Talk:List of best-selling music artists
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1. All sources must be published by highly Reliable Third Parties
Let me emphasize that we are to accept only highly reliable sources here at List of best-selling music artists (examples of those could be found at the reference section of the page). We've had lots of folks here in the past who have made attempts in adding artists to this page with sources that aren't reliable, and those edits have been quickly reverted. If one is not sure of the reliability of a source which is going to be submitted to support the sales figures of an artist, I suggest that editors discuss that here at the talk page first before proceeding. Thanks.--Harout72 (talk) 17:31, 21 March 2009 (UTC)
2. The list requires Highly Reliable Sources and Existing Gold/Platinum Certifications
What the title of this section means is that all artists from now on, besides being supported by highly reliable sources, will also be checked for an existence of Gold/Platinum Certifications. In other words, if an American act such as The Drifters for example, which may be claimed to have sold as many as 300 million records by a single reliable source such as The Times in an article here (for example), but does not have any Gold/Platinum certifications (which would suggest major record sales) in countries like US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Norway Mexico, Brazil etc. will not be allowed to be added to the list regardless of the time period they have begun their careers.
The following are the searchable databases for Silver/Gold/Platinum certifications in:
- USA RIAA
- UK BPI (Currently under construction, should be up and running soon)
- Germany IFPI Germany
- France SNEP, also see this
- Canada CRIA
- AustraliaARIA
- The Netherlands NVPI
- Sweden IFPI Sweden
- Switzerland SwissCharts
- Finland IFPI Finland
- Norway Norway
- Mexico Amprofon
- Brazil ABPD
Exceptions: Acts/artists from heavily populated countries like China or India, for example, who have neither appeared on the charts of western/central European countries, Australasia and North America nor gathered certifications in those mentioned territories, and the music industries of which offer no searchable databases will be allowed with highly regarded sources.
Please post your questions and comments within a new section. Thanks.--Harout72 (talk) 23:33, 1 August 2009 (UTC)
Thugs-n-Harmony
I would like to know if this site B.O.N.E has reliable source?--BigBossBlues (talk) 10:48, 30 July 2009 (UTC)
- I am afraid it's not. Please look at our reference sections here to see what kind of sources we have so far accepted. Such examples would be CNN, BBC, FOX News etc..--Harout72 (talk) 02:53, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
- OK what about this one New Times--BigBossBlues (talk) 12:08, 30 July 2009 (UTC)
I am sorry, but as I mentioned above, the articles must come either from highly regarded news services or highly regarded music related sources such as MTV, VH1, articles published by major record companies such as Sony Music or Universal Music are acceptable as well.--Harout72 (talk) 04:38, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
harout72 you said articles published by major record companies such as Sony Music are acceptable but for michael jackson its different why is this
Did Bob Marley sold over 300 million albums? No, he didn't.
The sales figure for Bob Marley is highly inflated. Some certifications for Bob Marley in the biggest music industries:
- US = 16,5 million
- UK = 1,8 million
- Canada = 850.000
- France = 6.633.500
- Germany = 1.500.000
..... = maybe in total 100 million albums
How much did he sold in Africa? China? Japan? More than 200 million? I don't think so.
Is it possible to put Bob Marley in the 200 million category? I think it's more realistic.Christo jones (talk) 19:32, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
This fansite or official site says that Marley sold over 50 million albums! Fansites are not reliable, but why do they mention 50 million? [1]
Maybe we can hold it on 300 million? Christo jones (talk) 19:45, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
- I too believe that the figure is inflated and it's not supposed to be more than 100-120 million records, but the sources you are providing are not reliable and official sites are not considered third party sources. If no other reliable sources are located for Marley in the near future with figures close to his actual sales (as his certifications suggest), I may simply remove him from the list altogether.--Harout72 (talk) 22:49, 2 August 2009 (UTC
bob marley made over 60 albumm excluding his solo sales. alot of them had a high number of sales and some sold over 10 million. he shold go back to 300 illion sales —Preceding unsigned comment added by 174.116.10.38 (talk) 23:44, 16 August 2009 (UTC) Your source says bob marlay and THE WAILERs sold 250 million albums.
