Talk:List of best-selling music artists

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Former FLCList of best-selling music artists is a former featured list candidate. Please view the link under Article milestones below to see why the nomination failed. Once the objections have been addressed you may resubmit the article for featured list status.
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October 27, 2005Articles for deletionNo consensus
November 13, 2005Articles for deletionKept
June 4, 2006Articles for deletionSpeedily kept
September 2, 2006Peer reviewReviewed
June 23, 2011Featured list candidateNot promoted
January 4, 2012Peer reviewReviewed
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Current status: Former featured list candidate

Taylor swift certifications

Taylor’s Australian certs should be 25.295 million now. They got updated. 3,395,000 albums, 21,840,000 singles, 60,000 videos Ash12345Thomson (talk) 19:13, 9 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Updated with the following.
11× Platinum – 1989
8× Platinum – Fearless
6× Platinum – Lover
5× Platinum – Red
4× Platinum – reputation
3× Platinum – Speak Now
2× Platinum – Taylor Swift, folklore, Midnights
Platinum – evermore, Fearless (Taylor's Version), Red (Taylor's Version), 1989 (Taylor's Version)
Gold – Speak Now (Taylor's Version), The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection, Speak Now World Tour Live
18× Platinum – Shake It Off
13× Platinum – Blank Space, Love Story
11× Platinum – I Knew You Were Trouble.
9× Platinum – You Belong With Me, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
8× Platinum – Bad Blood, Style, Wildest Dreams
7× Platinum – I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker), Anti-Hero
6× Platinum – Cruel Summer, Look What You Made Me Do, Lover
5× Platinum – …Ready For It?, Delicate, You Need to Calm Down,
4× Platinum – 22, cardigan, ME!
3× Platinum – Mine, Everything Has Changed, Out of the Woods, End Game, Don’t Blame Me, The Man, august, exile, willow, Lavender Haze, Karma,
2× Platinum – Our Song, Today Was a Fairytale, Back to December, Mean, Enchanted, Safe & Sound, Red, Welcome To New York, New Romantics, Getaway Car, Gorgeous, Paper Rings, the 1, champagne problems, Love Story (Taylor's Version), All Too Well (Taylor's Version), Bejeweled, Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version),
Platinum – Teardrops On My Guitar, Picture to Burn, White Horse, Fifteen, Fearless, Speak Now, The Story of Us, Never Grow Up, Sparks Fly, Better Than Revenge, Both of Us, Begin Again, All Too Well, Highway Don’t Care, All You Had to Do Was Stay, How You Get the Girl, Clean, Wonderland, Call It What You Want, I Did Something Bad, King of My Heart, Dress, I Forgot That You Existed, I Think He Knows, Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince, Cornelia Street, The Archer, Death by a Thousand Cuts, London Boy, Afterglow, Only the Young, the last great american dynasty, my tears ricochet, mirrorball, seven, betty, this is me trying, illicit affairs, invisible string, Mr. Perfectly Fine, tolerate it, no body no crime, You Belong With Me (Taylor's Version), I Knew You Were Trouble. (Taylor's Version), We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor's Version), Message in a Bottle, Maroon, Snow on the Beach, You’re on Your Own Kid, Midnight Rain, Vigilante ****, Sweet Nothing, Mastermind, Question…?, All the Girls You Loved Before, Is It Over Now?,
Gold – Tim McGraw, Should’ve Said No, Forever & Always, Crazier, Breathe, Dear John, Haunted, Last Kiss, Long Live, Ours, Half of My Heart, Eyes Open, State of Grace, I Wish You Would, This Love, I Know Places, You Are In Love, So It Goes…, Dancing With Our Hands Tied, This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things, New Year’s Day, Soon You’ll Get Better, False God, It’s Nice to Have a Friend, Daylight, Christmas Tree Farm, mad woman, epiphany, peace, hoax, the lakes, gold rush, ‘tis the damn season, happiness, coney island, dorothea, ivy, cowboy like me, long story short, marjorie, evermore, right where you left me, Fearless (Taylor's Version), The Way I Loved You (Taylor's Version), Red (Taylor's Version), 22 (Taylor's Version), I Bet You Think About Me, Nothing New, Run, The Very First Night, Labyrinth, The Great War, Bigger Than the Whole Sky, Paris, High Infidelity, Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve, Hits Different, Enchanted (Taylor's Version), I Can See You, ‘****!’, This Love (Taylor's Version), Now That We Don’t Talk
Total: 25,295,000 Everm4e (talk) 22:26, 9 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you for your work. Taylor Swift's sales in Spain also need a considerable update. I'm working on it. If anyone notices that there is any market/country where Swift's certified sales are considerably outdated (figures more than 1 year outdated), please indicate it. Salvabl (talk) 03:57, 10 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
> New Brazilian Certs (her first since 2018) can you add
>
> Long Live - 4× Diamond
> Blank Space - 3× Diamond
> WANEGBT - Diamond
> Wildest Dreams - 3×Platinum
> Love Story - 2× Platinum
> willow - 2× Platinum
> August - Platinum
> I Think He knows - Gold
> tolerate it - Gold Ash12345Thomson (talk) 21:55, 21 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you very much for the information. I will check the figures of Taylor Swift's certifications in Brazil that have been included so far, and I will update the total figure. Salvabl (talk) 02:10, 23 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you
it got updated again so if you have time also check
SINGLE] Safe & Sound Taylor Swift 2024 - Universal Music Gold
[SINGLE] the 1 Taylor Swift 2024 - Universal Music 1xP
[SINGLE] Bad Blood Taylor Swift 2024 - Universal Music 1xDiamond
[SINGLE] Shake It Off Taylor Swift 2024 - Universal Music 3xDiamond
[SINGLE] You Belong With Me Taylor Swift 2024 - Universal Music 2xP Ash12345Thomson (talk) 03:41, 23 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

