Talk:List of best-selling music artists

Certification in Norway?

Why aren't the certifications in norway included?--Ahmad123987 (talk) 23:21, 1 February 2012 (UTC)

We don't have Norway's earlier certification-levels, nor do we have the exact dates for their changes in certification-levels.--Harout72 (talk) 23:53, 1 February 2012 (UTC)

Certifications are available since 1993, so a note can be added saying "(online certification-database covers certifications issued since 1993. Certifications; however, have existed in Norway since..." just like it's done for Italy for example. But if exact dates for their changes in certification-levels aren't available I do see why it would be a problem.

Link: http://www.ifpi.no/sok/lst_trofeer_sok.asp?type=artist

And how about Hungay? Certifications are available since 2000. so a note can also be added saying "(online certification-database covers certifications issued since 2000. Certifications; however, have existed in Hungary since...".

Link: http://www.mahasz.hu/?menu=arany_es_platinalemezek&menu2=adatbazis&ev=2012--Ahmad123987 (talk) 22:09, 3 February 2012 (UTC)

MAHASZ has the changes in certification-levels posted for their domestic artists. The levels for international artists have been different starting 2005 (if not earlier), see page 23 here for 2005, see this for 2007, see this for 2009, see this for 2011. But again, it is not exactly clear when those changes in levels have occurred. Therefore, we should avoid using MAHASZ too, but I wouldn't worry too much about having Hungary's certifications as it has a very small music market and barely generates any notable sales. See Global music industry market share data for the sizes of markets.--Harout72 (talk) 01:18, 4 February 2012 (UTC)

Def Leppard

According to this link, Def Leppard has sold over 100 hundred million albums worldwide: [1] Can someone please add this to the article. --Jamcad01 (talk) 05:18, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Sources must use the term Records not Albums. This is one part of the instructions posted at the top of the main page.--Harout72 (talk) 05:26, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Can you please explain WHO made this rule and why it exists as well as what the difference is? --Jamcad01 (talk) 09:13, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

To answer your question; we all did. This decision was brought up through consensus, not his personal opinion.--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 10:57, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The difference, Jamcad01, is that Def Leppard's total sales are based on Albums, Singles and Videos, not just Albums as Rolling Stone claims. And that what the term Records stands for, Albums, Singles, Videos. See Def Leppard's detailed certified sales that I've put together here, it's based on Albums, Singles and Videos. By the way, the 65 million records as claimed by lot of the sources is correct considering that they haven't been terribly popular outside of the U.S. including their home market.--Harout72 (talk) 16:20, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Wouldn't 100 million Albums worldwide equal more records not less? --Jamcad01 (talk) 00:13, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

I just discovered that when Def Leppard performed on America's got talent that the announcer said that they sold 100 million records worldwide. Def Leppard performs Live on America's Got Talent 2011 Finale Results --Jamcad01 (talk) 00:25, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

That cannot be used. See our Reference Section to see that sales figures must come from prestigious News Service agencies such as CNN, Fox News, The Washington Post, The New York Times etc. or highly regarded Music Industry related establishments such as MTV, VH1 etc.. Again, sources would have to use the term Records. Unless a highly reliable source can be located claiming 100 million records, we should stick to those that we currently have.--Harout72 (talk) 01:29, 8

January 2012 (UTC)

What about this: Legendary rockers Def Leppard on tour --Jamcad01 (talk) 02:03, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

Unreliable also. Again, as I mentioned see the Reference Section.--Harout72 (talk) 17:33, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

What's so unreliable about that one? That one is third party based and is similar to any online newspaper. I mean it's not as common as some others but that doesn't mean it's less reliable. --Jamcad01 (talk) 23:41, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

I am going to add it if no one replies within 2 days. --Jamcad01 (talk) 08:03, 12 January 2012 (UTC)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ You have been replied, we don't have to explain in dozen different ways. That source is not reliable for this list as we accept highly reliable sources only, and that is not one. If you need further comments as to why it cannot be viewed as prestigious news services, then, post it at WP:RSN, and the folks should be able to give you further input.--Harout72 (talk) 16:09, 12 January 2012 (UTC)