Iron Maiden Official sales Figures
The Official Iron Maiden website states they have sold 75 mln copies, source:[1] but this is the representative for sources of EMI Label Distribution & Purchasting. Total record sales of IRON MAIDEN is estmated as 100 mln source: http://www.soundunwound.com/sp/contributor/view/Iron+Maiden?contributorId=6850&ref=AADP many other sources say like that. If you could be accurant and believeable, submit these datas and rearrange Maiden's position in Bestselling artists ranking poll. MAIDEN FANS Community shall be grateful . Check this out and be quick.
- Sure, I will be as quick as I possibly can. No reliable sources provided above. --Harout72 (talk) 02:40, 4 August 2009 (UTC)
Tom Jones
This article says that Tom Jones has sold 100 million records. Can someone add him to the list?75.142.54.211 (talk) 05:37, 6 August 2009 (UTC)
- "Page not found" - the link is dead. k.i.a.c (talktome - contribs) 06:11, 6 August 2009 (UTC)
I found another source [4] 75.142.54.211 (talk) 19:39, 6 August 2009 (UTC)
- That's not really a highly reliable source. Jones does not seem to have gathered that many certifications around the world. In other words, the number of his certifications doesn't suggest a figure as large as 100 million records. I would have to wait for the UK's searchable database for certifications to be back online, not to mention that Jones would need a highly reliable source, one such as CNN or Fox News etc..--Harout72 (talk) 06:56, 7 August 2009 (UTC)
Eddy Arnold should be removed from the top selling artists.
The notion that Eddy Arnold sold 85 million albums is problematic for a number of reasons, thus his removal from the list is necessary... 1) Despite his success in the fifties and sixties, he only scored one double platinum album in the U.S. (2 million) and two gold albums (combined 1 million), for 3 million in certifiable solo artist sales (see www.riaa.com). Granted, lower level certifications for albums selling less than 500,000 units will not be indexed by the RIAA searchable database. With that said, the RIAA does not recognize Eddy Arnold as one of the top 100 selling artists in the U.S., meaning that he sold well under 10 million units (including non-certified albums and singles) in the U.S., possibly only 3 million units total. 2) The lack of record sales in the U.S. means that he must have sold 70 to 82 million albums in other markets. However, this is very unlikely since his recordings were promoted in the genre of country music, which was not heavily promoted in foreign markets in the 50's through 70's. To achieve the 85 million in sales he would need extremely strong sales in foreign markets, which he does not have, according foreign sales databases. In addition, I could find no records of his solo artist singles charting in markets outside of the U.S. (and his singles were primarily charted as country hits, with a few exceptions). 3) To account for the credited 85 million in sales reported in his billboard.com biography, the only plausible explanation is that the reported sales figures include his production, songwriting, session performances, and other credits on releases outside of his solo work (AKA: his involvement with other recording artists). His achievements as an artist, producer, songwriter, and musician are laudable; however, he should not be listed as one of the world’s best selling artists. In fact, his personal "artist" sales should be considered moderate at best and nowhere near "best-selling" of all time. Thus, Eddy Arnold must be removed unless starts including songwriters, producers, and session musicians. For example, if Eddy Arnold is allowed to be included, so should famous producer Bob Rock. As a producer, engineer, and songwriter Bob Rock boasts sales close to 200 million. However, Bob Rock is not Motley Crue or Metallica, the actual “selling” artists. Continuing with this logic, Steve Lukather from Toto should be considered one of the best selling artists of all time because of his session work on Michael Jackson's "Thriller." —Preceding unsigned comment added by Talkdoc5150 (talk • contribs) 00:01, 7 August 2009 (UTC)
Bette Midler
