Michael Jackson is undoubtedly one of the greatest artists of all time. Nicknamed the “King of Pop,” he left his mark on several generations with his hits and breathtaking stage performances. However, other artists have managed to surpass the King of Pop’s record sales. Let’s take a look at these talents who shaped music history.
The Beatles: a legendary band
The British band The Beatles is considered the group that has sold the most records worldwide. Made up of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, this legendary group recorded 13 studio albums between 1963 and 1970. Nearly 600 million copies are said to have been sold, a record that is hard to beat.
A meteoric career
In only seven years as a band, The Beatles influenced music and popular culture in ways that are almost unimaginable. Their iconic songs, such as “Yesterday,” “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude,” remain etched in people’s memories and continue to win over new fans generation after generation.
Elvis Presley: the “King” of rock ’n’ roll
If there is one artist who left as deep a mark on music history as Michael Jackson, it is Elvis Presley. The American singer and actor is considered one of the pioneers of rock ’n’ roll and sold more than 500 million albums worldwide. His impressive career spanned three decades, until his death in 1977.
Unmatched success
Elvis Presley racked up hits throughout his life, with songs such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” He also left his mark on American cinema, appearing in around thirty films. Even today, he is regarded as a true cultural symbol in the United States and around the world.
Madonna: the Queen of Pop
Madonna is undeniably one of the most influential and iconic female artists of all time. The American singer, nicknamed the “Queen of Pop,” has sold between 335 and 350 million copies of her records since the start of her career in the 1980s. That achievement allows her to rival Michael Jackson and rank among the best-selling recording artists of all time.
An exceptional career
With a career spanning more than four decades, Madonna established herself as an icon of popular music thanks to hits such as “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl” and “Like a Prayer.” She is also known for her extraordinary stage performances and her advocacy for women’s rights and the LGBTQ+ community.
Other artists who have sold more records than Michael Jackson
Beyond these three legends, other artists have also managed to surpass Michael Jackson’s record sales. They include:
- Elton John : the British singer, known for hits such as “Your Song” and “Rocket Man,” has sold around 300 million copies of his albums.
- Led Zeppelin : the British rock band, led by singer Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page, has sold nearly 300 million records since it was formed in 1968.
- Queen : with Freddie Mercury on vocals and Brian May on guitar, the British rock band made music history with tracks such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.” They are said to have sold around 200 million copies of their albums.
So, although Michael Jackson remains an iconic figure in modern music, other artists have managed to surpass his record sales thanks to their talent and their influence across several generations. The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Madonna and other artists continue to shape music history and inspire new generations.