Well, from 1979 to his death in 2009, Jackson released seven albums, and his only sold under eight million copies twice — again, mostly physical copies. Drake has also surpassed MJ in total top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Elvis Presley sold 146.5 million albums, which is 62.5 more than Michael Jackson, who sold 84 million albums. If you ask an Elvis Presley fan, it clearly is Elvis.
When comparing numbers, Drake has had ten number-one albums compared to Jackson's six. The “Hotline Bling” singer also has 54 top ten singles compared to Jackson's 40, as well the most entries and consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That being said, you cannot compare Drake to Jackson.
Top-selling artists worldwide as of 2022. Perhaps unsurprisingly, British rock band The Beatles are top of the list for best-selling artists worldwide, with 183 million units certified sales. Second is Garth Brooks with over 157 million units sales, followed by Elvis Presley with 139 million units.
Bad Bunny is Billboard's #1 artist of 2022, making history for Spanish-language artists. Bad Bunny continues to make history.
"Old Town Road" holds the record for the longest stretch at No. 1 with 19 weeks.
According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
Chart hits
In most cases, the amount of weeks spent on either music chart may also play a big part in its relevance as a 'hit,' regardless of its peak chart position. A hit single is variously called a number one hit, a top 5 hit, a top 10 hit, a top 20 hit or a top 40 hit, depending on its peak position.
Referred to as the "King of Pop", he is certified and known as the most awarded and nominated recording artist in the history of popular music. Michael Jackson is considered to be one of the greatest entertainers of all time and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Elvis Presley (USA) is the best-selling solo artist, with 1 billion sales worldwide (129.5 million in the USA).
1. Michael Jackson — $250 million (2010) The deal was signed after Jackson's death, but his estate's contract with Sony Music gives the label rights to his indisputable catalogue, including reissues, as well as any posthumous new releases, like 2014's "Xscape," which managed to land at No. 2 on US charts.
Michael Jackson is without a doubt one of the best singers of all time, if not the greatest. Like others, he was given a title: the "King of Pop".
With 13 No. 1s – and one more to which he contributed vocals – Jackson leads the list of male artists with the most chart-topping hits.
Michael Jackson — $400 million. Elvis Presley — $40 million. Arnold Palmer — $35 million. Charles Schulz — $34 million.
Michael Jackson's Thriller, estimated to have sold 70 million copies worldwide, is the best-selling album ever. Jackson also currently has the highest number of albums on the list with five, Celine Dion has four, while the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Madonna and Whitney Houston each have three.
We played that song 30 times. It was a laugh. Nicholas Bullen, writer of the song's four-word lyrics, said that the brevity of "You Suffer" was inspired by Wehrmacht's 1985 song "E!". The song has since been recognized by Guinness World Records as the shortest ever recorded.
The most successful songwriters in terms of number one singles are John Lennon (1940-80) and Paul McCartney (b. 18 Jun 1942). McCartney is credited as the writer on 32 number one hits in the US to Lennons 26 (with 23 co-written), whereas Lennon authored 29 UK number ones to McCartney's 28 (25 co-written).