The late Michael Jackson has already set just about every album sales record, but there are a few more milestones that can be reached even after his death. Thriller, his sixth solo studio album released in 1982 by Epic Records, just sold its 30 millionth copy.
That means it has gone three times diamond (diamond meaning 10 million sales). The album reached 20 million copies in sales back in 1984.
“RIAA has awarded Gold and 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 & Platinum history. What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller’s enduring spot in our hearts and musical history,” said RIAA’s chairman and CEO Cary Sherman.
L.A. Reid, the current CEO of Epic Records, said: “Not only are his chart hits and sales stats staggering, but his pure musicality was other-worldly. 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.”
Thriller, Michael Jackson’s best-selling album to date, was produced by both Quincy Jones and Jackson himself. Chart-topping songs on the album include ‘Beat It,’ ‘Billie Jean,’ ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,’ and the album-titled track ‘Thriller.’ The album won a record setting eight Grammys, more than any album ever.
Thriller spent nearly 2 1/2 years on the Billboard album chart and holds a modern day record of 37 weeks at No. 1. It was the first album in history to spend each of its first 80 weeks in the album chart’s Top 10.
During his amazing career, Michael Jackson sold more than a billion records worldwide.
