUS: 10.307 million BRA: 4.4 million NLD: 250,000 ITA: 1.35 million SPA: 1.18 million SWE: 970,000 NOR: 345,000 DEN: 2.606 million SWI: 790,000 MEX: 365,000 BEL: 515,000 AUT: 377,500 POL: 310,000 FIN: 130,351 IRE: 270,000 NZ: 712,500 POR: 105,000	220 million
Mariah Carey	United States	1988–present	1990	R&B / pop	236 million US: 169.8 million JPN: 14.5 million GER: 5 million UK: 21.1 million FRA: 5.170 million CAN: 5.570 million AUS: 6.170 million BRA: 2.155 million NLD: 1.425 million ITA: 700,000 SPA: 1.320 million SWE: 425,000 NOR: 575,000 DEN: 740,000 SWI: 515,000 BEL: 325,000 AUT: 200,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 662,500	220 million
Whitney Houston	United States	1977–2012	1984	R&B / pop / gospel	184.292 million US: 124.875 million JPN: 5.710 million GER: 7 million UK: 24.845 million FRA: 4.375 million CAN: 3.75 million AUS: 2.52 million BRA: 1.065 million NLD: 780,000 ITA: 2.055 million SPA: 1.26 million SWE: 1.035 million NOR: 480,000 DEN: 1.08 million SWI: 915,000 ARG: 240,000 BEL: 480,000 AUT: 565,000 POL: 240,000 FIN: 247,222 NZ: 775,000	220 million
Taylor Swift	United States	2006–present	2006	Pop / country / folk	348.4 million US: 244 million JPN: 3.3 million GER: 7.425 million UK: 66.3 million FRA: 649,000 CAN: 7.631 million AUS: 31.205 million BRA: 12.47 million ITA: 2.095 million SPA: 2.35 million SWE: 320,000 NOR: 1.2 million DEN: 2.505 million MEX: 3.13 million BEL: 320,000 AUT: 152,000 POL: 830,000 NZ: 5.782 million POR: 424,000	200 million 170 million
Beyoncé	United States	1997–present	2002	R&B / pop	311.385 million US: 226.08 million JPN: 1.7 million GER: 5.51 million UK: 39.53 million FRA: 2.110 million CAN: 8.45 million AUS: 9.44 million BRA: 8.74 million NLD: 135,000 ITA: 1.42 million SPA: 2.010 million SWE: 435,000 NOR: 235,000 DEN: 1.12 million SWI: 220,000 MEX: 280,000 BEL: 240,000 POL: 370,000 NZ: 2.15 million	200 million 160 million
Ed Sheeran	United Kingdom	2004–present	2011	Pop	288 million US: 129 million JPN: 350,000 GER: 13.35 million UK: 92.12 million FRA: 4.156 million CAN: 12.64 million AUS: 13.865 million BRA: 720,000 NLD: 370,000 ITA: 4.855 million SPA: 1.34 million SWE: 1.68 million NOR: 395,000 DEN: 6.145 million SWI: 675,000 MEX: 270,000 BEL: 860,000 AUT: 865,000 POL: 2.32 million NZ: 1.785 million POR: 330,000	200 million
AC/DC	Australia	1973–present	1975	Rock	188.8 million US: 128.2 million GER: 14,05 million UK: 10.565 million FRA: 4.38 million CAN: 9.28 million AUS: 8.65 million BRA: 1 million ITA: 1.72 million SPA: 2.265 million SWE: 350,000 DEN: 780,000 SWI: 914,000 MEX: 1.59 million ARG: 594,000 BEL: 100,000 AUT: 395,000 POL: 115,000 FIN: 321,169 NZ: 1,33 million POR: 116,500	200 million
Eagles	United States	1971–1980, 1994–present	1972	Rock	153.7 million US: 127.9 million JPN: 600,000 GER: 925,000 UK: 11.585 million FRA: 2.04 million CAN: 4.2 million AUS: 4.025 million NLD: 540,000 ITA: 200,000 SPA: 620,000 SWE: 140,000 DEN: 240,000 SWI: 290,000 FIN: 124,749 NZ: 367,500	200 million
Celine Dion	Canada	1981–present	1981	Pop / world	150.5 million US: 67.05 million JPN: 7.15 million GER: 8.65 million UK: 20.275 million FRA: 16.068 million CAN: 15.005 million AUS: 3.827 million BRA: 505,000 NLD: 2.18 million ITA: 100,000 SPA: 1.03 million SWE: 1.105 million NOR: 860,000 DEN: 800,000 SWI: 1.685 million ARG: 340,000 BEL: 2.16 million AUT: 440,000 POL: 700,000 FIN: 356,183 NZ: 410,000	200 million
The Rolling Stones	United Kingdom	1962–present	1963	Rock / blues	104.1 million US: 74.75 million JPN: 950,000 GER: 3.8 million UK: 12.93 million FRA: 3.38 million CAN: 3.025 million AUS: 697,500 BRA: 275.000 NLD: 610,000 ITA: 375,000 SPA: 990,000 SWE: 310,000 NOR: 100,000 DEN: 170,000 SWI: 238,000 ARG: 718,000 BEL: 220,000 AUT: 300,000 POL: 140,000 NZ: 190,000	200 million

120 million to 199 million records

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)	Claimed sales
Drake	Canada	2001–present	2009	Hip-hop / R&B / pop	556.8 million US: 432.78 million GER: 2.65 million UK: 72.4 million FRA: 3.949 million CAN: 9.72 million AUS: 18.83 million BRA: 6.53 million ITA: 1.885 million SPA: 1.31 million SWE: 1.31 million DEN: 2.96 million MEX: 1.2 million BEL: 315,000 AUT: 127,500 POL: 390,000 NZ: 562,500 POR: 350,000	170 million
Garth Brooks	United States	1989–present	1989	Country	170.3 million US: 163.4 million UK: 520,000 CAN: 5.73 million AUS: 595,000 IRE: 120,000	170 million
Kanye West	United States	1996–present	2003	Hip-hop / pop / gospel	295.3 million US: 247.55 million JPN: 200,000 GER: 1.75 million UK: 38.46 million FRA: 225,000 CAN: 1.66 million AUS: 3.22 million ITA: 540,000 SWE: 300,000 DEN: 1.715 million NZ: 177,500	160 million
Coldplay	United Kingdom	1997–present	1999	Rock / pop	168.1 million US: 61.6 million JPN: 750,000 GER: 9.65 million UK: 52.405 million FRA: 4.428 million KOR: 2.5 million CAN: 3.97 million AUS: 8.8 million BRA: 1.64 million NLD: 410,000 ITA: 4.855 million SPA: 3.5 million SWE: 390,000 NOR: 260,000 DEN: 3.194 million SWI: 635,000 MEX: 3.25 million ARG: 528,000 BEL: 680,000 AUT: 295,000 POL: 797,500 IRE: 210,000 NZ: 2.530 million POR: 824,000	160 million
