22 Top-Selling Musicians Who Never Left the Charts

Dominating Through The Decades

Numbers don't lie in the music business. These music artists have dominated album sales like nobody else. Each release turns to gold, then platinum, and continues to resonate with audiences. Here are the best-selling artists of all time.

Mariah Carey

22. Van Halen (75 Million)

56.5 million albums were sold in the US, thanks in part to Eddie Van Halen's lightning-fast fingers. Their first six albums went directly to multi-platinum status, while the band’s ability to rule both rock and pop charts was proved when "Jump" reached the top of Billboard's Hot 100.

Van Halen Warner Records, Wikimedia Commons

22. Van Halen (75 Million) (Cont.)

Both of their albums with Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth were certified platinum. "Why Can’t This Be Love,” "Can’t Stop Lovin’ You, “Dance the Night Away," and "Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love" are some of their fan-favorite releases.

Van Halen Van Halen - Can't Stop Lovin' You (Official Music Video) [HD] by Van Halen

21. George Strait (120 Million)

The "King of Country" has racked up an incredible 44 number-one hits on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and sold about 69 million albums in the US. He started his music journey performing with his Army band, "Ramrod," in Hawaii. Over the years, he’s dropped 33 platinum albums.

George Strait Bede735, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

21. George Strait (120 Million) (Cont.)

That’s not all. Strait has pulled off at least one Top 10 hit every single year for three decades straight. Plus, he has never recorded a song he didn't absolutely love. He received 23 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year awards in 1989, 1990, and 2013.

George Strait George Strait - Troubadour (Official Music Video - Closed Captioned) by George Strait

20. Fleetwood Mac (120 Million)

Breaking records and hearts, "Rumours" spent 31 weeks at number one. This ultimately drove the group’s total sales to 54.5 million albums (USA). Interestingly, the name "Fleetwood Mac" came after Peter Green suggested combining the rhythm section's names, derived from Fleetwood and bassist John McVie.

Fleetwood Mac Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

20. Fleetwood Mac (120 Million) (Cont.)

Their debut album and smash single "Albatross" from 1968 helped them earn fame during the British blues boom. Even though many members were leaving and joining, the five-member lineup turned turmoil into success with Rumours in 1977, featuring "Dreams" and "The Chain".

Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac - Dreams (Official Music Video) [4K Remaster] by Fleetwood Mac

19. Metallica (125 Million)

It was the self-titled "Black Album" that revolutionized metal's commercial potential, helping drive the band’s total sales to 63 million (USA). The album spent an unprecedented 600 weeks on Billboard's chart and ended up earning Diamond certification in record time.

Metallica Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

19. Metallica (125 Million) (Cont.)

No other metal band matched their feat of five consecutive number-one debuts on the Billboard 200. However, this streak ended in 2023 with the release of their album 72 Seasons. It debuted at number 2 but stood at the first position on the Top Album Sales chart.

Metallica Library of Congress Life, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

18. Billy Joel (150 Million)

This man’s breakthrough came with "Piano Man," based on his experiences playing in Los Angeles bars, but it was "Just the Way You Are" that won him his first Grammy. With 84.5 million records sold in America, he's scored 33 Top 40 hits, all of which he wrote himself.

Billy Joel U.S. Department of Defense photo by SRA Andrew J. Rice, Wikimedia Commons

18. Billy Joel (150 Million) (Cont.)

"We Didn't Start the Fire" showcased his songwriting prowess by cramming 118 historical references into one song. Just by the way, he hasn't released a pop album since 1993 but still sells out Madison Square Garden monthly, achieving the longest arena residency in history.

Billy Joel Billy Joel - We Didn't Start The Fire (from Live at Shea Stadium) by Billy Joel

17. Barbra Streisand (150 Million)

Barbra Streisand has been dominating the music scene for decades. In America, She has sold about 68.5 million albums along the way and is the only artist to land number-one albums in six consecutive decades. She bagged the Academy Award for Best Original Song for writing "Evergreen”.

Barbra Streisand Al Ravenna, Wikimedia Commons

17. Barbra Streisand (150 Million) (Cont.)

This winning song from A Star Is Born (1976) made her the first woman to earn an Academy Award for composing music. Besides, her studio debut, The Barbra Streisand Album (1963), also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

Evergreen Evergreen from A Star Is Born” (1976) by Barbra Streisand

16. Bruce Springsteen (150 Million)

The well-known Bruce Springsteen, who is also called "The Boss," is loved for his storytelling through rock music. This talented figure managed to sell over 150 million records across the globe and more than 64 million records just in the United States.

Bruce Springsteen Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

16. Bruce Springsteen (150 Million) (Cont.)

Springsteen's album Born in the U.S.A. rightly received Diamond certification and had seven Top 10 hits. “Born to Run”. “Thunder Road” and “Dancing in the Dark” are some of his famous singles. Apparently, Springsteen's entire music catalog was sold to Sony for $500 million.

Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In the Dark (from Born In The U.S.A. Live: London 2013) by Bruce Springsteen

15. Aerosmith (150 Million)

America's famous rock band made a massive comeback with 66.5 million album sales in the United States. After nearly breaking up in the ‘80s, they came back even stronger with “Permanent Vacation,” which gave them their first Top 10 hit. They were also known as “Rebel Boys from Boston”.

Aerosmith bobnjeff, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

15. Aerosmith (150 Million) (Cont.)

Aerosmith achieved mainstream success with the release of Rocks (1976) and Toys in the Attic (1975). They are tied for the most multi-platinum albums by an American group and hold the record for the most total certifications by an American group.

Aerosmith Aerosmith - Toys In The Attic (Live At The Summit, Houston, TX, June 25, 1977) by Aerosmith

14. Garth Brooks (170 Million)

Did you know this country superstar once played linebacker in college? Before selling a mind-boggling 170 million records, Garth Brooks juggled javelin throwing and music at Oklahoma State. He brought rock-style theatrics and made history as the first artist to score diamond status with seven albums.

Garth Brooks Toglenn, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

14. Garth Brooks (170 Million) (Cont.)

However, he walked away from it all at his peak in 2001 to be a dad. Brooks even worked at a youth sports program under an alias. His comeback in 2014 broke ticket records, with his world tour reportedly selling over 6 million tickets.

Garth Brooks Tour Kylie_Jaxxon, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

13. U2 (170 Million)

Starting as post-punk innovators, U2 evolved into stadium-filling superstars, with "The Joshua Tree" earning Diamond status. They won the "Pop Group '78" talent contest sponsored by the Evening Press and Guinness's Harp Lager in March 1978. Now, U2 holds around 170 million album sales.

Remy, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

13. U2 (170 Million) (Cont.)

The group is composed of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), The Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). "With or Without You" is U2's most streamed and watched track, with millions of views on YouTube.

U2start, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

12. Eagles (200 Million)

The masters of the California sound started when Glenn Frey and Don Henley met, backing Linda Ronstadt. Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is one album that everyone remembers. Besides, when they created Hotel California, magic happened as the album sold several copies worldwide.

Eagles Rachel Kramer, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

12. Eagles (200 Million) (Cont.)

Despite releasing only seven studio albums, they've maintained their status with 120 million records sold in America. It is said that they began recording The Long Run on March 1, 1978, and it took 18 months to complete, with the finishing touches applied on September 1, 1979.

Long Run Eagles Eagles The Long Run 🔴Liv by MUSiCA DE NUESTRA EPOCA 70s 80s

11. Mariah Carey (200 Million)

Did you know that Carey’s first five singles reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100? Called the "Songbird Supreme" by Guinness World Records, she is rightly celebrated for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing, and signature use of the whistle register.

Mariah Carey David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

11. Mariah Carey (200 Million) (Cont.)

Mariah Carey went all out with her albums Music Box (1993) and Daydream (1995). Daydream was a grand success as it sold over 20 million copies and became her highest-selling album in the U.S. She also bagged 6 Grammy Awards and 19 World Music Awards.

Mariah Carey Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

10. AC/DC (200 Million)

These hard rock legends have absolutely crushed it with 72 million albums sold in the US. Their tribute to the late Bon Scott, Back in Black, is a massive hit, ranking as the second-highest-selling album ever with 25 million copies flying off the shelves.

ACDC Ed Vill from Caracas, Venezuela, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

10. AC/DC (200 Million) (Cont.)

As per sources, it was added to the Recording Academy's Grammy Hall of Fame collection in 2012. AC/DC is basically an Australian heavy metal band that was formulated in Australia in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. It began gaining popularity in the 1980s.

ACDC Teodoromix, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

9. Whitney Houston (220 Million)

Whitney Houston’s vocals really took off, especially with her record-breaking "The Bodyguard" soundtrack and that unforgettable version of the National Anthem. She has sold about 250 million records and witnessed seven consecutive number-one hits on the Billboard charts.

Whitney Houston Asterio Tecson, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

9. Whitney Houston (220 Million) (Cont.)

The talented Houston won 5 American Music Awards at the 14th ceremony in 1987, which was a record for a female artist at the time. In the 1992 film The Bodyguard, she performed Dolly Parton's ballad "I Will Always Love You," which topped the charts for 14 weeks.

Whitney Houston Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video) by Whitney Houston

8. Pink Floyd (250 Million)

Having sold over 250 million albums, Pink Floyd totally changed the game for what it means to be successful in music. Their album Dark Side of the Moon had an insane run as it stayed on the Billboard charts for a crazy 937 weeks.

Pink Floyd Capitol Records, Wikimedia Commons

8. Pink Floyd (250 Million) (Cont.)

Then there's The Wall, which sold around 30 million copies and stood as the best-selling double album ever. Since 1973, every studio album they've put out has gone platinum multiple times. In 2014, it released The Endless River as a tribute to Wright.

Pink Floyd TimDuncan, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

7. The Rolling Stones (250 Million)

Rooted in early rock and roll and blues, The Rolling Stones initially played covers and were at the forefront of the British Invasion in 1964. They gained international fame with their own material, including hits like "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (1965).

The Rolling Stones V. K. Hietanen, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

7. The Rolling Stones (250 Million) (Cont.)

These brilliant individuals have racked up 66.5 million US album sales together. The Rolling Stones released over 50 albums and compilations, with 32 UK and U.S. top-ten singles. They were also inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Rolling Stones Jim Pietryga, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

6. Led Zeppelin (300 Million)

Here's a band that never released singles in the UK during their active years yet dominated the rock world. Originally called The New Yardbirds, they got their name from Keith Moon, who joked they'd go down like a “lead zeppelin”. The band recorded their first album in just 36 hours.

Led Zeppelin Atlantic Records, Wikimedia Commons

6. Led Zeppelin (300 Million) (Cont.)

According to Warner Music Germany and Billboard, Led Zeppelin has sold around 300 million albums worldwide. Plant's wailing vocals and Page's innovative guitar work created a template for rock that artists still follow today. Besides, their 2007 reunion concert at London's O2 Arena is unforgettable.

Led Zeppelin Paul Hudson from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

5. Elton John (300 Million)

John’s first hit, "Your Song," written in around 20 minutes, launched a career spanning 60 Top 40 hits. His seven consecutive US number-one albums (1972-1975) set a record that stood for decades, while "Candle in the Wind 1997" ended up becoming the best-selling single.

Elton John Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

5. Elton John (300 Million) (Cont.)

Additionally, his musical partnership with Bernie Taupin created around 30 platinum albums, spanning rock, pop, and even musical theater with "The Lion King”. He's achieved the remarkable feat of placing at least one song on Billboard's Hot 100 for 30 consecutive years.

Elton John Ernst Vikne, Wikimedia Commons

4. Madonna (300 Million)

As of February 2025, Madonna stands as the 17th highest-certified artist in the United States. In 1986, she was regarded as the first female performer to have her whole discography appear in the year-end European charts. “Material Girl” is one of her famous songs.

Madonna Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

4. Madonna (300 Million) (Cont.)

With 65.5 million album units sold in the United States, her best-selling ones include The Immaculate Collection (1990) and Like a Virgin (1984). In 1982, she teamed up with Sire Records, and her first album, Madonna, came out in 1983. It soon hit number eight on the Billboard 200.

Madonna Madonna - Material Girl (Official Video) [HD] by Madonna

3. Michael Jackson (500 Million)

Here comes the King of Pop, who revolutionized music, dance, and video simultaneously. Thriller remains his best-selling album, with around 70 million copies sold worldwide. His musical innovation was unmatched with "Billie Jean's" bass line that changed pop music production.

Michael Jackson Zoran Veselinovic, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

3. Michael Jackson (500 Million) (Cont.)

He owns the record for most Grammy Awards received in a single night, that is, 8, and he also earned 13 number-one singles as a solo artist. His influence spans genres, and why not? Even Beatles legend Paul McCartney called him "the greatest entertainer of all time”.

Michael Jackson Drew H. Cohen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

2. The Beatles (600 Million)

When four lads from Liverpool formed a band, nobody imagined they'd change music forever. John, Paul, George, and Ringo pioneered music videos, stadium shows, and backward recording. In 1965, they played their first-ever stadium concert at Shea Stadium, surrounded by several fans.

The Beatles Eric Koch for Anefo, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, Wikimedia Commons

2. The Beatles (600 Million) (Cont.)

The band's success is almost mythical, with over 600 million records sold, 20 Billboard Hot 100 #1 hits, and every album going platinum. "Yesterday" remains their most covered song. Apparently, Decca Records had rejected them in 1962, saying, "Guitar groups are on their way out.

Yesterday Yesterday (With Spoken Word Intro / Live From Studio 50, New York City / 1965) by The Beatles

1. Elvis Presley (1 Billion)

Imagine a poor Tupelo boy becoming music royalty. Starting with his first Sun Records recording of "That's All Right" in 1954, Elvis transformed American music forever. His breakthrough year, 1956, saw "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don't Be Cruel," "Hound Dog," and "Love Me Tender" all topping the charts.

Elvis Presley Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc., Wikimedia Commons

1. Elvis Presley (1 Billion) (Cont.)

With 1 billion records sold, he became one of the best-selling solo artists in history. Elvis's voice was incredibly versatile. After all, Presley’s the only artist inducted into the Rock and Roll, Country, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame. He scored 18 number-one hits on Billboard's Hot 100.

Hound Dog Elvis Presley Hound Dog (October 28, 1956) on The Ed Sullivan Show by The Ed Sullivan Show

Best-Selling Artists In The History Of Music—Ranked According To Records Sold