This source has come just recently: Interview: Phil Collen talks 30 years with Def Leppard, Rock Of Ages film It states 100 million records worldwide and I'm sure Music Radar is a reliable source especially when it's an interview with one of the band members. --Jamcad01 (talk) 06:30, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

That doesn't seem to be a reliable source. What makes it reliable?--Harout72 (talk) 16:08, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

How can an interview with a band member, not be a reliable source? If a publication is qualified to be able to get an interview with a famous person then it should be reliable enough. It is owned by Future Publishing which also owns many guitar based magazines. Music Radar even has its' own wikipedia page! I really can't think of a way this source could be unreliable. --Jamcad01 (talk) 06:01, 9 February 2012 (UTC)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The interview itself isn't directly connected with the general reliability of Musicradar.com. Interviews can be conducted by radio stations or others like Musicradar (all of which may have pages on wiki), but they are not necessarily regarded as reliable. As I explained above, we are after articles published by news services or MTV, VH1, Billboard.--Harout72 (talk) 15:05, 9 February 2012 (UTC)

Who made you in charge of this page? Is there anything about this site that makes it unreliable? Honestly there's no rules saying that the sources have to be what YOU think are reliable sources. --Jamcad01 (talk) 05:42, 10 February 2012 (UTC)

No one has made me in charge of the list. But I happen to be one of the main regular editors on here who's in charge of bringing the list to the level it is. To avoid constantly inflated sales figures, we don't accept sources like the Musicradar.com, all of the sources are either news services or MTV and Billboard like prestigious sources. Musicradar.com cannot be compared to new services when it comes to their resources they use to get their information right. Why should we make an exception for one artist? Since you can't reach a consensus and you obviously disagree with the way we operate, then perhaps you should post a complaint at WP:AN/I.--Harout72 (talk) 18:12, 10 February 2012 (UTC)

What do you mean "our"? It looks like at the moment it's just YOU & ONLY YOU!! --Jamcad01 (talk) 23:45, 10 February 2012 (UTC)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Read again, there is no our being mentioned anywhere. Also, go over the other discussions on this page, you will see either me or Mattg82 responding only. We have other editors helping out also when we need to decide on a new policy. Most of the time; however, it's the two of us. --Harout72 (talk) 04:21, 11 February 2012 (UTC)

Sorry I mean't "we". Anyway just because you two users agree with something doesn't mean it's consensus. Other users have a right as well.

Pay close attention when you read please. I said: We decide on a new policy by getting more than just the two of us involved. By that I mean others who are familiar with this list. And yes, we have a consensus; therefore, it says at the top of the main page Note: Although this list largely relies on claimed figures by highly reliable sources.... And highly reliable sources here means news services, and other prestigious music industry related organizations. Musicradar.com is not one of them. Now if there is such highly reliable source that claims 100 million for DL, please bring it here, otherwise, further discussions will be futile as we've said enough of this. --Harout72 (talk) 16:02, 11 February 2012 (UTC)

Show me a link to where it says musicradar.com is unreliable and I'll go. --Jamcad01 (talk) 22:29, 11 February 2012 (UTC)

It is not because it is unreliable as such but it is not the highly reliable sourcing we are after. See the references section that contains sources from highly regarded newspapers and news sources, pretty much unquestioned in their reliability. Having Musicradar as as source on this list, would not look good when sat between the likes of The New York Times or The Independent for instance. Mattg82 (talk) 01:37, 13 February 2012 (UTC)

Deep Purple

Also do you happen to have a copy of Deep Purples certified sales chart? I just want to see if I can get them on the list. --Jamcad01 (talk) 02:35, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

Deep Purple have been removed from the list months ago due to not having their 100 million claim covered by at least 15% certified sales, which is the required percentage of certified sales for those who've begun charting before 1975. Deep Purple's available certified sales are only some 12 million units, which can support a claimed figure of up to 80 million records only. Since such source couldn't have been found, Deep Purple was placed at the top of the main page next to those artists/bands who aren't on the list due to lack of certified sales.--Harout72 (talk) 17:33, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

Britney Spears Sales

Since Rihanna and Gaga have been included thanks to singles sales,Britney has sold over 150 milion copies if we consider her singles sales too! We all know that Brit has sold over 85 milion albums,so sales cannot be just 100 milion. I don't think that singles sales are counted for every single artist on this list. And i think this page should shows only albums sales.