Billy Joel	United States	1964–present	1971	Pop / rock	136 million US: 116.35 million JPN: 2 million GER: 1.25 million UK: 9.815 million FRA: 1.025 million CAN: 3.275 million AUS: 1.687 million NLD: 350,000 AUT: 125,000 NZ: 162,500	160 million
Katy Perry	United States	2001–present	2008	Pop	230.647 million US: 148.96 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 5.75 million UK: 29 million FRA: 1.124 million CAN: 12.64 million AUS: 13.26 million BRA: 8.25 million ITA: 1.22 million SPA: 850,000 SWE: 580,000 NOR: 2.69 million DEN: 1.16 million SWI: 195,000 MEX: 1.35 million BEL: 150,000 AUT: 662,500 POL: 375,000 NZ: 2.025 million	151 million
Justin Bieber	Canada	2008–present	2009	Pop / R&B	313.46 million US: 201 million JPN: 950,000 GER: 6.2 million UK: 39.945 million FRA: 2.38 million CAN: 9.38 million AUS: 9.24 million BRA: 13.96 million ITA: 3.015 million SPA: 1.4 million SWE: 2.91 million NOR: 3.960 million DEN: 5.545 million SWI: 175,000 MEX: 8.99 million BEL: 810,000 AUT: 327,500 POL: 870,000 NZ: 1.275 million POR: 325,000	150 million
Bruno Mars	United States	2004–present	2010	Pop / R&B	236.7 million US: 179.5 million JPN: 1.2 million GER: 3.8 million UK: 28.66 million FRA: 2.25 million CAN: 7 million AUS: 6.965 million BRA: 520,000 NLD: 105,000 ITA: 1.16 million SPA: 1.26 million SWE: 440,000 DEN: 1.525 million SWI: 415,000 MEX: 1.23 million BEL: 360,000 AUT: 180,000 POL: 170,000 NZ: 712,500 PHL: 330,000 POR: 115,000	150 million
Britney Spears	United States	1998–present	1998	Pop	158.243 million US: 105 million JPN: 2.5 million GER: 8.2 million UK: 20.085 million FRA: 4.755 million CAN: 4.22 million AUS: 3.245 million BRA: 705,000 NLD: 665,000 ITA: 525,000 SPA: 1.07 million SWE: 1.01 million NOR: 205,000 DEN: 988,000 SWI: 495,000 MEX: 1.405 million ARG: 452,000 BEL: 940,000 AUT: 395,000 POL: 320,000 FIN: 143,627 NZ: 760,000 POR: 160,000	150 million
Metallica	United States	1981–present	1983	Metal / rock	153.9 million US: 112.6 million JPN: 900,000 GER: 11.725 million UK: 7.985 million FRA: 945,000 CAN: 3.885 million AUS: 6.802 million ITA: 1 million POL: 1.195 million BRA: 380,000 NLD: 460,000 SPA: 420,000 SWE: 675,000 NOR: 320,000 DEN: 500,000 SWI: 560,000 MEX: 430,000 ARG: 874,000 BEL: 385,000 AUT: 340,000 FIN: 530,676 NZ: 945,000	150 million
Bruce Springsteen	United States	1972–present	1973	Rock / folk	128.7 million US: 95.15 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 4.425 million UK: 12.41 million FRA: 2.037 million CAN: 3.2 million AUS: 3.537 million BRA: 100,000 NLD: 740,000 ITA: 740,000 SPA: 2 million SWE: 810,000 NOR: 340,000 DEN: 620,000 SWI: 535,000 MEX: 280,000 BEL: 230,000 AUT: 290,000 FIN: 449,800 IRE: 189,500 NZ: 375,000	150 million
U2	Ireland	1976–present	1980	Rock	116.7 million US: 53.1 million JPN: 1.45 million GER: 5.8 million UK: 23.945 million FRA: 5.325 million CAN: 7.155 million AUS: 4.622 million BRA: 2.8 million NLD: 1.24 million ITA: 1.08 million SPA: 2.715 million SWE: 515,000 NOR: 150,000 DEN: 838,000 SWI: 771,000 MEX: 835,000 ARG: 966,000 BEL: 770,000 AUT: 522,500 POL: 370,000 FIN: 235,460 IRE: 316,000 NZ: 850,000 POR: 433,000	150 million
Aerosmith	United States	1970–present	1973	Rock	105.4 million US: 87.25 million JPN: 2.7 million GER: 2 million UK: 5.97 million FRA: 225,000 CAN: 3.95 million AUS: 365,000 BRA: 600,000 NLD: 200,000 ITA: 170,000 SPA: 440,000 SWE: 260,000 NOR: 150,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 145,000 MEX: 230,000 ARG: 338,000 AUT: 125,000 POL: 100,000 FIN: 101,722	150 million
Phil Collins	United Kingdom	1980–2011, 2015–present	1981	Pop / rock	101.3 million US: 46.35 million JPN: 800,000 GER: 14.3 million UK: 18.85 million FRA: 6.41 million CAN: 3.875 million AUS: 1.595 million BRA: 1.37 million NLD: 1.15 million ITA: 425,000 SPA: 2.15 million SWE: 245,000 DEN: 390,000 SWI: 973,000 ARG: 1.144 million BEL: 355,000 AUT: 465,000 FIN: 182,581 NZ: 140,000 POR: 208,000	150 million
Barbra Streisand	United States	1960–present	1963	Pop	98.6 million US: 82.45 million GER: 750,000 UK: 6.025 million FRA: 3.25 million CAN: 2.65 million AUS: 2.222 million NLD: 710,000 SPA: 150,000 SWE: 120,000 FIN: 186,501 NZ: 142,500	150 million
ABBA	Sweden	1972–1982, 2016–present	1972	Pop / world	72.21 million US: 12.7 million JPN: 1.5 million GER: 11.35 million UK: 26.665 million FRA: 2.85 million CAN: 2.785 million AUS: 5.662 million BRA: 305,000 NLD: 1.39 million ITA: 175,000 SPA: 1.185 million SWE: 1.02 million DEN: 1.09 million SWI: 600,000 MEX: 260,000 ARG: 238,000 BEL: 470,000 AUT: 197,500 POL: 230,000 FIN: 656,319 NZ: 297,500	150 million
Julio Iglesias	Spain	1968–present	1968	Latin / pop	51.7 million US: 11 million JPN: 800,000 GER: 250,000 UK: 1.62 million FRA: 6.1 million CAN: 1.5 million AUS: 505,000 BRA: 12.475 million NLD: 1.2 million ITA: 435,000 SPA: 8.8 million SWE: 290,000 MEX: 2.975 million ARG: 3.22 million BEL: 125,000 FIN: 131,636 POR: 288,000	150 million
