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Courtesy of the RIAA and the Estate of Michael JacksonSure, Adele‘s new disc 25 is selling millions, but it’s going to take her a long while to approach the sales numbers racked up by Michael Jackson‘s 1983 magnum opus, Thriller.
The album, which won eight Grammys and spun off seven top-10 hits, has just been certified 30 times platinum for U.S. sales, meaning it’s sold 30 million copies. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, which hands out the gold and platinum awards, no other album has ever been certified for that many copies sold. Worldwide, the disc has sold over 100 million copies.
In a statement, RIAA Chairman and CEO Cary Sherman said, “The RIAA has awarded Gold & Platinum records on behalf of the music business for nearly 60 years, but this is the first time an artist has crossed the 30X multi-Platinum plateau. We are honored to celebrate the unique status of Thriller in Gold &a Platinum history. What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller’s enduring spot in our hearts and musical history.”
LA Reid, Chairman & CEO of Epic Records, added in a statement, “Thriller was groundbreaking and electrifying…it was perfection. I am extremely proud that Michael is the heart and soul of Epic Records and he will forever remain the one-and-only King of Pop.”
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson, noted, “30 years after its release, Thriller continues to be a revelation.”
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