Spain's database from 1986!!!

here is the link: http://afyvecharts.blogspot.com/2007/08/1999-albumes-2-parte.html you can look it up for some artists like Enrique, Shakira and Ricky Martin to find their actual certificates. for example Enrique has at least 12 platinums!! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.99.153.226 (talk) 16:57, 30 January 2012 (UTC)

A very detailed and complete chart source. Unfortunately it goes against what we are trying to achieve here, which is using highly reliable sources and official certification databases. Blogs do not pass as reliable sources no matter how "correct" or "true" they are and could not be used in a featured list which this page is aiming for soon. Mattg82 (talk) 01:10, 13 February 2012 (UTC)

Edit request on 2 February 2012

A singer from Hong Kong, called Jacky Cheung (张学友) has sold over 120 million albums. He is ranked #24 overall all time in album sales. http://zhidao.baidu.com/question/172971996.html http://bbs.railcn.net/viewthread.php?tid=263815

This should be added in to reflect that.

Also, on his chinese wikipedia page, they list that as of 2000, he has sold over 60 million albums. 截至2000年，他的唱片累計總銷量已經突破60,000,000張 http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BC%B5%E5%AD%B8%E5%8F%8B

Christam809 (talk) 08:12, 2 February 2012 (UTC)

Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. Those sources appear to be message board posts. Thanks, Celestra (talk) 15:59, 2 February 2012 (UTC)

Reliable sources alone (if any) won't do as artists must have sufficient number of certified units for this list. The artist mentioned above seems to have begun in 1985 per Jacky Cheung discography; therefore, his claimed figures must be supported by 28% certified sales. The information on required certified sales can be found in the second box from top on this talk-page.--Harout72 (talk) 16:22, 2 February 2012 (UTC)

John Denver

This 70's singer was brought to my attention by 209.91.107.135 , and I was wondering if we could add him to the "50-59 million records" or the "60-65 million records" sections. He does seem to have 33 million records certified in the U.S..

So far, all the sources I've found claim 60 million albums sold. Of these, the most reliable seem to be <http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2011/06/11/the-music-of-john-denver-soars-at-the-roxy-regional-theatre/> and <http://classical.broadwayworld.com/article/Contest_Win_John_Denvers_Greatest_Hits_20041005> Mauri96 (talk 01:36, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

The first source is the only reliable one out of the two, but unfortunately, it uses the term Albums not Records (Singles, Albums, Videos). And John Denver seems to have 6 million in US certified singles and 100,000 certified Videos. Clearly his total is based on lot of singles as well, therefore, we'd need a source stating Records, not just Albums.--Harout72 (talk) 05:02, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

Candian single certifications only 5,000 copies?

On the Music Canada database it's says 5,000 copies for single certifications. This looks like a big balls up on MCs part, surely they mean 50,000 or something like that :/ Mattg82 (talk) 02:40, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

Yes, the levels for physical singles were Gold=50,000, Platinum=100,000 from February 1982 until September 2002 it seems. Everything started appearing as 5,000/10,000s for physical singles after CRIA (Music Canada now) site came back after being offline for many months. I have personally contacted CRIA about that, and the person (Quentin) in charge of updating the Gold/Platinum awards said that the system needs to be re-formatted. It's been months since that point, it is still the same. The first singles that got certified with 5,000/10,000 were "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson released in Sep. 2002. Also, "Cry" by Faithill released in September 2002, or "Die Another Day" by Madonna released in October 2002.--Harout72 (talk) 04:52, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

Tom Jones

Is true that Tom Jones sold more than 100 millons? It´s really possible. He is still recording since 1964, and he has in his career numerous Top Charts.