Frank Sinatra	United States	1935–1971, 1973–1995	1940	Easy listening / pop / jazz	41.8 million US: 28.2 million GER: 1 million UK: 9.285 million FRA: 600,000 CAN: 650,000 AUS: 315,000 BRA: 350,000 ITA: 600,000 SPA: 500,000 SWE: 130,000 ARG: 188,000	150 million
Chris Brown	United States	2005–present	2005	R&B / hip-hop / pop	289.7 million US: 237.13 million JPN: 500,000 GER: 2.95 million UK: 30.12 million FRA: 783,333 CAN: 2.43 million AUS: 6.86 million BRA: 1.05 million ITA: 325,000 SPA: 520,000 SWE: 410,000 NOR: 315,000 DEN: 1.53 million SWI: 150,000 MEX: 850,000 POL: 240,000 NZ: 3.555 million	140 million
Jay-Z	United States	1996–present	1996	Hip-hop	178.7 million US: 147.2 million JPN: 1.05 million GER: 2.3 million UK: 21.38 million FRA: 650,000 CAN: 2.45 million AUS: 1.89 million BRA: 110,000 ITA: 335,000 SPA: 410,000 SWE: 210,000 DEN: 275,000 BEL: 100,000	125 million
Lady Gaga	United States	2005–present	2008	Pop / jazz	168.05 million US: 108 million JPN: 5.4 million GER: 5.7 million UK: 24.785 million FRA: 3.603 million CAN: 3.68 million AUS: 4.545 million BRA: 470,000 NLD: 130,000 ITA: 1.715 million SPA: 1.46 million SWE: 680,000 NOR: 2.47 million DEN: 1.135 million SWI: 555,000 MEX: 420,000 BEL: 505,000 AUT: 227,500 POL: 755,000 IRE: 165,000 NZ: 472,500 POR: 120,000	124 million
Lil Wayne	United States	1996–present	1999	Hip-hop	205.1 million US: 195 million GER: 300,000 UK: 9 million FRA: 100,000 CAN: 360,000 AUS: 1.2 million DEN: 190,000	120 million
Maroon 5	United States	1994–present	2002	Pop / rock	147.8 million US: 100.5 million JPN: 2.25 million GER: 3.15 million UK: 21.1 million FRA: 1.625 million CAN: 5.965 million AUS: 4.305 million BRA: 1.05 million ITA: 1.365 million SPA: 350,000 SWE: 850,000 DEN: 1.237 million MEX: 4.055 million SWI: 100,000 BEL: 185,000 POL: 240,000 NZ: 450,000	120 million
Adele	United Kingdom	2006–present	2008	Pop	145.9 million US: 69 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 5 million UK: 40.65 million FRA: 738,333 CAN: 9.06 million AUS: 4.675 million BRA: 4.87 million NLD: 380,000 ITA: 1.845 million SPA: 860,000 SWE: 510,000 NOR: 835,000 DEN: 1.712 million MEX: 2.37 million SWI: 600,000 BEL: 835,000 POL: 340,000 FIN: 151,639 NZ: 727,500 POR: 110,000	120 million
Red Hot Chili Peppers	United States	1983–present	1987	Rock	118.4 million US: 74.25 million JPN: 2.6 million GER: 3.9 million UK: 20.155 million FRA: 1.77 million CAN: 3.31 million AUS: 2.66 million BRA: 1 million ITA: 2.875 million NZ: 1.605 million NLD: 660,000 SPA: 640,000 SWE: 390,000 DEN: 720,000 SWI: 405,000 MEX: 150,000 BEL: 195,000 ARG: 406,000 AUT: 257,500 POL: 315,000 FIN: 171,951	120 million
Bon Jovi	United States	1983–present	1983	Metal / rock	113.2 million US: 72.4 million JPN: 4.4 million GER: 5.65 million UK: 14.19 million FRA: 825,000 CAN: 4.735 million AUS: 3.835 million BRA: 435,000 NLD: 710,000 ITA: 215,000 SPA: 1.62 million SWE: 365,000 DEN: 185,000 SWI: 1.275 million MEX: 250,000 ARG: 358,000 BEL: 290,000 AUT: 725,000 POL: 120,000 FIN: 422,500 NZ: 210,000	120 million
Fleetwood Mac	United Kingdom United States	1967–present	1968	Rock / pop	103.7 million US: 59.25 million GER: 3.5 million UK: 31.725 million FRA: 800,000 CAN: 2.95 million AUS: 3.327 million NLD: 590,000 SPA: 300,000 SWI: 100,000 DEN: 370,000 BEL: 100,000 NZ: 752,500	120 million
Rod Stewart	United Kingdom	1964–present	1969	Rock / pop	84.9 million US: 46.65 million JPN: 500,000 GER: 4.05 million UK: 20.79 million FRA: 1.8 million CAN: 4.055 million AUS: 3.66 million BRA: 980,000 NLD: 140,000 SPA: 290,000 SWE: 440,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 100,000 ARG: 524,000 AUT: 175,000 POL: 220,000 IRE: 195,000 NZ: 285,000	120 million
Bee Gees	United Kingdom Australia	1963–2003 2009–2012	1963	Rock / pop	75.5 million US: 42.5 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 7.175 million UK: 13.325 million FRA: 3.4 million CAN: 4.215 million AUS: 1.987 million BRA: 350,000 ITA: 135,000 NLD: 540,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 415,000 ARG: 188,000 AUT: 125,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 380,000	120 million
Roberto Carlos	Brazil	1961–present	1963	Latin / pop / rock	54.355 million BRA: 52.9 million SPA: 450.000 MEX: 225.000 ARG: 780.000	120 million

100 million to 119 million records

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)	Claimed sales
Nicki Minaj	Trinidad and Tobago	2007–present	2010	Hip-hop / pop	179.5 million US: 132.96 million JPN: 550,000 GER: 2.45 million UK: 24.4 million FRA: 1.099 million CAN: 2.96 million AUS: 4.235 million BRA: 470,000 ITA: 775,000 SPA: 610,000 SWE: 420,000 NOR: 595,000 DEN: 430,000 SWI: 180,000 MEX: 6.96 million POL: 185,000 NZ: 247,500	100 million
Linkin Park	United States	1996–present	2000	Metal / rock	127.4 million US: 79.6 million JPN: 1.55 million GER: 12.050 million UK: 21.085 million FRA: 1.725 million CAN: 1.45 million AUS: 1.512 million BRA: 670,000 ITA: 3.9 million NZ: 1.2 million SPA: 200,000 SWE: 165,000 DEN: 530,000 SWI: 435,000 MEX: 225,000 ARG: 108,000 BEL: 140,000 AUT: 312,500 POL: 270,000 FIN: 120,469 POR: 140,000	100 million