elvis is the highest selling solo artist in hx.

From sony records https://www.sony.com/content/sony/en/en_us/SCA/company-news/press-releases/sony-corporation-of-america/2017/sony-music-and-estate-of-michael-jackson-renew-their-landmark-deal.html32.209.183.254 (talk) 14:30, 14 February 2022 (UTC)

from a forbes article Elvis Is Back With New Money Maker As U.S. Album Certifications Total 146.5 Million Mark Beech

https://www.forbes.com/sites/markbeech/2018/04/07/elvis-is-back-with-new-money-maker-as-u-s-album-certifications-total-146-5-million/#:~:text=The%20Elvis%20cash%20machine%20is,solo%20artist%20of%20all%20time.14:30, 14 February 2022 (UTC)32.209.183.254 (talk) 161.11.160.60 (talk) 14:53, 11 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Since some time ago, no artist is labeled as "the highest-selling solo artist" (or similar labels) in this article, as it was agreed not to do so given the impossibility of verification of such claim, complying also with
WP:BURDEN
.
Regarding those two sources, both claim the figure of 1 billion records for Jackson and Presley, respectively. However, that figure disappeared from this list years ago as it was considered excessively inflated. Salvabl (talk) 16:45, 11 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Wrong
Sony records has stated elvis is the highest selling solo artist in hx 174.168.240.31 (talk) 20:32, 12 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Reliable sources that didn't come from his own record company cited that he only sold 260 million in his lifetime, and another 100 million in the 20 years following his death in 1977.
Since 1977, over 200 English-language books about Elvis have been published and 100 million copies of his records sold worldwide - The Irish Times (1997).
Presley - as the subject for his best known two-dimensional pop art. Disposable and untouchable. He leaves behind that image and leaves with it 400 songs and sales of over 260 million records - The Guardian (1977)
At the rate he was selling records (260 million in 23 years) (100 million in 20 years) his sales were gradually declining, at best we can estimate that he would have reached 400 million by 2000 with up to 500 million today assuming he continued to sell another 100 million over the next 20 years. Never17 (talk) 22:31, 19 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
which surpasses michael jackson. Riaa doesnt even count all of his sales due to there rules. 161.11.160.60 (talk) 16:40, 25 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
We should not mix two completely different things. RIAA's sales figures are for certified sales, while all those figures you are talking about are claimed sales figures. There are numerous claimed sales figures, some even claiming that Elvis sold 400M records the year after his death. Many of these figures are exaggerations for Presley, Jackson or The Beatles. A good example is the extremely inflated figure of 1 billion records, which is claimed for The Beatles, Jackson and Presley. The most appropriate thing to do is to focus on the amount of certified sales as well as on other parameters such as the possible "lost sales".
Apart from that, regarding the link to the Sony press conference you provided, it does not claim that Elvis is the best-selling solo music artist of all time. In fact, that press conference is about Jackson and not about Presley, nor does it claim that Jackson is the best-selling solo music artist. It is true that there are other press conferences by Sony (like this one) where it is stated that Jackson is the best-selling solo music artist of all time, but this should not be taken into account since no artist (Jackson, Presley...) has been labeled as "the highest-selling solo artist" (or similar labels) in this List for years, as it was agreed not to do so given the impossibility of verification of such claim. Salvabl (talk) 17:30, 25 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I think a 50% threshold of Certified sales for the claimed sales figure is the best way to go about this. For albums we use certified sales being within 30% of the claimed sales Never17 (talk) 17:51, 25 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
wrong
gwr declares elvis the highest selling solo artist in hx
sony records as well.
The Elvis cash machine is spinning while his record company, Sony , says that his U.S. album sales alone have now exceeded 146.5 million. That figure is just part of the' more than a billion records sold worldwide, making him the best-selling solo artist of all time.' It seems we are still stuck on Elvis.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markbeech/2018/04/07/elvis-is-back-with-new-money-maker-as-u-s-album-certifications-total-146-5-million/ 161.11.160.60 (talk) 16:48, 26 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
The Elvis cash machine is spinning while his record company, Sony , says that his U.S. album sales alone have now exceeded 146.5 million. That figure is just part of the' more than a billion records sold worldwide, making him the best-selling solo artist of all time.' It seems we are still stuck on Elvis. 161.11.160.60 (talk) 16:51, 26 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Beyoncé's Genre Listing