3 News BBC NEWS Tom Jones OFFICIAL WEB

--186.19.197.2 (talk) 20:30, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

See archived discussion and the top of this talk page, which states he requires at least 15% of his claimed figure in certified units to be included on this list. Based on his total of 12.5 million certified units, 100m records is inflated so we can't put him on with that figure. Mattg82 (talk) 00:58, 13 February 2012 (UTC)

Eric Clapton

Anyone got any idea what Eric Clapton has sold? I think he has 45 million units in the U.S. alone. Hes also massive in U.K. and around the world. The one problem is i cant find a worldwide figure for him (i've searched quite a bit online). O.o.11.dell (talk • contribs) 06:24, 9 February 2012

He deserves a place on the list, but we have had the same problem locating sources for his total claimed sales. Mattg82 (talk) 00:44, 13 February 2012 (UTC)

Tool band or Primus Band

im beside myself that a band like Tool which i saw on monday and filled arenas in their tour is not included in this list — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.211.218.11 (talk) 16:48, 11 February 2012 (UTC)

Michael Jackson Reach 1 billion sold records

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-estate-of-michael-jackson-plans-graumans-chinese-theatre-hand--footprint-ceremony-celebrating-the-king-of-pop-january-26-2012-136740033.html

Thanks — Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.48.77.86 (talk) 00:34, 13 February 2012 (UTC)

Problematic Beatles source?

Hi, one of the Beatles' "1 billion" sources is problematic:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aDuU5KDQ.tn8&refer=muse

For its "1 bn records sold" claim, it links to an EMI page that doesn't exist anymore (404 error):

http://www.emimusic.com/NR/exeres/60E71CC3-405A-42F4-A013-1B20496FAE04.htm

I searched the EMI site but couldn't find a proof of the claim. Should we delete this reference, or do we keep it, having faith that the Bloomberg author did his research properly?

Thanks for your input,

--Georgepauljohnringo (talk) 18:10, 13 February 2012 (UTC)

The Bloomberg source seems to work for me, it doesn't redirect to EMI page. No need for the third source.--Harout72 (talk) 23:12, 13 February 2012 (UTC)

Harout72, thanks for your answer! You are of course right: There is no technical problem with the link. The Bloomberg article loads alright and states the required claim (Beatles sold 1 bn records). My concern is, it looks like the Bloomberg article was basing its claim on an EMI source that doesn't exist anymore and is not otherwise verifiable. To my eyes, this seems to make a bad impression. Hence my suggestion to supplement or even replace the Bloomberg source with the Guinness World Record source, which is reputable as well, quotes EMI as well for the same claim, but doesn't have the reference-link-that-doesn't-work-anymore issue. What do you think?

--Georgepauljohnringo (talk) 15:03, 15 February 2012 (UTC)

Quite honestly I don't think highly of the Guinness Book as I've seen them publish outrageous sales figures including the 100 million for Thriller which based on its available certified sales is outright illogical. Also, the 1 billion for The Beatles is inflated enough regardless who reports it, but since The Beatles have enough certified to meet the requirements of the list (posted at the top of this page), we allow that figure be listed. Personally I would prefer not to use the Guinness Book for this list. Perhaps, we could replace the Bloomberg source with another news agency, if there is one that's published the 1 billion without mentioning EMI.--Harout72 (talk) 16:15, 15 February 2012 (UTC)

That is perfectly fine by me. Maybe we'll see new total figures from good sources arise when the Remasters reach certification level. --Georgepauljohnringo (talk) 15:56, 17 February 2012 (UTC)

Beatles record sales, surely not right

The articale says: US: 207.6 million[5] UK: 7 million[Notes][9]

This cannot be correct - 7 million is not the right answer. I've looked at the database and this does not list the biggest Beatles albums (Sgt Pepper, Let It Be, Revolver, Rubber Soul, Abbey Road, Help, White Album, etc, etc). Why use a database that is clearly inadequate? In 2009 "EMI has shipped 5m remastered CD recordings " in the UK. In that year alone!