George Strait	United States	1981–present	1984	Country	110.8 million US: 110.15 million CAN: 745,000	100 million
Journey	United States	1973–present	1975	Rock	109.4 million US: 103 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 3 million CAN: 725,000 AUS: 840,000 DEN: 180,000 NZ: 240,000	100 million
Pink	United States	1995–present	2000	Pop / rock / R&B	94.3 million US: 35.725 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 6.325 million UK: 26.085 million FRA: 1.448 million CAN: 7.21 million AUS: 10.57 million BRA: 1.53 million NLD: 215,000 ITA: 450,000 SWE: 710,000 NOR: 215,000 DEN: 516,500 SWI: 675,000 MEX: 750,000 BEL: 275,000 AUT: 447,500 POL: 220,000 FIN: 130,442 NZ: 532,500	100 million
Shania Twain	Canada	1993–present	1993	Country / pop	87.4 million US: 60.9 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 1.75 million UK: 10.355 million FRA: 975,000 CAN: 6.88 million AUS: 2.85 million BRA: 475,000 NLD: 540,000 SPA: 130,000 SWE: 330,000 NOR: 430,000 DEN: 210,000 SWI: 310,000 MEX: 100,000 ARG: 120,000 BEL: 250,000 AUT: 115,000 NZ: 402,500	100 million
Christina Aguilera	United States	1993–present	1998	Pop / R&B	87 million US: 56.2 million JPN: 600,000 GER: 3.675 million UK: 14.110 million FRA: 575,000 CAN: 3.5 million AUS: 3.275 million BRA: 1,540,000 NLD: 170,000 ITA: 215,000 SPA: 590,000 SWE: 500,000 DEN: 768,500 SWI: 225,000 MEX: 905,000 ARG: 100,000 BEL: 260,000 AUT: 140,000 NZ: 195,000	100 million
B'z	Japan	1988–present	1988	Rock / pop / world	86.2 million JPN: 86.250 million	100 million
Guns N' Roses	United States	1985–present	1987	Rock	81.9 million US: 48.5 million JPN: 1.7 million GER: 4.1 million UK: 11.15 million FRA: 1 million CAN: 3.52 million AUS: 3.19 million BRA: 1.9 million NLD: 705,000 ITA: 750,000 SPA: 450,000 SWE: 485,000 NOR: 250,000 DEN: 530,000 SWI: 365,000 MEX: 760,000 ARG: 1.248 million BEL: 165,000 AUT: 365,000 POL: 160,000 IRE: 105,000 FIN: 267,540 NZ: 270,000	100 million
Backstreet Boys	United States	1993–present	1995	Pop	79.9 million US: 44.5 million JPN: 5.4 million GER: 7 million UK: 6.875 million FRA: 325,000 CAN: 3.63 million AUS: 2.485 million BRA: 1.625 million NLD: 830,000 SPA: 1.97 million SWE: 655,000 NOR: 140,000 DEN: 465,000 SWI: 415,000 MEX: 1.475 million ARG: 740,000 BEL: 450,000 AUT: 325,000 POL: 300,000 FIN: 171,390 NZ: 132,500	100 million
Eric Clapton	United Kingdom	1962–present	1970	Pop / rock / blues	71.6 million US: 47.7 million JPN: 3.95 million GER: 3.03 million UK: 7.79 million FRA: 1.475 million CAN: 2.275 million AUS: 1.115 million BRA: 715,000 NLD: 745,000 ITA: 120,000 SPA: 760,000 SWE: 320,000 DEN: 170,000 SWI: 385,000 ARG: 420,000 BEL: 125,000 AUT: 285,000 POL: 145,000 FIN: 129,679 NZ: 102,500	100 million
Neil Diamond	United States	1966–present	1966	Pop / rock	72.1 million US: 55.9 million GER: 1 million UK: 10.47 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 1.725 million AUS: 2.19 million NLD: 250,000 SPA: 100,000 NZ: 132,500	100 million
Prince	United States	1976–2016	1978	R&B / rock / pop	67.6 million US: 48.95 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 2.4 million UK: 9.545 million FRA: 2.11 million CAN: 1 million AUS: 1.12 million NLD: 670,000 SPA: 700,000 SWE: 100,000 DEN: 140,000 SWI: 300,000 AUT: 150,000 NZ: 182,500	100 million
Paul McCartney	United Kingdom	1960–present	1970	Rock / pop / electronic	67.5 million US: 44.45 million JPN: 500,000 GER: 1.925 million UK: 15.325 million FRA: 1.405 million CAN: 1.995 million AUS: 745,000 SPA: 640,000 SWE: 210,000 DEN: 405,000	100 million
Janet Jackson	United States	1982–present	1982	R&B / pop / hip-hop	65.3 million US: 52.25 million JPN: 1.6 million GER: 1.4 million UK: 4.96 million FRA: 1.475 million CAN: 1.46 million AUS: 1.19 million NLD: 400,000 SPA: 150,000 SWE: 105,000 SWI: 170,000 BEL: 175,000	100 million
Kenny Rogers	United States	1958–2020	1975	Country / pop	64.7 million US: 55.55 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 3.92 million CAN: 4.74 million AUS: 175,000 SPA: 100,000 NZ: 130,000	100 million
Santana	United States	1966–present	1969	Rock / Latin	62.8 million US: 47.475 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 2.4 million UK: 3.480 million FRA: 3.510 million CAN: 1.660 million AUS: 855,000 BRA: 375,000 NLD: 540,000 SPA: 450,000 SWE: 125,000 SWI: 375,000 MEX: 405,000 ARG: 158,000 BEL: 190,000 AUT: 145,000 POL: 205,000 NZ: 135,000	100 million
Simon & Garfunkel	United States	1956–2004	1964	Pop / rock	62.1 million US: 42.6 million JPN: 700,000 GER: 2.325 million UK: 9.4 million FRA: 3.9 million CAN: 1.425 million AUS: 390,000 NLD: 300,000 ITA: 125,000 SWE: 150,000 NOR: 140,000 SWI: 450,000 AUT: 100,000 FIN: 163,350	100 million
The Doors	United States	1965–1973	1967	Rock	62.3 million US: 49.6 million GER: 1.750 million UK: 3.040 million FRA: 2.2 million CAN: 2.780 million AUS: 1.267 million BRA: 100,000 ITA: 380,000 NZ: 230,000 SPA: 610,000 SWI: 125,000 ARG: 150,000 AUT: 125,000	100 million