While only a minuscule point, it's only fitting that Beyoncé's genre pool be expanded to reflect the music she has created over the last 27 years. She has chart toppers in R&B, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Pop, House, Adult Contemporary on the hot 100 and on Billboard specific charts not to mention the Afrobeats, Latin and Reggae songs she has in her arsenal. 190.80.24.46 (talk) 23:24, 16 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

I agree. I think that listing only two music genres is insufficient for Beyoncé. However, we have to keep into account that there are many artists in whose articles/biographies their infoboxes include more music genres than those listed in this article.
In Beyoncé's case, the following music genres are listed in her article: R&B, pop, hip hop, afrobeats, house and country.
Taking into account that among her most recognizable songs there are some Hip hop songs such as "7/11", "Diva" or "Partition", I think it is appropriate to add the Hip hop genre to the list.
Regarding the possible addition of a fourth music genre for Beyoncé, I think it is something we can discuss since, as of today, considering the other three Beyoncé's music genres (afrobeats, house and country), only country is included in this List for other artists and bands; and on the other hand, afrobeats and house are not included for any artist. It seems more appropriate to me to add the Afrobeats genre than country for Beyoncé, but I think maybe other users may have different opinions about it. There is also the option of listing only three genres (R&B, pop and hip hop) for Beyoncé, since as I have said.. listing fewer music genres here than in the artists' articles is something usual. Salvabl (talk) 20:31, 26 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Extended-confirmed-protected edit request on 18 March 2024

Change Tim McGraw Claimed sales from 80 million to 90 million https://time.com/collection/person-of-the-week-podcast/6330694/tim-mcgraw-interview-person-of-the-week/ Duggiephresh (talk) 21:36, 18 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Elvis Presley has sold way over 500 million records. Please correct this Wikipedia entry error.

From 1956 to 1975, independent audited figures from RCA records had been established for Elvis Aaron Presley. More and into the point, RCA records announced by late 1975, and before Elvis Presley's death that he had surpassed the 500 million echelon mark in record sales or combined unit sales. This achievement was marked and tabulated by sales of LP's 8-track tapes, Cassettes, and other formats of music sales. Interestingly, after his death and from August 17, 1977, and toward the latter part of 1979, it is estimated, according to RCA, that Presley sold over 250 million units worldwide. Moreover, by late 1982, RCA records again formally announced that Presley had eclipsed the previous record tabulation in sales, and thus had reached the billion mark in unit sales. Furthermore, they were many press clippings circulating and factually divulging grammatically this Presley record sales milestone. As the years progressed, and with the advent of Compact Discs and other formats of music, Presley sold even more. In 1992, after new independent auditing figures were established for Presley in the United States, The RIAA presented the estate with the largest certification presentation in the history of recorded music. He was presented with 110 RIAA awards. More and into the point and presently, the RIAA has bestowed on his musical legacy the astronomical sum of 299 RIAA certificates in the United States alone; again, more than any other recording act in the history of recorded music. In closing, and without question, Presley is the highest selling artist of all time, notwithstanding the faulty computation methods of the RIAA which does not certify records or units that have not reached the 500,000-threshold mark essentially established by the RIAA to certify sales of singles and albums, which is another issue altogether. Case in point: Presley has over 279 albums that have not been certified. Many of these albums have sold over 300 thousand to 400 thousand units. We are hoping that Wikipedia can correct this obvious unequivocal error. Thank you for giving me an opportunity through this platform to state this grievance. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 21:02, 22 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Record companies & record labels are not reliable sources as they are notorious for inflating figures to prop up their respective artists. Never17 (talk) 21:22, 24 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Then with all due respect, many people like me are disputing the validity of Wikipedia and it's claimed sales figures for entertainers such as Elvis Presley who have sold so many units. My question then to you is what reliable sources are you the editors of Wikipedia using to calculate record sales computations? If you are not using Record Companies or Labels, who in essence, have factually invoke the sales data; what are you relying on? newspaper editors or writers whose knowledge leaves a lot to be desired? I hope not. Mr. Never 17 what logic reasoning are you using? All in all, the facts of the matter are in the musical pundits who have worked for the record companies, whose judgment you and the Wikipedia editors should abide by. Good day sir. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 22:45, 24 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Nobody has sold close to a billion, record companies are known to inflate sales figures by claiming their respective artist has sold up to or over 1 billion records. If anything the claimed sales are being generous, as Elvis's certified sales don't suggest anything beyond 500 million at best. Even if we were to simply take the claimed sales by reliable sources at face value, the list right now would look like this.
The band ABBA has gone on to sell over 400 million records worldwide, and once reportedly came only second to Volvo as one of Sweden’s biggest exports - CNBC (2022) (Bloomberg and Forbes also cite 400 million records sold)
Madonna has reportedly sold more than 400 million records — albums, singles and digital — during her 40-year music career - The Hollywood Reporter. (Yahoo also cites 400 million records)
Presley has sold more than 500 million records and holds the distinction for most songs charting on Billboard's Top 40 with 114 hits - Reuters (2022) (Yahoo also cites 500 million records sold)
The Fab Four has sold more than 600 million records, tapes and CDs since they exploded on the scene in the early 1960s - CNN (2009). (Forbes, CBC, IGN also cite 600 million records sold)
During his career, Jackson sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles - CNN (2009) (Forbes, CBS, Reuters also cited 750 million records sold) Never17 (talk) 23:22, 24 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Again, I ask you what is your source to state your claims? First and foremost, Presley has over 250 albums and countless singles which have not been certified. Moreover, many of these albums and singles a total of 279 in albums (at last count) have sold upwards of 400 thousand units and below the 500 thousand thresholds needed to be certified; and most of these albums and singles have long since been deleted. Furthermore 9 times out of ten, even if you "Google" Presley's record all time sales numbers you will always get the grammatical response of over a billion records sold. Your grammatical rhetoric is factually inconsistent. And I state this with the utmost respect. You are divulging that "nobody has sold close to a billion". Again, what is your source in disputing this validity? Now you are comparing acts like Madonna, Abba and Michael Jackson to the Presley phenomenon in record sales. Most of the music historians and knowledgeable musical pundits will put Presley and perhaps the Beatles as the only acts to have reached this billion-mark milestone. In closing, countless books and periodicals (too much to list them all) will conclude with the fact that Presley is the only recording act to have reached that billion-mark sales plateau. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 01:22, 25 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Suggestion for the editors

I was thinking, for the best selling albums we have a threshold of (Certified sales must be within 30% of claimed sales), i think the threshold should be certifications being within 50% of claimed sales in regards to legacy artists. So for The Beatles their next claimed figure is 800 million, when their certifications reach 400 million they'd be within 50% of that figure which would make them eligible for a update, Michael Jackson would need 370 million certified before he goes up to the widely cited 750 million figure. Whereas Elvis would pass the threshold needed for 600 million when his certifications reach 300 million.