The Bette Midler Wikipedia page claims she sold over 100 million records. Shouldn't she be on here? 173.88.94.212 (talk) 23:50, 7 August 2009 (UTC)
- The figure of 100 million at her page was not referenced. I have already removed the figure from her page.--Harout72 (talk) 00:09, 8 August 2009 (UTC)
Diana Ross
This article [5] says that Diana Ross has sold more than 100 million records. Does it mean her solo career or her entire career, including her work with the Supremes?75.142.54.211 (talk) 01:03, 8 August 2009 (UTC)
- I checked to see what her actual sales looks like in different territories, and it shows that she has sold some 11 million records in US, some 600,000 in Canada, she has sold only 100,000 in France, only 80,000 in the Netherlands. She does not seem to have certifications in most of the countries including Germany, Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Norway. All in all, her actual sales does clearly show that she could not have sold as many as 100 million records. My estimation for Ross would be 50 million in the best case scenario. We really should not add her to the list with the source you are providing above. I would, however, consider adding her to the list if you could locate another reliable source which claims a figure around the 50 million.--Harout72 (talk) 16:47, 8 August 2009 (UTC)
Don Cornell
Don Cornell has sold 50 million records according to LA Times[6]75.142.54.211 (talk) 21:23, 8 August 2009 (UTC)
- Cornell has no chance of being added to this list regardless of what figure LA Times claims, I'm afraid, as he doesn't have a single certification in US nor anywhere else. --Harout72 (talk) 21:45, 8 August 2009 (UTC)
Three Dog Night
I doubt this source is reliable, but I just wanted to check with you.[7]75.142.54.211 (talk) 21:26, 8 August 2009 (UTC)
- It's really not. Perhaps, they could use a source of this kind at other wiki pages to support statements, and it should be OK as long they don't support a significant statement with it.--Harout72 (talk) 21:41, 8 August 2009 (UTC)
Prince has sold over 80 million records
I always recall Prince being listed with 50 million records. But he has seemed to disappear from the list.
He's released over 30 albums in his lifetime. Purple Rain alone is 22x platinum.
If you add the Platinum/Gold/silver certifications listed and cited in his Discography article, you get 82+ million
1979 - Prince - 1.25 Million 1980 - Dirty Mind - 1 Million 1981 - Controversy - 1 million 1982 - 1999 - 6 million 1984 - Purple Rain - 22 million 1985 - Around the world in a day - 3 million 1986 - Parade - 2 million 1987 - Sign O the times - 8 million 1988 - Lovesexy - 2 million 1989 - Batman - 2 million 1990 - Grafitti Bridge - 1.5 million 1991 - Diamonds & Pearls - 9 million 1992 - Love Symbol - 3 million 1993 - The Hits/B-Sides - 1.5 million 1994 - Come - 1 million 1995 - The Gold Experience - 1.5 million 1996 - Emancipation - 3 million 1999 - Rave un2 the joy fantastic - 1 million 2001 - The Very Best of Prince - 2.5 million 2004 - Musicology - 4 million 2006 - 3121 - 2 million 2007 - Planet Earth - 2.8 million 2009 - Lotusflow3r - 1 million
= 82 Million (and thats JUST US, UK, and Canada)
- It seems that no reliable source could be found, so it was removed. You're figures are valid - but you need a source claiming the overall figure of 80 million too. k.i.a.c (talktome - contribs) 14:42, 9 August 2009 (UTC)
Oasis
Apparently now the tally is over 70 million! obviously we can't edit it now but whoever can should make the change ASAP! Hope these are eligible! References: [8] [9] [10] --Tukogbani (talk) 19:34, 10 August 2009 (UTC)
- Only the second one of all three sources are weakly reliable which still doesn't qualify for this page and the other two are not reliable whatsoever.--Harout72 (talk) 00:19, 11 August 2009 (UTC)
- Explain Harout? I'm a little confused --Tukogbani (talk) 17:48, 16 August 2009 (UTC)
- Articles must be published by highly reliable sources, refer to the reference section please here. This here is what BBC pages look like. The first one of your sources is not a BBC page as I know some people get deceived by the its logo. By the way, we have Oasis with a 50 million claim by Washington Post, the article is from December 2008. Have they sold another 20 million over a period of 18 months?--Harout72 (talk) 19:13, 16 August 2009 (UTC)