George Michael	United Kingdom	1981–2016	1984	Pop / R&B	54.6 million US: 20.8 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 2.4 million UK: 18.810 million FRA: 3.217 million CAN: 1.870 million AUS: 2.205 million BRA: 510,000 NLD: 1.190 million ITA: 115,000 SPA: 850,000 SWE: 310,000 NOR: 160,000 DEN: 520,000 SWI: 335,000 ARG: 118,000 BEL: 315,000 AUT: 140,000 POL: 340,000 NZ: 140,000	100 million
Dire Straits	United Kingdom	1977–1995	1978	Rock	53.6 million US: 15.5 million GER: 3.750 million UK: 15.325 million FRA: 7.305 million CAN: 2.575 million AUS: 2.190 million BRA: 175,000 NLD: 900,000 ITA: 1.135 million SPA: 1.380 million SWE: 360,000 DEN: 495,000 SWI: 1 million BEL: 300,000 AUT: 400,000 FIN: 471,530 NZ: 155,000	100 million
Foreigner	United States United Kingdom	1976–present	1977	Rock	50.4 million US: 45.1 million GER: 1.5 million UK: 2.3 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 700,000 AUS: 140,000 NLD: 150,000 SWI: 125,000	100 million
Chicago	United States	1967–present	1969	Rock	48.5 million US: 44.150 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 250,000 UK: 1.490 million FRA: 100,000 CAN: 1.865 million AUS: 105,000 NLD: 100,000 SPA: 130,000	100 million
Bob Dylan	United States	1959–present	1963	Rock / folk / blues / gospel / pop	49.06 million US: 35.6 million GER: 625,000 UK: 9.090 million FRA: 800,000 CAN: 1.5 million AUS: 690,000 ITA: 170,000 NOR: 250,000 SWI: 175,000 NZ: 105,000	100 million
Meat Loaf	United States	1968–2022	1977	Rock	47 million US: 25.6 million GER: 2.350 million UK: 12.065 million CAN: 3.380 million AUS: 2.662 million NLD: 425,000 SWE: 100,000 SWI: 115,000 AUT: 100,000 NZ: 302,500	100 million
The Carpenters	United States	1969–1983	1969	Rock / pop	47 million US: 34.6 million JPN: 3.050 million GER: 250,000 UK: 8.750 million CAN: 275,000 BRA: 100,000	100 million
Cher	United States	1964–present	1965	Pop / rock / folk	46.7 million US: 22.9 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 4.175 million UK: 10.550 million FRA: 1.525 million CAN: 1.380 million AUS: 1.530 million BRA: 125,000 NLD: 375,000 ITA: 325,000 SPA: 660,000 SWE: 850,000 NOR: 115,000 DEN: 550,000 SWI: 295,000 MEX: 200,000 ARG: 106,000 BEL: 275,000 AUT: 250,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 315,000	100 million
Earth, Wind & Fire	United States	1969–present	1971	R&B / pop	44.7 million US: 37.7 million JPN: 500,000 UK: 4.585 million FRA: 500,000 CAN: 360,000 AUS: 420,000 NLD: 250,000 DEN: 180,000 MEX: 210,000	100 million
David Bowie	United Kingdom	1962–2016	1967	Rock / pop / electronic	44.2 million US: 15.7 million JPN: 200,000 GER: 525,000 UK: 20.695 million FRA: 2.430 million CAN: 2.315 million AUS: 845,000 NLD: 465,000 ITA: 570,000 SPA: 170,000 DEN: 200,000 NZ: 142,500	100 million
Def Leppard	United Kingdom	1977–present	1979	Metal / rock	42.6 million US: 36.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 2.120 million FRA: 200,000 CAN: 2.995 million AUS: 407,500 SWE: 150,000 SWI: 125,000 MEX: 200,000	100 million
Stevie Wonder	United States	1961–present	1962	R&B / pop / gospel	41.6 million US: 21.650 million JPN: 1.050 million GER: 750,000 UK: 14.145 million FRA: 1.4 million CAN: 1.550 million NLD: 250,000 ITA: 100,000 SPA: 430,000 DEN: 135,000	100 million
Genesis	United Kingdom	1967–1999 2006–2007 2020–2022	1969	Rock	40.3 million US: 21.650 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 5.875 million UK: 7.565 million FRA: 3.260 million CAN: 805,000 NLD: 300,000 SPA: 250,000 SWE: 100,000 SWI: 450,000	100 million
Gloria Estefan	United States	1975–present	1984	Latin / pop	38.1 million US: 25.9 million JPN: 600,000 GER: 250,000 UK: 4.560 million FRA: 325,000 CAN: 940,000 AUS: 455,000 NLD: 625,000 SPA: 3.240 million SWI: 110,000 MEX: 825,000 ARG: 380,000	100 million
Tina Turner	United States	1958–2009	1960	R&B / rock / pop	37.7 million US: 12.7 million GER: 6.5 million UK: 11.435 million FRA: 1.135 million CAN: 1.6 million AUS: 480,000 NLD: 565,000 SPA: 790,000 SWE: 330,000 NOR: 185,000 SWI: 675,000 BEL: 190,000 AUT: 745,000 POL: 140,000 FIN: 241,954	100 million
James Taylor	United States	1968–present	1970	Rock / pop / folk	36.5 million US: 35.250 million UK: 1.055 million CAN: 100,000 AUS: 100,000	100 million
Olivia Newton-John	United Kingdom Australia	1966–2022	1966	Pop / country	36.1 million US: 27 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 500,000 UK: 3.950 million FRA: 1 million CAN: 3.025 million AUS: 450,000 NLD: 150,000	100 million
Linda Ronstadt	United States	1967–2011	1968	Rock / folk / pop / country	33.2 million US: 31.5 million UK: 435,000 FRA: 100,000 CAN: 500,000 AUS: 665,000	100 million
The Beach Boys	United States	1961–present	1962	Rock / pop	32.7 million US: 25.6 million GER: 250,000 UK: 5.610 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 100,000 AUS: 492,500 SPA: 250,000	100 million
Donna Summer	United States	1968–2012	1974	R&B / pop	31.7 million US: 24.5 million UK: 4.455 million FRA: 900,000 CAN: 1.550 million BRA: 100,000 NLD: 100,000 SPA: 100,000	100 million
Diana Ross	United States	1959–present	1970	R&B / pop	17.525 million US: 6.55 million UK: 8.02 million AUT: 50,000 BEL: 75,000 CAN: 1.75 million DEN: 90,000 FRA: 100,000 GER: 250,000 ITA: 50,000 NLD: 450,000 NOR: 25,000 NZ: 60,000 SPA: 30,000 SWI: 25,000	100 million