This is just a friendly suggestion to other editors as it's kind of difficult to calculate sales for artists who came up before the streaming age Never17 (talk) 21:49, 24 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Rhianna

is the number of sales correct? did she outsell the Beatles? if so, she should be at the top of the page 173.66.146.194 (talk) 02:58, 26 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

I agree: More misinformation from Wikipedia's list of Best-selling Artist of all time. This is the reason that internet misinformation is so prevalent and cannot be taken seriously. Moreover, Eminen has 336.45 certified units, coupled along the same certified discrepancy levels of Drake who has 528.4 certifications. This is the reason that Presley's claimed sales of 500 million makes this best-selling list a fallacy of immense proportions. Certified levels should not be within any percentage level of claimed sales. Furthermore, the Wikipedia editors should get their factual sources of record sales through and from Record companies and reliable recording labels instead of going by "The Irish Times" citation of 1997, Yahoo, Forbes, CNN, Reuters and countless editorial citations who lacked credibility in their record sales tabulations. This best-selling list is a travesty, and it should be corrected or otherwise eradicated for good measure. It makes no sense. Elvis and the Beatles claimed sales should not be measure through any percentile of certification of sales. I hope this written message is read and the list corrected. The list should read Elvis and the Beatles at over a billion units sold with Michael Jackson at a distant third, with 750 million units sold. All other entertainers should also be properly and correctly tabulated in sales by their respective recording companies and labels. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 04:04, 26 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Sony along with the RIAA states that Jackson is the best selling artist with over 1 billion sold, a article from Sony actually puts the Beatles at 800 million Never17 (talk) 17:44, 26 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I would not disagree with Sony's computation. Michael Jackson may be on par with Elvis and The Beatles. Jackson's record sales have been phenomenal. He is perhaps alongside Elvis Presley, one of two of the most successful and greatest entertainers in the history of popular music. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 21:25, 26 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Universal Music Group manages Elvis's catalog and said he only sold 500 million worldwide. The claim for him being the best selling solo artist comes from Guinness World Records, which is not a reliable source as they piggyback from Wikipedia. The RIAA cites Jackson as the biggest selling artist with sales of 1 Billion, whereas Sony uses a figure of 800 million for the Beatles. Elvis (2022) Beatles (2019) Jackson (2015).
We've been over this several times, not just me but other editors. Never17 (talk) 23:16, 26 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
The Guinness Book of World Records predates its existence way before Wikipedia. So, I do not know why anyone would unequivocally and erroneously state that they get their reliable information, including but not limited to, "Record sales" from Wikipedia. Wikipedia was non-existent from the 1950's through the 1990's. The Guinness Book of World records on the other hand, started its annual book circulation in the 1950's. Moreover, in the 1970's the Guinness Book of World Records was singling out Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley as the 2 most successful solo acts, coupled with The Beatles as the most successful Group. At the time, the Guinness Book of Records also got their sales data from reliable sources such as (RCA Presley's recording label) (Decca Crosby's recording label) and (Capitol Records the Beatles recording label). Furthermore, the Guinness Book of World records received their sales data and gold and platinum record certifications from the RIAA. In fact, as recent as 2018, and according to the RIAA, and the (Guinness Book of World records) Elvis Presley has attained the most RIAA certificates in music history. At last count, he has been awarded 299 Gold, Platinum and Multiplatinum singles and albums, more than any other recording act in history. Yes, more than Michael Jackson and the Beatles combined. This makes Presley's 500 million Wikipedia sales claimed ridiculous. Wikipedia and its editors can check this out. However, yes you are correct we've been over this issue several times. Regardless how much irrefutable evidence is out there in correlation to the 1.5 billion records that Presley has sold according to the vast majority of reliable sources, which by the way is all over the internet data, they will always be editors who will dispute the validity of Presley's unit sales audits. To quote Dale Carnegie in his famous book, "How to win friends and influence people" it is human nature to never admit that you are not erroneous in your grammatical argument. Thank you once again for giving me this platform to respond. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 02:31, 27 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1742006/Elvis-Presley-Michael-Jackson-Frank-Sinatra 161.11.160.60 (talk) 16:19, 27 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
patently false
sony has stated elvis is the highest selling solo artist in hx.
mj is the biggest selling which means the thriller album sold the most for albums ( not that mj sold the most in total units ) 161.11.160.60 (talk) 13:56, 27 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I agree with you wholeheartedly. Moreover, so do the majority of knowledgeable musical pundits, historians and record company label and executives. Elvis is the greatest selling recording artist of all time. Thank you for your response. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 16:38, 27 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
The 1 billion claimed sales figure exists for The Beatles, Jackson and Presley. Regarding Sony's statements (which you have referred to when talking about Presley), these include several press releases about Jackson and Presley; in this press release Sony labeled Jackson as "the biggest selling solo artist in history". On the other hand, Guinness World Records stated in 2014 (this is the last date of their "certification" about Presley) that Presley is the best-selling solo artist; here you can see that information through the Wayback Machine, where it can be read that Presley's sales were +1 billion and that "The Beatles (UK) were the first act to be credited with sales of 1 billion, and it is believed that Michael Jackson (USA, 1958-2009) has also now reached that mark". Later, in December 2015 the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) stated that Jackson's sales exceeded 1 billion records, labeling him as best-selling music artist of all time.
It is also noteworthy that, in 2006 (when Jackson was alive) Guinness World Records stated that Jackson was the first American music artist to sell more than 100M albums outside the United States. If this were so, then the number of albums sold by Presley (according to Guinness) would be less than 100M (and less than the number of albums sold by Jackson in that moment) outside the United States, which makes it very difficult to believe that his non-albums sales (including downloads) would have been high enough to surpass Jackson and surpass (or just reach) the figure of 1 billion records sold worldwide overall. This would imply that his U.S. "lost sales" would be unreasonably high, considering that the music certification system in the U.S. was established in 1958. Regarding the number of Presley's records whose sales have not reached the minimum threshold required to obtain a certification.. it is true that there are "lost sales" there, but to claim that those albums and singles may have sales of up to 400,000 copies per record is only conjecture. The number of copies could be 400,000 units or it could be 40,000. The lack of numeric data makes it impossible to provide an objective statement. Every music artist has "lost sales", this happens for The Beatles, Jackson, Presley, and any other artist/band on this List, but that is no reason to legitimate such high claimed sales figures (claimed by Guinness World Records (who have no authority when it comes to worldwide total music sales) or the RIAA (who has authority when it comes to U.S. sales, but not worldwide) or Sony...) that are inaccurate, inflated, and that generate a "distance" with respect to other artists and bands that is nonsense. Such claims often label Jackson or Presley as "the highest-selling solo artist" (or something similar), but for years now this List has not included that label for any artist, as its removal was agreed upon in past discussions. Salvabl (talk) 20:38, 27 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Just piggybacking off of what you said, a article from 1984 stated this when asked upfront. This presumably would mean worldwide sales
Thriller Gains World Record Book - "He has yet to become the biggest selling singer ever, Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley are thought to hold that title with more than 200 million records sold"
This is far lower than what was claimed of him by his record company, but mostly in line with what the Guardian had claimed when Elvis died as they cited a figure of 260 million. Meaning their report was generally correct
Never17 (talk) 23:24, 27 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Following Elvis Presley's demise in August of 1977, there was more than just a significant surge in the sales of records or what is termed as "lost sales". It is noteworthy and more than just a factual source that millions of fans flocked to the stores in pursuit of Presley records. This resulted in the greatest most dramatic increase in record sales in the history of recorded music. Here are some of the most notable points: August 17th, 1977, many record stores in the Los Angeles area and other city suburbs within the confinements of the United States, reported selling an astronomical amount of Presley records. Some sources from The RCA Music service claimed sales of 20 million records the day after he died. Moreover, worldwide press releases gave estimates of 200 million records sold in the four months after his death. In fact, to keep up with demand for Presley records, RCA was using the pressing plants of other recording labels. Estimates range from 15 million to 20 million units per week per pressing plant. More and into the point, The Indianapolis pressing plant was churning out and sending over 30 to 40 million Presley albums onto the market between August and December of 1977. Also, the Camden New Jersey RCA Pressing plant alone, hit the ballpark figure of 75 million Presley albums sold, again to reiterate, from August to December of 1977 in the United States alone. Now some may state that these were inflated figures or that The Guinness Book of world records has "no authority when it comes to worldwide total music sales or that the RIAA has only authority in the USA which makes you partly right. However, you cannot just obscure the issues by stating without facts that the sales are "inaccurate, inflated and that it generates a "distance" with respect to other artists and bands that is nonsense". It would be nonsensical that someone would divulge this type of erroneous grammatical rhetoric, when in fact there is an overwhelming amount of factual documentation that would state for the record, the numeric data that would provide more than just an objective statement. In essence, it has provided through time, a factual one. Much more and into other points of non-conjecture. It you were to properly compute the in between levels of the RIAA. For example, the threshold levels between 500 thousand and a million that formulate the gold and platinum levels of certification, coupled with the level of platinum with multiplatinum levels of certifications, you will see that Presley has millions of record sales not tabulated and not honestly accorded to his all-time sales figures. Also, the disturbing fact, that Presley, to reiterate, has over 250 albums that have sold countless of millions of copies, yet those sales will never be certified, due to the fact that the requirement of reaching the 500 thousand threshold was not met by RIAA standards, is deeply troubling when you properly tabulate his record sales. You are thus, omitting millions and millions of sales. You can argue that this system applies to all other artists. However, due to the incredible output of Presley's singles and albums in the USA alone, you will have to state if you are an objective Person, that the claimed of 500 million for Presley's record sales by Wikipedia is not just ridiculous but laughable and cannot be taken seriously. In closing, further discussions are needed by the editors of Wikipedia in order to establish a factual and more reliable and trustworthy list of Best-selling artists. I guess I am 132.147.42.223(talk). My real name is Victor Abreu and I reside in the city of Sunny Isles Beach Fl. And again, thank you for giving me the time through this platform to respond. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 23:28, 27 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Elvis wasn't popular outside the United States, he never toured internationally and at the time he was alive the US accounted for over 70% of record sales, so those claims of "missing sales" elsewhere aren't realistic at all. Furthermore RCA retroactively certified All of his eligible albums in the 90s within the United States, if there were any other albums like they claimed that were eligible for a sales update they would have done so at the time. The only other place his sales could have come from is the UK, which was also certified up to date, in 2010 his certified sales stood at 188 million and have since increased by 46 million with 41 million of that coming from the US / UK.
Since 2009, Michael Jackson's certifications have gone up by 142 million units without a past sales audit or taking into account DVD sales, strictly driven by his sales since his death. Both him and the Beatles are pretty close in record sales with Elvis far behind either of them Never17 (talk) 01:27, 28 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
First of all, for you to state that Elvis was not popular outside the United States, does not merit a response in kind. He is regarded as the single biggest attraction in the history of popular music. Fans came from all over the world to see him live in concert at the international Hilton in Las Vegas. Moreover, he broke attendance records that still stand today. Second of all, RCA went bankrupt in 1986 and thus none of his record sales could have been certified in the 1990's by RCA. The points notwithstanding have little to no merit. The RIAA was the one who certified some of his sales and they properly concluded that Presley had thus eclipsed the Billion mark in sales. He was posthumously awarded the largest presentation of Gold, Platinum and multiplatinum RIAA awards in history, the sum total of 110 Gold and Platinum and Multiplatinum records in 1992. As of today, as previously mentioned, he stands alone with 299 certificates. Again, more than any other entertainer in history. However, more and into the subject matter, and with all due respect, there is no sense in continuing to dispute this topic. You have an opinion and thus you ought to be respected for it. Good evening, sir. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 01:54, 28 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Good day to you then, various editors have tried to explain to you why the claims by his estate do not have merit which is why we do not use record companies as they inflate numbers. This is not a Elvis fanpage, this is a unbiased editorial page cited by various media publications.
I'm sorry but those changes will not be made Never17 (talk) 02:19, 28 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Well first of all, when did I state any claims by the state? claims of sales by the state? again when did I state that? Moreover, the points I have made regarding Wikipedia's s claimed sales by Presley and other entertainers have not been successfully countered with facts or by any cohesive or coherent argument from you, or any other editor or editors. Has there been any serious knowledgeable editors responding respectfully and intellectually to my points or counter arguments or statements? I have yet to receive a sound counter argument to any of the points made on my part. And, most of all my friend, of course this is not an Elvis fan page. Like you stated, this is supposed to be, and unbiased editorial properly cited page, and let me add from reliable sources; so various media publications can get factual and honest information. Sadly, Wikipedia because of its faulty content has become an unreliable source. In closing, with no pun intended, the changes whether you can make them or not have been properly modified on many other countless websites properly discussing the subject matter. Once again, thank you for giving me an opportunity on this platform to have an open and honest debate correcting editorial flaws that need to be corrected. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 10:37, 28 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
patently false
elvis is known globally. fans from across the world visit graceland.
graceland is the only private residence where a sitting president ( BUSH) entertained a head of state ( JAPANESE HEAD OF STATE)
ELVIS IS INDEED THE HIGHEST SELLING SOLO ARTIST BY MANY SOURCES
MJ IS THE BIGGEST SELLING WHICH MEANS THRILLER SOLD THE MOST COMPARED TO OTHER ALBUMS
MJ IS FAR BEHIND ELVIS IN THE UNITES STATES AND DOESNT EVEN HAVE THE NUMBER ONE ALBUM IN THE USA 161.11.160.60 (talk) 15:19, 28 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Hello. Since you have separated your message into different statements, I will try to respond by dividing the information accordingly.
No one has said that Presley is not known globally; however it is a fact that he is a more US-focused artist than others. This can be noted by simply checking the ratio of Presley's U.S. sales to his sales in other countries/markets of the world.
We can also take a look at the percentage of U.S. box office generated by the biopic
This Is It
, generated a U.S. box office of 26.9%, while its international box office was 73.1%.
Regarding your second statement. with all due respect, I'm fine with us providing information beyond music sales figures, but I think that the Bush and Japanese PM visit is not relevant to this discussion. It's like if someone says that Jackson was invited to the White House by two presidents (Reagan and Bush) while Presley was only invited by one (Nixon). That has no relevance in this case.
Regarding the "highest-selling solo artist" claim, there are many sources claiming that for Presley (numerous news sources, as well as the Guinness World Records), just as there are for Jackson (numerous news sources, as well as the RIAA). But those claims are not relevant for this article, since for years no artist (Jackson, Presley or any other) is labeled as "the highest-selling solo artist" (or similar labels) in this article, as it was agreed not to do so given the impossibility of verification of such claim, complying also with
WP:BURDEN
.
And regarding your last statement, it should be noted that this List does not apply only to the United States, but to the whole world. Therefore, the fact that Jackson's Thriller album is not the best-selling album in the U.S. does not mean that it is not the best-selling album of all time worldwide. In Jackson's case, we can find five of his studio albums on the List of best-selling albums, while if we take a look at Presley's discography (at his studio albums, not compilations or EPs) there are several albums that have not even obtained U.S. certifications to this date, such as Good Times, Promised Land, Today or Raised on Rock. Salvabl (talk) 18:38, 28 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Now can you or any other editor or editors reply or give a thorough rebuttal to my statements? or at least counter some of my points? I guess I am 132.147.42.223(talk). Thank you so much ahead of time.  132.147.42.223 (talk) 21:03, 28 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
If not, there is no need to respond. Case in point: we have gone through many issues that need to be addressed without resolving or seeking agreement pertaining to any claimed sales figures. The editors and I are intertwined with too many different areas of disagreement and using too many different sources in order to keep disputing the validity of any text reliable or not. In closing, once again, Thank you so much for your time and courtesy. 132.147.42.223 (talk) 21:35, 28 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]