- I sure as hell doubt it --Tukogbani (talk) 21:08, 24 August 2009 (UTC)
The Moody Blues
Have The Moody Blues sold over 50 million copies of their albums? I did not know for sure so I didn't want to add that information until someone could confirm it. If anyone can confirm it then they ought to be added to the list. :- ) Thanks a bunch. —Preceding unsigned comment added by JarOfBuckeyes (talk • contribs) 13:12, 11 August 2009 (UTC)
- I had a quick look for this last night, there was a few different claims, but couldn't really find anything definite. I'm guessing you're getting this from their Wikipedia page, don't believe it on merit, it's probably been edited 5 times since the original poster found it in a source (which is no longer there). k.i.a.c (talktome - contribs) 08:11, 12 August 2009 (UTC)
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash has sold over 100 million records according to some sources. Others say over 50 million. I believe if you count Cash's multi-platinum and gold records combined, with all his other albums, it's not hard to believe he is at least in the 75 million range. I think one of the greats of music is being cheated. He was famous all around the world, doesn't anyone know how to count those albums too? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.16.111.111 (talk) 18:44, 16 August 2009 (UTC)
- It looks like he's sold some 20 million records in the States (Singles, Albums, Videos combined). In Canada, his sales is just about 500,000 units. No major sales in Germany [11]. No major sales in France either [12]. All in all, I'd say he's looking at 50 million worldwide. Do you have a reliable source claiming a figure like that?--Harout72 (talk) 19:38, 16 August 2009 (UTC)
Britney Spears
According to her own page on wikipedia Britney Spears, she has sold 83 million, not 80 million. On Spears' page there is two sources of evidence showing that she has deffinitely sold 83 million. Please change this. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Obliteration69 (talk • contribs) 08:38, 18 August 2009 (UTC)
change her sales to 83 million http://www.britney.com/us/biography —Preceding unsigned comment added by Britneyspearsforever (talk • contribs) 15:43, 19 August 2009 (UTC)
where is bing crosby?
He has sold until 1980 400 millions albums.http://www.bingcrosby.com/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ale12341 (talk • contribs) 10:29, 18 August 2009 (UTC)
- The website is probably correct given the length of Bing Crosby's career, unfortunately for him he was mainly active in a period where much of the sales data is now lost, and therefore he hasn't been certified to the levels he should have been, but we also cannot use personal websites as sources as it is seen as publicity and not necessarily a citation of a true figure. It must be certified independently, see RIAA. JFonseka (talk) 13:18, 18 August 2009 (UTC)
Barbra Streisand sold over 140 million, not as stated 70+
due to the fact that this list is based on the world wide sales, Streisand should be listed with 140+ million, not 70, which is what she sold in the US alone. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.190.252.66 (talk) 14:47, 18 August 2009 (UTC)
- You are right, her worldwide sales is much more than that, I just went over her certifications in various markets, and it looks like she could have sold well over 100m records worldwide. Let me have some time on this to look into it more closely. In the meantime, if you have reliable sources for Streisand claiming higher sales than 75m, please leave them here. But she definitely deserves an update.--Harout72 (talk) 05:58, 19 August 2009 (UTC)
Nana Mouskouri sold about 200/250 million records
Dear, Nana Mouskouri did not sold over 300 million records.
- In the US, she has no certifications.
- In France, she sold about 13,5 million records
- In the UK, she has 3 certifications (2x silver, 1 gold)
- In Germany, she has only 6 golden records.
She sold maybe a lot of records in Asia and Japan, but surely not over 150 million in these countries. So, the sales figure for Mouskouri of 200 million records worldwide seems more realistic. Some reliable sources claim that she sold over 200 million records in 2001. In the last ten years she did not sold another 100 million records.
Some sources claiming that she sold 200-250 million records:
- http://www.rfimusique.com/siteEn/biographie/biographie_6044.asp
- http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat?pubdate=2001/03/06
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2658743.stm
- http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/shy-and-retiring/2005/08/25/1124562976353.html
- http://artists.universal-music.de/nanamouskouri/html/bio/bio_fr.html
On March 26, 2006, an anonymous editor changed her sales figure on her Wikipedia-article from 190 to 300 million without any source until June 2006. That's more than three years ago!! (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nana_Mouskouri&diff=45263161&oldid=45203036). So, I think that explains why a lot of sources claim that she has sold 300 million records. So, is it possible to put her in the 200 million + category? Thanks!Christo jones (talk) 19:38, 27 August 2009 (UTC)
- When calculating figures of an artist like Nana Mouskouri, one needs to look at the year she has launched her career, it's 1958. Whereas most of the music markets began issuing certifications after 1973 or 1975 including the German market, where she has sold some 1.5 million records according to her certifications; therefore, we have no way of tracking most of Mouskouri's records which have been released and sold before mid 1970s.
- Where are you getting the 13.5 million for the French market? I see only some 2.2 million albums in certified sales here.
- By the way, in Canada, she has over 1 million units in certified sales, here.
- The 300 million is a huge number, and we should have seen at least 10-15 million coming out of the French market, if that was the case. As for the Asian markets, I doubt she could have sold more than 10-15 million in the entire Asia. In spite of Mouskouri beginning her career as early as 1958, we still should be able to see good 30-40% of her records within databases. Such is not the case though. So the BBS's source, which claims 200 million is more logical than the source we currently have which claims 300 million. We should definitely consider replacing her source once the full-protection lifts off.--Harout72 (talk) 22:15, 27 August 2009 (UTC)
cat stevens not on list list
cat stevens has sold over 60 million albums worldwide but i don't see him on the list. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 4912360ab (talk • contribs) 15:02, 28 August 2009 (UTC)
- I am looking into this now, he has had substantial sales worlwide I'm sure, but whether it's enough to get into the list, we shall find out. JFonseka (talk) 12:17, 4 September 2009 (UTC)
Here's a quick look into Cat Stevens' certified sales (re-edited)
RIAA AMERICA - 15.6 million BPI BRITAIN - 1.2 million taking into considering past certification scheme GERMANY - 2.75 million using past certification scheme FRANCE - 600,000 CANADA - 250,000
Calculating his total sales from these 5 figures alone it's about 20 million. However I haven't checked all the databases, and the UK database looks very incomplete, and it probably is since many other artists are also returning very incomplete figures, also much of the last certification dates were over 30 years ago. It doesn't look like Cat Steven has sold 50 million records at this stage at all, he'd be around the 30 - 35 million mark. Though if you find a reliable news source that indicates 50m+ for now, I will put it up temporarily since a lot of other artists haven't been scrutinized in detail yet and to keep the list consistent until further details are done for everyone. Thanks to Harout for pointing out my mistakes in calculating Stevens' figures. JFonseka (talk) 13:08, 5 September 2009 (UTC)
where is cliff richards?
he should be in the list .he sold 260 millions worldwide.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_RichardAle12341 (talk) 16:26, 29 August 2009 (UTC)
- Cliff Richard has been removed from the list, he was supported with that very source you're providing above. Richard does not seem to have sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
- UK sales 10.4 million records
- US sales 500,000
- German sales 250,000
- Canadian sales 200,000
- Dutch sales 80,000
- Finnish sales 25,000
- Norwegian sales 40,000
- He has not had major sales in most countries including Switzerland, Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina etc..
- If there is reliable source; however, claiming that Richard has sold 50 million records which is where his actual record sales should stand, then I'll add him back to the list with that source. I can't put him back on the list with a source which claims that Richard has sold 250 million records. That's an impossible figure for him. --Harout72 (talk) 23:58, 29 August 2009 (UTC)
Very Wrong Sales Figures
I viewed this page, and found it's very superficial when it's about Elvis and Michael jackson' sales.
About Elvis sales, why you guys tries to found a page where you can see lowest estimates of Elvis' sales without knowing what is actually written on it?? The actual sentence from that source what you have supplied for "300 million" sales is:-
"Elvis sold 300million records during his lifetime but became a victim of his own success." Means Elvis had sold 300 million when he was living, So are you guys posting up "1954 - 1977" sales estimates of Elvis?
Elvis has probably sold over 2 billion according to few estimates. Here are few sources:-
http://www.theenglishmall.com/bios/index.php?bio=elvis-presley
http://www.sunstarstudios.com/elvis2.html
Michael's sales are 750 million Units, means not just albums also singles, lps, etc. And the total album sales are 350 million, Guinness had estimated 47 million, And there are 10 albums of michael jackson, doesn't it means each has sold 75 million.
Please correct both, or just put the 1 week older page.
Also Led Zeppelin has sold 300 million officially long before, they have got 111.5 million certified sales only in US.
Few sources:-
www.myspace.com/ledzeppelin
http://www.ez-tracks.com/showArtists-OrigArtist-Led%20Zeppelin.html
http://www.ledzeppelinstuff.com/
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5igHDdkpddjogzt2A9OP68elQIoqw
Thanks. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ledzeppblackdog (talk • contribs) 05:00, 4 September 2009 (UTC)
- If you had paid attention to what was said, the figures for The Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson are based on certified sales and claimed sales. Claimed sales are not necessarily wrong, in fact they maybe the true representation of the what the artists' sales are, but unfortunately, not every country has a certification system, and even fewer have an easily accessible database to verify this. Hence two sections have been given, one is the official certification system and the other is the claimed section. We cannot accept links to information by the band/artist's website or other questionable sources, it should be highly reliable and also independent. Industry certifications are reliable to some degree as they given a breakdown without just stating random figures, they are also frequently updated. Elvis selling 2 billion records is a ridiculously inflated figure. It is unlikely that Elvis and The Beatles and MJ altogether have reached 2 billion in sales, let alone Elvis. JFonseka (talk) 06:19, 4 September 2009 (UTC)
- But the sales figures of you guys are wrong, because you have based it on site source without even knowing what is actually written in that source, like it was written in one page that "Elvis sold 300million records during his lifetime" But you guys started treating that sentence like it is about his all time sales, Where it's about only of the time 1954 - 1977, means when he was alive. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ledzeppblackdog (talk • contribs) 06:50, 4 September 2009 (UTC)
- If you had paid attention to what was said, the figures for The Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson are based on certified sales and claimed sales. Claimed sales are not necessarily wrong, in fact they maybe the true representation of the what the artists' sales are, but unfortunately, not every country has a certification system, and even fewer have an easily accessible database to verify this. Hence two sections have been given, one is the official certification system and the other is the claimed section. We cannot accept links to information by the band/artist's website or other questionable sources, it should be highly reliable and also independent. Industry certifications are reliable to some degree as they given a breakdown without just stating random figures, they are also frequently updated. Elvis selling 2 billion records is a ridiculously inflated figure. It is unlikely that Elvis and The Beatles and MJ altogether have reached 2 billion in sales, let alone Elvis. JFonseka (talk) 06:19, 4 September 2009 (UTC)
- They are not our sales figures, the sales figures are of various countries' certification systems. I am not quite sure what you mean about the rest of your complaint, this isn't exactly an administration, and I'm not sure who "you guys" are, there are just various editors here and we don't always agree with each other either, however any debate with the actual certification should be taken up with the relevant certifying board, the certified sales are the best shot we have at some accuracy and relevancy, with additional figures from claimed sources to give the reader balanced information, with footnotes to indicate certified sales may not be complete. JFonseka (talk) 12:12, 4 September 2009 (UTC)
- Nice talking with you.
- They are not our sales figures, the sales figures are of various countries' certification systems. I am not quite sure what you mean about the rest of your complaint, this isn't exactly an administration, and I'm not sure who "you guys" are, there are just various editors here and we don't always agree with each other either, however any debate with the actual certification should be taken up with the relevant certifying board, the certified sales are the best shot we have at some accuracy and relevancy, with additional figures from claimed sources to give the reader balanced information, with footnotes to indicate certified sales may not be complete. JFonseka (talk) 12:12, 4 September 2009 (UTC)
Ledzeppblackdog, if you are referring to this article by Daily Record, then you should also pay attention at the date of the article. The news services and record companies are having a hard time publishing correct figures of present-time artists as it is, what makes you now believe they're able to track record-sales that has taken place before '77? I highly doubt Presley could have sold over 300 million records before his death. It's just the choice of their wording that makes you confused, it's very much like when some news services sometimes use "albums" instead of "records", whereas they all mean the same thing "records" (albums, singles) regardless of the choice of their words. --Harout72 (talk) 15:37, 4 September 2009 (UTC)
- But when it's already proved before, that Elvis has roughly got 400 million in USA, then how can you even believe on that kind of source? 2nd, It's written that "Elvis sold 300million records during his lifetime" means they are talking about 1954 - 1977, And you are correct, that how a news source can track sales before 77, but the words they have wrote tells that they are talking about before 77.
In fact, Elvis had sold over 600 million in his lifetime(1954 - 1977), Few sources:-
http://www.javno.com/en-bestseller/31st-anniversary-of-elvis-presleys-death_172727
http://www.flixster.com/actor/elvis-presley
- It' been proven that Presley has sold 400 million records in US? Go the list and look at the total figure that Presley's US certifications represent, that's 174 million (singles, albums, videos combined), and that my friend would be roughly 200 million not 400. Above, you are providing sources which claim that Presley has sold 2 billion records none of which, by the way, is reliable. And now you are providing another set of sources (immediately above) both of which claim 600 million. Which one do you think is correct? There seems to be a huge gap between 2 billion and 600 million, don't you think?--Harout72 (talk) 06:02, 5 September 2009 (UTC)
about michael jackson
I read a older verison of his wikipedia page it says he sold 750 million units worldwide not records or albums [13] this includes videograph[14] , Studio albums ,Compilations, and other types of albums [15] and singles [16]. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Clifffrichard (talk • contribs) 11:40, 5 September 2009 (UTC)
These sales figure need to lowered
ABBA sold 300 million records woldwide not 370 million [17] [18] [19]
Nana Mouskouri sold 200 million [20] [21] [22] —Preceding unsigned comment added by Clifffrichard (talk • contribs) 15:46, 5 September 2009 (UTC)
- Just a reminder, sources we accept here must be highly reliable, and at least one of them is not for Nana Mouskouri. I have to say that most of your sources above are useful. I would also very much like to see you stop believing in Jackson's 750 million. In other words, don't believe everything you read. Cheers.--Harout72 (talk) 16:36, 5 September 2009 (UTC)
i get you point about how record companies can lie about sales for music artits
but dont you think 370 million figure for abba is wrong beacuase the two article which back up my claim they sold 300 million is from 1999(mtv) and 2003 (cnn) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Clifffrichard (talk • contribs) 16:57, 5 September 2009 (UTC)
also this article from 2001 claims they sold 300 million [23] —Preceding unsigned comment added by Clifffrichard (talk • contribs) 17:01, 5 September 2009 (UTC)