The Supremes	United States	1959–1977	1962	R&B / pop	7.0025 million US: 4.6 million UK: 2.18 million DEN: 45,000 ITA: 50,000 NZ: 97,500 SPA: 30,000	100 million

80 million to 99 million records

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)	Claimed sales
Shakira	Colombia	1988–present	1995	Latin / pop	121.983 million US: 45.160 million GER: 6.4 million UK: 9.7 million FRA: 5.795 million CAN: 4.210 million AUS: 1.687 million BRA: 5.815 million NLD: 380,000 ITA: 1.905 million SPA: 7.670 million SWE: 830,000 NOR: 225,000 DEN: 360,000 SWI: 895,000 MEX: 27.38 million ARG: 1.35 million BEL: 500,000 AUT: 385,000 POL: 530,000 FIN: 123,950 NZ: 367,530 POR: 315,000	95 million
Ariana Grande	United States	2008–present	2013	Pop / R&B	264.333 million US: 157.3 million JPN: 1.4 million GER: 4.8 million UK: 39.92 million FRA: 3.628 million CAN: 12.24 million AUS: 10.15 million BRA: 13.40 million NLD: 160,000 ITA: 1.680 million SPA: 1.520 million SWE: 3.485 million NOR: 3.585 million DEN: 2.440 million SWI: 485,000 MEX: 1.190 million BEL: 340,000 AUT: 600,000 POL: 2.29 million NZ: 2.98 million POR: 290,000	90 million
Alicia Keys	United States	1996–present	2001	R&B / pop	99.9 million US: 78.050 million JPN: 1.050 million GER: 2.500 million UK: 10.720 million FRA: 1.127 million CAN: 1.6 million AUS: 2.170 million NLD: 460,000 ITA: 310,000 SPA: 500,000 SWE: 200,000 DEN: 277,500 SWI: 275,000 MEX: 300,000 BEL: 185,000 AUT: 130,000 POL: 100,000	90 million
Tim McGraw	United States	1990–present	1994	Country	82.3 million US: 80.65 million UK: 200,000 CAN: 1.535 million	90 million
Lionel Richie	United States	1968–present	1981	R&B / pop	43.8 million US: 28.65 million GER: 1.05 million UK: 9.555 million FRA: 1.4 million CAN: 2.38 million AUS: 260,000 BRA: 100,000 NLD: 605,000 SPA: 150,000 SWI: 170,000 BEL: 100,000	90 million
Andrea Bocelli	Italy	1982–present	1994	Operatic pop	36.991 million US: 19.335 million GER: 2.9 million UK: 3.087 million FRA: 2.250 million CAN: 4.210 million AUS: 477,500 BRA: 725,000 NLD: 1.26 million ITA: 1.79 million SPA: 240,000 SWE: 220,000 NOR: 485,000 DEN: 55,000 SWI: 515,000 MEX: 175,000 ARG: 160,000 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 275,000 POL: 310,000 FIN: 83,633 NZ: 97,500	90 million
Johnny Cash	United States	1954–2003	1956	Country / folk / rock / gospel / blues	32.2 million US: 25.7 million GER: 550,000 UK: 5.01 million CAN: 490,000 AUS: 522,500	90 million
Justin Timberlake	United States	1992–present	2002	Pop / R&B	93.31 million US: 53.32 million JPN: 200,000 GER: 4.5 million UK: 20.27 million FRA: 778,000 CAN: 3.52 million AUS: 2.915 million BRA: 2.635 million NLD: 185,000 ITA: 570,000 SPA: 250,000 SWE: 560,000 DEN: 1.125 million SWI: 250,000 MEX: 710,000 BEL: 325,000 POL: 240,000 NZ: 227,500	88 million
R.E.M.	United States	1980–2011	1983	Rock	45.3 million US: 21.65 million GER: 4.275 million UK: 10.46 million FRA: 1.45 million CAN: 2.65 million AUS: 1.03 million BRA: 100,000 NLD: 100,000 ITA: 255,000 SPA: 1.1 million SWE: 500,000 NOR: 135,000 DEN: 290,000 SWI: 450,000 ARG: 158,000 BEL: 210,000 AUT: 350,000 IRE: 127,500 NZ: 105,000	85 million
Kelly Clarkson	United States	2002–present	2002	Pop / rock	50.292 million US: 31 million JPN: 200,000 GER: 1.35 million UK: 10.46 million FRA: 35,000 CAN: 1.4 million AUS: 1.835 million BRA: 110,000 NLD: 40,000 ITA: 50,000 SPA: 60,000 SWE: 140,000 NOR: 210,000 DEN: 420,000 MEX: 80,000 BEL: 50,000 NZ: 487,500 POR: 15,000	82 million
Post Malone	United States	2013–present	2015	Pop / hip-hop	268.989 million US: 189 million GER: 4.5 million UK: 25.02 million FRA: 1.533 million CAN: 17.04 million AUS: 12.64 million BRA: 6.230 million NLD: 640,000 ITA: 1.495 million SPA: 750,000 SWE: 900,000 NOR: 420,000 DEN: 3.315 million MEX: 1.26 million BEL: 235,000 POL: 1.165 million NZ: 2.400 million POR: 446,000	80 million
Flo Rida	United States	2007–present	2007	Hip-hop / pop	90.7 million US: 61.5 million JPN: 650,000 GER: 4.1 million UK: 14.62 million FRA: 225,000 CAN: 3.09 million AUS: 3.605 million ITA: 515,000 SPA: 140,000 SWE: 780,000 DEN: 420,000 SWI: 420,000 MEX: 330,000 AUT: 210,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 247,500	80 million
Usher	United States	1991–present	1994	R&B / pop	166.8 million US: 139.810 million JPN: 750,000 GER: 2.2 million UK: 15.125 million FRA: 210,000 CAN: 3.21 million AUS: 4.222 million ITA: 225,000 SWE: 105,000 DEN: 382,500 SWI: 170,000 BEL: 120,000 MEX: 210,000 NZ: 150,000	80 million
The Black Eyed Peas	United States	1995–present	1998	Hip-hop / pop / R&B	119 million US: 77.5 million JPN: 1.25 million GER: 5.2 million UK: 14.6 million FRA: 3.516 million CAN: 3.1 million AUS: 3.882 million BRA: 2.635 million NLD: 160,000 ITA: 1.9 million SPA: 890,000 SWE: 350,000 DEN: 226,000 SWI: 540,000 MEX: 1.55 million BEL: 560,000 AUT: 100,000 POL: 110,000 IRE: 135,000 NZ: 710,000 POR: 104,000	80 million