If the DB is wrong for that then it probably is from M Jackson and Elvis. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.183.65.22 (talk) 13:07, 14 February 2012 (UTC)

You are right, the figures are only certified sales, not total sales. Please see the notes on that subject http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_music_artists#endnote_Notes

Specifically concerning the Beatles, they split up before the UK certification system was even established (1973), so it is logical that their primary material doesn't show up, only compilations that were issued later on (like "1"). Not sure about the 2009 remasters though, technically they should be there, just like "Let it be (naked)" is. Maybe they don't count them because they're "just" the old material remastered, whereas "Let it be (naked)" was more than a remaster, actually a new compilation of "Get Back/Let It Be" era songs?

--Georgepauljohnringo (talk) 15:17, 15 February 2012 (UTC)

That's correct, UK has established its certification system in 1973, therefore, the sales of those albums/singles released before that point will not appear in the databases of certifying bodies. Some earlier albums/singles which have continued to sell after 1973, may have been certified only for units sold after '73. For The Beatles, all certified materials by BPI and other certifying bodies are counted. If some album/single/video is not included, it's because they're not posted on the sites of the certifying agencies. See this detailed uploaded file that I've put together which shows what's counted. Normally, very few albums/singles/videos reach a certification-level and go uncertified.--Harout72 (talk) 16:54, 15 February 2012 (UTC)

Enigma

According to this source Enigma has sold more than 50 million records.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virginemi-to-release-enigma-the-platinum-collection-boxed-set-on-february-9-79339722.html

Ich901 (talk) 15:40, 17 February 2012 (UTC)

Enigma needs to have its claimed figure covered by 35% certified sales since it's first charted in 1990. The 35% of 50 million as claimed by prnewswire.com translates into 17.5 million, but Enigma's available certified sales are only 15.3 million. That's 2.2 million short; therefore, we can't put Enigma on the list.--Harout72 (talk) 05:44, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Argentina, Finnland and the Middle East are missing in your list.Ich901 (talk) 13:01, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

• Finland has 21,236 certified units, we include markets that have at least 100,000 certified units.
• NVPI (Holland) site doesn't bring up certification results.
• CAPIF (Argentina) site isn't functioning at the moment, it's offline. I highly doubt that CAPIF has anything for Enigma.
• Russia's site is offline at the moment also, but it had certifications posted for releases starting 2003 onwards, it probably had nothing for Enigma.
• I normally don't do Norway's certified sales as I still don't have their earlier certification-levels. But my guess is that the total posted on IFPI Norway site comes up to 135,000 as Platinum/Gold on albums were 50,000/25,000 before 2000 or 2001, and for singles Platinum/Gold were 20,000/10,000. Their levels in 2005 were 40,000/20,000 for albums, and 5,000/10,000 for singles, see page 23 on this.
• Do Middle East's certifications go back to 1990s? Or early 2000s? Provide me the source along with a source supporting their certification-levels, I'll look at it.

All in all, had we had the certified sales for the markets you mention, the total would still be short by good 1.5 million from the required percentage.--Harout72 (talk) 17:34, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

I have taken all information from the german discography page, sources are at the end of the page. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enigma/Diskografie

and here is the link for the middle east. http://www.ifpi.org/content/section_news/mid_east_2009.html

Ich901 (talk) 16:20, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

The same source for Russia, Argentina and the Netherlands don't work there either. The Gold certification-award-level for Middle East's Gulf States is 10,000 per the 2009 IFPI report. Let's bear in mind that the certification-figures for each market has to be over 100,000 in order for us to include them on the list, otherwise, tiny figures are not worth even mentioning including Finland's figure.--Harout72 (talk) 18:32, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

Bob Marley

Bob Marley has sold over 250 million records internationally. Why is he not in the list?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley_%26_The_Wailers_discography#cite_note-0 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.235.5.169 (talk) 02:36, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

"page not found"Ich901 (talk) 13:11, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

250 million sales are impossible. When their album Legend sold more than 25 million times, and if their remaining albums just received Platinum certifications, how is that possible that they sold 250 million recordings? Also Bob Marley was a member of the Bob Marley & The Wailers, so now it is even more dubious.--♫GoP♫_T^C_N 12:29, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

Source for Rihanna's 130 million records sales

I found a new source wich says that Rihanna has a total sale of 130 million records: http://www.thelamron.com/a-e/rhianna-conquers-youtube-1.2784170#.T0AUL_VwTQk — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ilikeriri (talk • contribs) 21:19, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

The source is only weakly reliable. Are there other sources claiming a figure total of over 100 million?--Harout72 (talk) 00:01, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

Source for Prince's total record sales

I had a look at the linked source for Prince's total sales put at 80 million, but could not find this figure anywhere on the web page it directed me to. This the linked source used for Prince's wikipedia page, puts his sales at 100 million. Im looking for a second opinion before I make an sort of revision, in case I've made a mistake or something. Aunty-S (talk) 03:08, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

The 80 million is posted right below the second image.--Harout72 (talk) 03:26, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

The Michael Jackson Estate confirms a record sale of 1 Billion

Michael Jacksons estate has confirmed that Michael Jackson has sold over 1 Billion albums worldwide. Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-estate-of-michael-jackson-plans-graumans-chinese-theatre-hand--footprint-ceremony-celebrating-the-king-of-pop-january-26-2012-136740033.html — Preceding unsigned comment added by Teewauw (talk • contribs) 11:50, 20 February 2012 (UTC)

Katy Perry

I've been going over some of this singer's sales and in spite of the fact that she received her first certification around 2007, she already has 31 million in RIAA certifications alone. I was wondering if, after adding all her other certifications and finding a source, we could add her to the list. So far I've found only two reliable sources for 50 million in sales, which are this one from USA Today and this other one from U-T San Diego. Mauri96 (talk) 01:22, 25 February 2012 (UTC)

Katy Perry's available certified sales seem to be total of 41.7 million units from all the music markets, but the sources above speak of Digital Sales only, which we can't use, because Perry's album-certifications are based on Standard formats. If there are claims by other sources, maybe separate figures for albums and digital sales, or perhaps a total figure without the term Digital, we could use them. All in all, Perry's sales claim should be supported by 66% certified sales per our requirements, and her 41.7 million in certified sales could support up to total of 63 million claim.--Harout72 (talk) 02:27, 25 February 2012 (UTC)

Johnny Cash issue.

Currently, the list of best-selling music artists puts Cash at around 50 million records. I would argue that that figure is roughly half of the actual count. Many sources claim Cash's total is over 90 or even 100 million records--which I think is a reasonable number when you consider he has been releasing albums since 1955, and even after his death in 2003 several more have been released. His wikipedia discography page, which I know for a fact does not include every single record he released, is packed with hundreds of records. His albums were also released in many countries. In addition to JohnnyCash.com, this was claimed by the mayor of Nashville in a recent video about the forthcoming Johnny Cash museum, the Sun Records website and dozens of other websites and books. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Darth Septic (talk • contribs) 21:33, 1 March 2012 (UTC)

Pet Shop Boys have sold > 100 million records

according to the wikipedia page about 'em (source: on the bottom of the page) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 93.130.161.27 (talk) 11:54, 3 March 2012 (UTC)

Should this long article be split into smaller ones?

Should this long article be split into smaller ones, perhaps one for each sortable table (unless all the sortable tables are combined into one sortable table)?--Jax 0677 (talk) 18:17, 3 March 2012 (UTC)

Well, it shouldn't be combined into one because the purpose of the list is in a way to illustrate which artist falls into what sales category. I've thought about splitting the list into two (as that would make the most sense rather than into eight) but it would still be quite long.--Harout72 (talk) 18:49, 3 March 2012 (UTC)

If we split the page into eight lists, the individual lists won't be long any more. I also agree that all lists should not be combined into one list.--Jax 0677 (talk) 03:51, 4 March 2012 (UTC)