Van Halen	United States	1978–2020	1978	Rock	65.2 million US: 57.8 million JPN: 1.3 million GER: 1.5 million UK: 1.18 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 2.45 million AUS: 175,000 BRA: 200,000 NLD: 200,000	80 million
Ayumi Hamasaki	Japan	1998–present	1998	Pop / electronic / world	64.5 million JPN: 64.5 million	80 million
Tom Petty	United States	1976–2017	1977	Rock	36 million US: 31.75 million GER: 500,000 UK: 1.86 million CAN: 1.7 million SWE: 200,000	80 million
Johnny Hallyday	France	1957–2017	1960	Rock / pop / world	28.9 million FRA: 28.17 million SWI: 268,000 BEL: 540,000	80 million

75 million to 79 million records

Artist	Country	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)	Claimed sales
The Weeknd	Canada	2010–present	2013	R&B / pop	300.050 million US: 194.820 million GER: 5.2 million UK: 34.560 million FRA: 3.483 million CAN: 14.02 million AUS: 11.99 million BRA: 11.6 million ITA: 4.79 million SPA: 2.27 million SWE: 2.180 million NOR: 1.54 million DEN: 5.15 million SWI: 100,000 MEX: 1.43 million BEL: 590,000 AUT: 240,000 POL: 3.26 million NZ: 2.115 million POR: 742.500	75 million
Imagine Dragons	United States	2008–present	2012	Rock / pop	179.7 million US: 130.5 million GER: 5.450 million UK: 15.8 million FRA: 3.666 million CAN: 4.640 million AUS: 3.150 million BRA: 7.460 million ITA: 2.375 million SPA: 1.650 million SWE: 1.180 million NOR: 555,000 DEN: 690,000 MEX: 510,000 BEL: 340,000 AUT: 572,500 POL: 790,000 NZ: 270,000 POR: 140,000	75 million
Luke Bryan	United States	2001–present	2007	Country	108.9 million US: 106.5 million UK: 400,000 CAN: 2.040 million	75 million
Tupac Shakur	United States	1991–1996	1991	Hip-hop	64.1 million US: 52.7 million GER: 1.150 million UK: 8.195 million FRA: 100,000 CAN: 820,000 AUS: 430,000 ITA: 150,000 NLD: 200,000 DEN: 355,000	75 million
Nirvana	United States	1987–1994	1990	Rock	95.7 million US: 61.6 million JPN: 1.3 million GER: 3.4 million UK: 11.27 million FRA: 2.6 million CAN: 3.69 million AUS: 4.302 million BRA: 935,000 NLD: 250,000 ITA: 885,000 SPA: 860,000 SWE: 380,000 NOR: 125,000 DEN: 550,000 SWI: 190,000 MEX: 475,000 ARG: 522,000 BEL: 675,000 AUT: 230,000 POL: 430,000 NZ: 1 million POR: 112.500	75 million
Green Day	United States	1987–present	1994	Rock	69.4 million US: 43.6 million JPN: 2.3 million GER: 2 million UK: 13.710 million FRA: 500,000 CAN: 2.420 million AUS: 1.8 million BRA: 480,000 ITA: 585,000 SPA: 250,000 SWE: 160,000 DEN: 414,000 SWI: 135,000 MEX: 150,000 ARG: 246,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 195,000 IRE: 270,000 NZ: 130,000	75 million
Alabama	United States	1972–present	1980	Country / rock	58 million US: 56.8 million CAN: 1.2 million	75 million
Oasis	United Kingdom	1991–2009 2024–present	1994	Rock	66.5 million UK: 48.650 million US: 7.5 million GER: 1,700 million CAN: 1.3 million FRA: 700,000 AUS: 1.660 million BRA: 445,000 SWE: 300,000 DEN: 275,000 SPA: 830,000 ITA: 755,000 JPN: 1.8 million SWI: 120,000 NZ: 515,000	75 million
R. Kelly	United States	1989–2019	1991	R&B / hip-hop / pop	57 million US: 46.9 million GER: 1.4 million UK: 6.720 million FRA: 825,000 CAN: 300,000 AUS: 140,000 NLD: 365,000 SWI: 100,000 BEL: 275,000	75 million
Robbie Williams	United Kingdom	1990–present	1996	Pop	56.4 million US: 500,000 GER: 10.575 million UK: 30.270 million FRA: 2.695 million CAN: 250,000 AUS: 2.905 million NLD: 1.205 million ITA: 470,000 SPA: 560,000 SWE: 445,000 DEN: 811,500 SWI: 1.018 million MEX: 1.595 million ARG: 462,000 BEL: 600,000 AUT: 947,500 POL: 140,000 FIN: 235,743 IRE: 135,000 NZ: 445,000 POR: 280,000	75 million
Bob Seger	United States	1961–present	1967	Rock	55.3 million US: 52.5 million UK: 260,000 FRA: 2.6 million CAN: 2.560 million	75 million
Kenny G	United States	1982–present	1984	Jazz / easy listening	53.9 million US: 49.6 million JPN: 700,000 UK: 360,000 CAN: 950,000 AUS: 525,000 BRA: 1.350 million SPA: 450,000	75 million
Enya	Ireland	1982–present	1987	New-age / world	51.9 million US: 26.5 million JPN: 4.6 million GER: 4.3 million UK: 6.010 million FRA: 775,000 CAN: 1.540 million AUS: 1.680 million BRA: 1.650 million NLD: 730,000 SPA: 1.760 million SWE: 390,000 DEN: 150,000 SWI: 370,000 MEX: 125,000 ARG: 390,000 BEL: 510,000 AUT: 185,000 POL: 120,000 NZ: 135,000	75 million
Bryan Adams	Canada	1979–present	1979	Rock	50.9 million US: 22 million JPN: 650,000 GER: 4.450 million UK: 11.715 million FRA: 650,000 CAN: 5.120 million AUS: 2.080 million BRA: 100,000 NLD: 500,000 SPA: 450,000 SWE: 440,000 NOR: 185,000 DEN: 380,000 SWI: 805,000 BEL: 375,000 AUT: 400,000 POL: 110,000 FIN: 183,444 POR: 286,000	75 million
Bob Marley	Jamaica	1962–1981	1975	Reggae	47.5 million US: 21.850 million JPN: 200,000 GER: 1.750 million UK: 14.840 million FRA: 4.735 million CAN: 600,000 AUS: 490,000 NLD: 420,000 ITA: 410,000 SPA: 500,000 SWE: 120,000 DEN: 160,000 SWI: 303,000 ARG: 376,000 BEL: 225,000 AUT: 125,000 NZ: 432,500	75 million
The Police	United Kingdom	1977–1986 2007–2008	1978	Rock	42.6 million US: 23.650 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 1.775 million UK: 10.660 million FRA: 3.340 million CAN: 875,000 AUS: 527,500 BRA: 170,000 NLD: 350,000 ITA: 205,000 SPA: 350,000 SWI: 100,000 MEX: 100,000 ARG: 228,000 BEL: 115,000 NZ: 105,000	75 million
Barry Manilow	United States	1973–present	1973	Pop	36.7 million US: 33.3 million UK: 3.225 million CAN: 400,000	75 million
Kiss	United States	1972–2023	1974	Rock	29.1 million US: 26 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 250,000 UK: 1 million CAN: 1.495 million AUS: 130,000 NLD: 200,000	75 million
Aretha Franklin	United States	1956–2018	1961	R&B / gospel / jazz / pop	27 million US: 23.5 million UK: 3.040 million FRA: 275,000 CAN: 150,000 ITA: 110,000	75 million

See also

• Record production portal

• 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

Notes

1. Below you can get an understanding as to when certifications for songs are added to the total certified sales of the listed artists.
   • One lead artist and one featured artist. (The issued certification(s) should be added to the total of both, the lead artist and the featured artist as both will have almost equal amount of part).
   • Two lead artists.(The issued certification(s) should be added to the total of both lead artists as both will have almost equal amount of part).
   • Two lead artists and one featured artist. (The issued certification(s) should be added to the total of both lead artists as well as the featured artist. Both lead artists will play a significant part in a song and the part of the featured artist also should be significant enough).
   • One lead artist and two featured artists. (The issued certification(s) should be added to the total of the lead artist and to the total of both featured artists as almost all should have equal amount of part).
2. Certification systems have been established periodically throughout the past half century; thus, certification databases are not able to cover all sales. Some (or all) records released and sold prior to a certification system's establishment year may not be found within the available searchable certification databases. Year of establishment (from largest market to smallest based on Retail Value each market generates respectively):
   • United States: 1958
   • Japan: 1989
   • Germany: 1975
   • United Kingdom: 1973
   • France: 1973
   • Canada: 1975
   • Australia: 1997 (online certification-database has begun since 1997. Certifications; however, existed in Australia since the 1970s)
   • Brazil: 1990
   • Netherlands: 1978
   • Italy: 2009 (online certification-database covers certifications issued since 2009. Certifications; however, have existed in Italy since the 1980s)
   • Spain: 1979
   • Sweden: 1987
   • Norway: 1993
   • Denmark: 2001 (online certifications for Denmark start from 2001. Certifications; however, existed in Denmark since the early 1990s)
   • Switzerland: 1989
   • Mexico: 1999
   • Argentina: 1980
   • Belgium: 1995
   • Austria: 1990
   • Poland: 1995
   • Finland: 1971
   • Ireland: 2005
   • New Zealand: July 1978
   • Portugal:(online certification-database covers certifications issued since 2004. Certifications; however, have existed in Portugal since the 1980s)
   Certified sales might sometimes be larger than actual sales, if stores order more albums than they are able to sell, due to certifications generally being determined by shipments and not actual sales. Often, however, actual sales are larger than certified sales, since record labels must pay a fee to obtain certifications. Record companies often apply for certifications only when a record reaches a multiple-certification level, meaning certifications might not be visible in the databases for more than a short period of time after an album reached a certification level. As global music sales declined in the 2000s mostly due to CD burning and downloading from unauthorized sites, certification bodies opted to reduce their certification levels. See the changes in Certification-award-levels in the following markets:
   • United States (Note, U.S. certification-award-levels for singles before 1989 were: 1,000,000 for Gold and 2,000,000 for Platinum. Also, U.S. certification-awards for Shortform albums before September 1996 were: 250,000 for Gold and 500,000 for Platinum)
   • Japan
   • Germany (Note, German certification-award-levels for singles before 1988 were: 500,000 for Gold and 1,000,000 for Platinum.)
   • United Kingdom
   • France
   • Canada (Canadian certification-award-levels for singles before February 1982 were: 75,000 for Gold and 150,000 for Platinum)
   • Brazil
   • Netherlands
   • Italy
   • Spain
   • Sweden
   • Norway
   • Denmark
   • Switzerland
   • Mexico
   • Argentina
   • Belgium
   • Austria:
   • Poland
   • Finland
   • New Zealand: (NZ certification-levels for singles before 1989 were: 10,000 for Gold, 20,000 for Platinum)(NZ certification-levels for singles before June 2007 were: 5,000 for Gold, 10,000 for Platinum) (The levels for singles were adjusted again on June 17, 2016 from previous 7,500 for Gold, 15,000 for Platinum, to 15,000 for Gold, 30,000 for Platinum)
   • Portugal: