Best-Selling Musicians of All Time (by U.S. Album Sales)

During a fickle and rapidly changing musical landscape, these best-selling musicians remain historical icons.

Best-Selling Artists By Album Sales

To detail the best-selling musicians of all time by album sales, it’s helpful to first take a look at the music business — which isn’t what it used to be. Long gone are the days when an artist could put out an album or CD, and fans would rush to the store to buy a copy. That model, much to the chagrin of many musicians, ended in the late 1990s with the advent of streaming services that enabled people to download individual songs for free or a nominal price. While common now, this was a big deal at the time.

If you’re too young to remember this cultural milestone, Google “Napster and Metallica.” The heavy metal band’s drummer, Lars Ulrich, led the charge against Napster, a pioneering file-sharing internet service that allowed people to share digital musical files for free. Metallica sued Napster in 2000, alleging copyright infringement and racketeering. For a while, Ulrich became the much-maligned poster boy for greedy rock stars, but the courts ruled in Metallica’s favor and Napster eventually filed bankruptcy.

But, by then, the genie was out of the bottle. Other file-sharing services popped up, and today, people consume and download music, videos and other media through iTunes and a host of other companies. This has caused album sales to plummet. Indeed, the musical landscape is vastly different from the heydays of the 1970s, '80s and '90s when vinyl and CD sales peaked, which explains why the best-selling artists all rose to prominence decades ago. But even as musical tastes and styles have changed, these acts have remained popular across multiple generations.

Here are the best-selling artists of all time...

100. Usher (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 23.5

Our list starts off with a six-way tie in the 100th spot. Usher became an instant star when his self-titled album was released in 1994, followed by his second album, "My Way" in 1997. His popularity continued into the 2000s, and he's now earned nine, No. 1 singles as well as eight Grammy Awards. He's not slowing down either, with a recent residency in Las Vegas.

Note: Record sales were sourced from the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) certified U.S. album sales data.

100. The Cars (Tie)

Ric Ocasek of The Cars at the MTV video music awards in 1984.

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 23.5

Emerging from the new wave scene, The Cars sold millions of records due to their synthesizer beats. Unfortunately, the band broke up in 1988, but a few other members came together to create an alternative band called The New Cars.

100. Sade (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 23.5

Sade’s albums took over radio waves with songs such as “By Your Side.” Sade's multi-platinum albums — "Promise," "Stronger Than Pride" and "Love Deluxe" — made her a best-selling pop artist.

100. Kid Rock (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 23.5

Musician, record producer, activist, and actor, Kid Rock, was part of the development of country rap. Heavily popular in the ‘90s, Kid Rock established an audience with his breakthrough hit Bawitdaba.

100. Johnny Cash (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 23.5

Probably one of the most well-known country singers in the world, Johnny Cash had his fair share of fame along with his vices. Songs such as “Ring of Fire” and “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” are what made this singer-songwriter from Arkansas famous.

100. Earth, Wind & Fire (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 23.5

While Earth, Wind & Fire have dozen of hits under their belt, they’re the first African American act to sell out Madison Square Garden. Plus, they were inducted into the Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

97. Vince Gill (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 24

American country singer, Vince Gill, became one of the most popular musicians in the ‘90s in his respected genre. Originally being a part of the band Pure Prairie League, he eventually became a solo artist where he created songs such as "Victim of Life's Circumstance."

97. Nickelback (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 24

Even though this Canada-born band might not be in the limelight as often as they would like, they’re still considered the second best-selling foreign act in the U.S. of the early ‘00s. Their song “How You Remind Me” was listed as the best-selling rock song of the decade by Billboards.

97. Green Day (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 24

This three-member band rose to fame with their punk-grunge ensembles and unique presence on stage. They’ve sold more than 85 million albums worldwide and even help create a Broadway show that was based around their seventh album, American Idiot.

95. The Carpenters (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 24.5

This popular brother-and-sister duo was a music and tv-hit sensation over the span of their 14-year-long career. They ended up leading the soft rock genre with three Grammy Awards, record-breaking Top 40 hits, and tv appearances.

95. R.E.O. Speedwagon (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 24.5

While they maintained popularity, the height of their fame occurred during the ‘80s. However, R.E.O Speedwagon’s "Hi Infidelity" album received the Diamond Award (10 million records sold in the U.S.) just in 2019.

89. ZZ Top (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25

Taking the ‘70s and ‘80s by storm, ZZ Top has accumulated one gold, seven platinum and three multi-platinum records. Because of their unique mix of blues rock and new wave, they’ve sold more than 50 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

89. Toby Keith (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25

Even though “Red Solo Cup” might be Toby Keith’s most famous song to date, he’s become a staple in the country music scene because of his albums "Pull My Chain" and "Unleashed."

89. Motley Crue (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25

Motley Crue might’ve ended things back in 2015 with a final tour at the Staples Center; but their heavy and metal music still lives on. While they had their fair share of controversies such as Tommy Lee quitting to pursue a solo career, they’re still known as one of the best-selling bands of all time.

89. Lil Wayne (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25

Lil Wayne has made quite the name for himself and is now considered one of the top 10 richest rappers in the world. His rise to the top in the 2010s was quick, as he had a major influence on other rappers of his era.

89. Hootie & the Blowfish (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25

Hootie & the Blowfish has been a band for almost as long as Lil Wayne has been alive. Having formed in 1986, the quartet practically defined the music of the 1990s. Who can forget their three Top 10 singles: "Hold My Hand," "Let Her Cry" and "Only Wanna Be with You"? They took a hiatus in 2008 until releasing a new studio album in 2019.

89. Creed (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25

While Creed began their journey in Tallahassee, Florida, in the early ‘90s, their music lost its vibe within the past decade or so. However, with 53 million records sold worldwide, they’re still known as one of the best-selling artists during the post-grunge time.

87. Drake (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25.5

Drake is one of the newer musicians on our list. He released his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement," at the age of 20 in 2006, and pretty much everything he's done since has become a success. RIAA currently lists him as the highest-certified digital singles artist in the U.S.

87. Faith Hill (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25.5

Since the ‘90s, Faith Hill has been known to be the Queen of country music. From Pearl Harbor’s “There You’ll Be” to her infamous single “This Kiss,” this country singer has produced hits after hits that not only won the hearts of country fans, but pop fans as well.

85. Rush (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 25

While this rock band might be retired after 41 years, they’ve helped change the shape of music forever with their complex compositions. They were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and recently went on their last tour in 2015.

85. Janet Jackson (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 26

Michael Jackson isn’t the only Jackson that made this list. Janet Jackson was a huge influence to the music scene from the ‘70s to the early ‘00s. While she has sold over 100 million records worldwide, she holds the most consecutive top-ten entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

83. Steve Miller Band (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 26.5

The Steve Miller Band may be still around to this day, but most of their hits derived from the ‘80s. Their recent tour with Journey back in 2016 encompassed a lot of their stylish notes that they’re still so classically known for.

83. Enya (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 26.5

Born in Ireland, this singer-songwriter pursued new age music and created a heavy following due to her classical/folk mix. During her solo career, she became Ireland’s biggest-selling solo artist with an estimated 75 million records worldwide.

80. Luther Vandross (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27

While he was known for his backup singing career for musicians such as David Bowie and Diana Ross, Luther Vandross eventually became the lead singer of the group Change. However, during his solo career, he won a total of eight Grammy Awards.

80. Frank Sinatra (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27

In addition to his acting chops, Frank Sinatra became a staple because of his one-of-a-kind voice and classic songs. Over his career, he’s received the Grammy Trustees Award, Grammy Legend Award, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

80. Boyz II Men (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27

While the ‘90s were known for boy bands, Boyz II Men took the lead when it came to the R&B genre. They’re one of the few artists who have spent time at No. 1 in Billboard history at 50 cumulative weeks and was recognized as being the fourth most successful group in the ‘90s.

74. Red Hot Chili Peppers (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27.5

As timeless as the Red Hot Chili Peppers are, they continue to still create one-of-a-kind music and tour the country by selling out arenas after arenas. In addition to their critically-acclaimed albums and stage presence, they stay present in the music scene due to their constant experimentation and improvisation in everything that they do.

74. Kanye West (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27.5

Whether you love him or hate him, Ye is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians of his generation, starting with the release of his first album, "Late Registration," in 2005. He's won 22 Grammy Awards and has been nominated a whopping 75 times — all of which have earned him a net worth of $400 million.

74. John Mellencamp (Tie)

John Cougar Mellencamp, Indiana's favorite musical son/

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27.5

This American musician is known for his heartland-style music. Rising to fame in the 1980s, John Mellencamp not only wrote music but was also an actor and painter. He was nominated for 13 Grammy Awards but ultimately ended up only winning one.

74. Jay-Z (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27.5

American rapper, Jay-Z, has had his name in lights since the ‘80s. Now, he’s known as one of the most influential rappers on the scene due to his lyrics. He is known as one of the best-selling artists of all time.

74. Brooks & Dunn (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27.5

A country duo after our own hearts, Brooks & Dunn has recorded 10 studio albums for their honky-tonk music. They performed their final concert in Nashville in 2010.

74. Barry Manilow (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 27.5

Barry Manilow has continued to play concerts since beginning his music career back in 1964. While he recorded 47 Top 40 singles, he’s also known for producing for other artists such as Bette Midler,

68. Nirvana (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 28

Even though Nirvana ended on a tragic note, the band heavily influenced the grunge scene in the late ‘80s. They became one of the best-selling band of all time with 75 million records sold worldwide and was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

68. NYSNC (Tie)

'N Sync — Joey Fatone, from left, Justin Timberlake and Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC perform at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 28

Another boy band that took over the '90s was a five-member group that has completed five nationwide tours. While they took a small hiatus back in 2002, NSYNC never regroup and Justin Timberlake became a massive solo artist.

68. Michael Bolton (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 28

Since 1975, Michael Bolton has been a household name for soft rock music. While he may be a Grammy and American Music Awards winner, he’s also worked with the guys from The Lonely Island to create an original song called “Jack Sparrow.”

68. Mannheim Steamroller (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 28

Blending classical music with elements of new age and rock, this one-of-a-kind band has been making holiday-themed tunes since 1974. While your grandma might not approve this kind of music, their annual sold out shows say otherwise.

68. Creedence Clearwater Revival (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 28

Mostly active in the 1960s, Creedence Clearwater Revival was part of the Southern Rock genre movement which involved socially-conscious lyrics.

68. Bee Gees (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 28

You can’t help but think of the Bee Gees when you think about disco music. They rose to fame because of their participation in the creation of Saturday Night Fever soundtrack

67. Lynyrd Skynyrd

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 28.5

Still to this day, you can find Lynyrd Skynyrd touring the country, but before their fame, this rock and roll band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, with original members like Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Johnny Van Zant. They popularized Southern Rock with songs such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.” However, things came to an unforntale hault when Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines, died in an airplane crash in 1977.

65. Linkin Park (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 29.5

Aside from winning two Grammy Awards and selling over 70 million records worldwide, Linkin Park has been a major influence to young people and an activist for mental health due to their lead singer, Chester Bennington. Even though he recently passed away, the rest of the band members put on a show not long after to celebrate his life.

65. Beyonce (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 29.5

Queen Bey needs no introduction. But, in case you've been living under a very giant rock for the past 20 years, she came onto the music scene in the late 1990s with Destiny's Child. While the group was a bonafide success in its own right, her solo career has earned her international acclaim and a whole lot of fans. Plus, she's the first solo artist to have their first seven studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Need we go on?

64. Ozzy Osbourne

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 29.75

You may know Ozzy Osbourne for his bat-biting diet or his scary on-stage presence, but this English musician has made a name for his band thanks to their easily-recognizable songs like “Crazy Train.”

63. Linda Ronstadt

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 30

Before being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease back in 2009, which halted her singing career, Linda Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014 due to her one-of-a-kind music career. Not only did she sell over 100 million records worldwide, but she also released over 30 albums, charted 38 Billboard Hot 100 singles, and wont 11 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, and an ALMA Award.

61. Boston (Tie)

Boston (Band) — Tom Scholz, Gary Pihl, Curly Smith, Kimberley Dahme, Jeff Neal, Tommy DeCarlo, David Victor and Tracy Ferrie with Boston performing as part of the Heaven On Earth Tour at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park on Saturday, June 14, 2014, in Atlanta.

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 31

Before the lead singer died in 2007, Boston was famous during the ‘70s for their classic rock tunes. Altogether, the band released six studio albums that included songs like “More Than a Feeling” and “Rock and Roll Band.”

61. Adele (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 31

As young as Adele is, she’s accomplished more in her music career. Not only did Adele receive a recording contract after her friend posted her demo on Myspace, she also won dozens of awards such as six Grammy Awards, two British Awards, and three American Music Awards.

57. Willie Nelson (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 31.5

Beside for his pot obsession and legal troubles with the IRS, Willie Nelson became famous thanks to his albums Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust. In addition to his music, he also starred in over 30 films and was an activist to legalize marijuana.

57. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Tie)

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform in Chicago.

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 31.5

Hailing from Gainesville, Florida, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were part of the heartland music scene which also included artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger. Petty might’ve left and released three solo records on his own, but in 2017, the band came back together for a 40th anniversary tour, which happened right before Petty’s death.

57. Pearl Jam (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 31.5

If you lived during the ‘90s, you’re probably very familiar with this rock band. Pearl Jam not only became one of the leaders in the grunge music scene, but they nearly sold 60 million records worldwide.

57. Kenny Chesney (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 31.5

In addition to receiving six Country Music Awards, Kenny Chesney regularly sells out venues for his concerts. Even though he’s successful in the country scene, he’s also known as one of the few musicians to cross over into the pop scene.

56. R. Kelly

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 32

While rapper R. Kelly has been wrapped up in legal battles and controversy in recent years, he did have his 15 minutes of fame back in the 1990s. In addition to his relationship with R&B artist Aaliyah, he also became famous for his hit songs such as “Bump N’ Grind”, “Ignition (Remix)”, and “Trapped in the Closet.”

54. The Chicks (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 30.5

While the previously named Dixie Chicks were in a controversy over their views of President of the United States at the time, the band was mostly known for their country music songs such as “Wide Open Spaces.” Since then, they took a long hiatus until 2016 when they launched an international tour called DCX MMXVI World Tour. It was their first headline tour in 10 years.

54. James Taylor (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 33

Five-time Grammy Award winner and American singer-songwriter achieved his breakthrough with his song “Fire and Rain.” He got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 because every single album — from 1977 to 2007 — had sold over 1 million copies.

52. Phil Collins (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 33.5

Having more US Top 40 singles than any other artists in the ‘80s after leaving Genesis, Phil Collins also became known for his work on Disney’s animated movie, The Lion King. Beside Paul McCartney, Phil Collins is one of the only artists who’s sold 100 million records worldwide both as a solo artist and as a member of a band.

Related:Most Valuable Vinyl Records

52. John Denver (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 33.5

John Denver might’ve been known as an activist, actor, and record producer, but most of his success came from his singing-songwriting career. Between over 300 songs recorded, twelve gold albums, and four platinum albums, Denver’s became one of America’s best-selling performers.

51. The Doors

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 34

While The Door’s career lasted for about a decade, their albums and Jim Morrison’s unique stage persona made them a lasting name in the music business.

48. Dave Matthews Band (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 34.5

Formed in 1991, Dave Matthews Band — or DMB — became famous due to their six studio albums that the span over a decade. While they may be active now, they haven’t made a new album since 2012’s Away from the World.

48. Britney Spears (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 34.5

While this Louisiana-born singer and dancer began her entertainment career on the Mickey Mouse Club show alongside Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears became one of the best-selling pop artists with hits like “Oops!... I Did it Again” and “Hit Me Baby One More Time.”

48. Bon Jovi (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 34.5

Even though the lead singer of this band, Jon Bon Jovi, is probably the most well-known member, Bon Jovi has released over 13 studio albums and sold over 100 million records worldwide.

47. Def Leppard

Joe Elliott performs with the band Def Leppard — Joe Elliott performs with Def Leppard.

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 35.5

Formed in 1977, Def Leppard is one of the most well-known English rock bands ever. Albums like Hysteria and Pyromania introduced some of their top songs such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Rock of Ages”, and have eventually acquired RIAA diamond certifications.

46. Bob Dylan

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 36

This Minnesota-born singer-songwriter has been a part of the music industry for a span of over five decades. While most of his popular music comes from his 1960’s albums, his songs have transcended over time due to their lyrical compositions. For instance, Bob Dylan was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2012 and Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.

45. Tupac Shakur

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 36.5

While his career in the music world was unfortunately short lived, 2 Pac has become one of the most well-known rappers in the world and has even influenced future rappers and R&B artists alike.

44. Backstreet Boys

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 37

When boy bands took over in the ‘90s, the Backstreet Boys were one of the top groups to conquer the genre of pop. While they haven’t created new music as of late, they do have a Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood you could check out to relive your youth.

43. Tim McGraw

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 37.5

Country music’s finest, Tim McGraw, has made a name for himself across all genres. Not only is he known for his southern tunes and being married to country singer, Faith Hill, but he also dabbled into the entertainment world by acting in a few movies, too. Ultimately, this cowboy is a multi-talented singer that can do no wrong.

41. Rod Stewart (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 38

Now in his 70s, Rod Stewart is a legendary rock icon. He still performs around the world. He's sold over 35 million certified records in the United States and over 100 million records worldwide.

41. Foreigner (Tie)

Kelly Hansen and Mick Jones — Kelly Hansen, left, and Mick Jones of Foreigner perform during the '40th Anniversary Tour' at Coral Sky Amphitheatre on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 38

“Cold As Ice” and “Hot Blooded” are just some of the top hits that this English-American rock band has created that have taken over radio stations and concert halls across the world. With their 40th-anniversary summer tour in 2017, you can bet this 1970s-born band is not slowing down any time soon.

39. Simon & Garfunkel (Tie)

Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon — Art Garfunkel, left, and Paul Simon perform together in 1993.

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 38.5

"The Sound of Silence" (1964), "Mrs. Robinson" (1968), "The Boxer" (1969), and "Bridge over Troubled Water" (1970) all reached No. 1 on singles charts worldwide.

39. Chicago (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 38.5

Chicago's lineup has changed many times over the years, but they always seem to belt out huge commercial hits. The band achieved 20 top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

38. Eric Clapton

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 40

Clapton is the only artist to ever get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 3 times - once as a solo artist, then as a member of both the Yardbirds and Cream.

37. Reba McEntire

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 41

Reba has released over 30 hit country albums (while simultaneously having a very successful acting career). She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1986.

36. Queen

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 43

Aside from the Beatles, Queen comes in a close second as one of the best British bands to come out of the UK. With dozens of popular songs in their roster — “Bicycle”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, and “We Are the Champions” — their songs continue to live even after the unfortunate death of their lead singer, Freddie Mercury.

34. Santana (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 43.5

In 1998, the band Santana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Carlos Santana, Jose "Chepito" Areas, David Brown, Gregg Rolie, Mike Carabello, and Michael Shrieve.

34. Alan Jackson (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 43.5

Alan Jackson has notched up 35, No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017 and into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.

32. Guns N' Roses (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 44.5

GNR's very first album, Appetite for Destruction (1987), soared immediately to No. 1. The band's lineup has shuffled several times since those early days, but Axl Rose and Dizzy Reed remain constants.

32. Bob Seger

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 44.5

Bob Seger has been writing, singing and performing for over 50 years now. He's best known for hits including 'Night Moves', 'Turn the Page' and 'Against the Wind'.

31. Kenny Rogers

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 47.5

Kenny Rogers is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. At 79, he's still performing hits including 'The Gambler', 'Lucille', and 'Lady'.

29. Shania Twain (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 48

The queen of country pop was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2004. Her singing voice was severely weakened by the disease and she took several years off to work on vocal rehabilitation. These days, Twain is back and on her Shania Now Tour.

29. Kenny G (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 48

Kenneth Gorelick, better known by his stage name Kenny G, is one of the most famous and successful saxophonists in the world. He's (by far) the best-selling instrumental musician on the list.

26. Taylor Swift (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 49

Swift is a singer, songwriter, and philanthropist. She was included in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time in 2015.

26. Journey (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 49

Journey was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Inductees included lead singer Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardists Jonathan Cain and Gregg Rolie, bassist Ross Valory, and drummers Aynsley Dunbar and Steve Smith.

Of course, Steve Perry is no longer the lead singer. In the summer of 2007, Cain and Schon scoured Youtube to discover Filipino singer Arnel Pineda. Pineda has been belting out 'Don't Stop Believin' ever since.

26. Alabama (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 49

Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook blended country music and Southern rock to achieve massive mainstream success (especially in the 80s). The band has over 30, No. 1 country records on the Billboard charts.

25. Neil Diamond

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 49.5

Sweet Caroline, Cracklin Rosie, America, Solitary Man... when a Neil Diamond song is blasting on the radio it's hard not to sing along.

24. U2

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 52

One of the most influential bands of the 1980s and ‘90s, U2 immediately distinguished themselves from other acts with moody, sweeping pop/rock songs that addressed spirituality and sociopolitical issues.

The band formed in Dublin, Ireland, in the mid-1970s and over the course of their career — during which they experimented with different public images and musical directions—have released 13 albums and launched the highest-grossing tour in history. While U2’s popularity has waned some in recent years, they’re still considered one of the greatest artists of time.

23. Celine Dion

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 53

While she will likely always be best known for “My Heart Will Go On,” the smash hit from the from the 1997 blockbuster film “Titanic,” Celine Dion has a career that spans nearly 40 years. The Canadian-born singer was still a teenager when she released a series of French-language albums in the 1980s.

She established herself as notable U.S. pop artist in 1990 with the debut of her first English album, “Unison.’ Her star continued to rise with more hit records, and throughout much of the 2000s she had a wildly successful residency show at Caesar’s Place in Nevada.

22. Fleetwood Mac

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 54.5

John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, and Stevie Nicks make up the core of the group. However, the lineup has included many other musicians over the years.

21. Van Halen

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 56.5

When Van Halen released its debut album in 1978, featuring the hit single “You Really Got Me,” it was a much-needed shot of adrenaline and attitude into the musical landscape. Fronted by vocalist David Lee Roth, one of rock’s ultimate frontmen, and pioneering guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen, the band from Pasadena, Calif., roared through much of the 1980s, releasing five more hit records before infighting and egos broke the band apart.

Van Halen replaced Roth with Sammy Hagar, and the band would go on to release several more hit records. Now Roth is back, although Van Halen hasn’t released any new music since 2012’s “A Different Kind of Truth.”

20. Whitney Houston

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 60

With an astounding seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 songs, Whitney Houston was a hit-making machine during the 1980s and ‘90s. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Houston first displayed her impressive singing chops at her church choir.

After working briefly as a fashion model, Whitney released her first album in 1985 to widespread acclaim. She soon rose to international prominence with a string of hit records, as well as high-profile appearances in movies like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.” After years of struggling with drug abuse, Houston died in 20012.

19. Eminem

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 61.5

Eminem's real name is Marshall Mathers. He has had 10, No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

18. Metallica

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 63

Metallica is unique in that it is one of the few thrash/heavy metal bands that has been embraced by both critics and fans, releasing multiple albums that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, Metallica quickly rose to fame thanks to its aggressive, uncompromising songs that — unlike the glam/hair metal bands of the 80s -- explored personal and socially conscious issues, include war, death and mental health.

While the band has changed its style and sound over the years, it remains as heavy as ever, with an impressive 10-record catalog.

17. Madonna

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 64.5

Madonna’s unique and boundary-pushing blend of empowerment and sexuality was custom made for MTV, which she shrewdly used to launch her career in the early 1980s. With hit songs like the upbeat “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl,” Madonna not only made a huge splash in music, but she also became a trendsetter in the world of fashion.

She parlayed her success into several film roles, but music has remained her focus. During her career, she has released 13 albums, including Rebel Heart in 2015, and has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the best-selling female recording artist of all time.

16. The Rolling Stones

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 66.5

In the 1960s, the Rolling Stones were the bad-bay alternative to the Beatles. While the Beatles were upbeat and poppy, the Stones had a dangerous swagger to them, with songs like “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Street Fighting Man.”

At the forefront of the British Invasion, the Rolling Stones — led by the iconic duo of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards — played a compelling mix of rock, blues and soul, all the while setting the standard for over-the-top rock star debauchery. More than 50 years after they started, the Rolling Stones are still releasing albums and selling out arenas.

15. Barbra Streisand

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 68.5

In addition to a notable and award-winning acting career, the multi-talented Barbara Streisand is also one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Streisand’s first foray into the spotlight was as a recording artist in the 1960s, performing theater and cabaret standards. She transitioned to more contemporary music in the 1970s, with pop hits like “The Way We Were.”

Streisand continued to release hit records throughout the 1980s and ‘90s and make occasional concert appearances. During her career, she has won eight Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame four times.

14. George Strait

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 69

No wimpy, watered-down, pretty-boy country music for George Strait. At a time when the line between country and pop continues to blur, Strait, a Texas native, is known for his authentic “back-to-roots” musical style and cowboy persona.

Strait launched his career in the early 1980s and subsequently released seven No. 1 country albums. In the 2000s, Strait was named Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music and was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame

13. Aerosmith

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 69.5

“The Bad Boys from Boston” ruled the 1970s rock landscape along with other pivotal acts like Zep Zeppelin and AC/DC. Fronted by charismatic frontman Stephen Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, Aerosmith melded rock, metal, blues and glam into a nice sleazy package that helped the band sell millions of gold and platinum albums.

As the band’s popularity waned in the 1980s — partly due to drug use and inner turmoil — they had a hit collaboration with Run-D.M.C (“Walk this Way”), which heralded a second wave of success, including multiple top-selling albums and popular music videos.

Infighting still plagues the band, but they continue to release albums and are currently on their farewell tour — which reportedly could last several years.

11. Mariah Carey (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 71

Like Madonna, Maria Carey is another pop music princess who rose to fame thanks in large part to MTV and, in her case, a powerful, high-octave singing voice. She released her first album in 1990, which produced four chart-topping singles, including “Vision of Love.”

She followed this up with a string of other successful albums and was named the world's best-selling recording artist of the 1990s at the World Music Awards. Carey also branched out into acting, and in 2016 launched her own reality TV show, “Mariah’s World.”

11. Bruce Springsteen (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 71

Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen, one of the world’s most successful American singer-songwriters, struggled to make a dent in the music industry when he started in the early 1970s. His first several albums — a blend of folk, country and rock — impressed some critics but were largely ignored by fans.

But then, in 1984, came “Born in the USA,” and everything changed. One of the best-selling albums of all time, the record catapulted Springsteen into superstardom, and today, the New Jersey native is one of the most celebrate personalities in music, known for his honest, heartfelt songs and energetic, four-hour-plus concerts.

9. Pink Floyd (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 75

Known for their moody, psychedelic and progressive music, Pink Floyd rose to fame in the 1970s. As their popularity grew, the band embarked on elaborate world tours noted for extravagant light shows and stage production.

Through various incarnations, the band released 15 albums, including “The Dark Side of the Moon” in 1973, which is one of the top-selling albums of all time.

9. AC/DC (Tie)

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 75

Hard-driving, straightforward rock delivered with a guttural growl and insanely catchy guitar riffs propelled AC/DC to superstardom. While the Australian band formed in 1973 and had several hit records with original singer Bon Scott, casual music fans likely didn’t take notice until 1980, when the band released “Back in Black” with new vocalist Brian Johnson. While head-banging guitarist Angus Young is still with AC/DC, recent health and legal issues have plagued the band, which is now on its third singer — Axl Rose.

8. Elton John

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 79

A prolific singer, pianist and composer, Elton John had his first hit, “Your Song,” in 1970. It was the start of a career that has spanned five decades and produced seven No. 1 albums and five Grammy Awards.

Previously known for his flamboyant stage costumes and antics, John is now a noted activist in the fight against AIDS and a champion for LGBT issues.

7. Billy Joel

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 86

Starting with his iconic “Piano Man” tune in 1973, Billy Joel has enjoyed a prolific and successful career that spans decades.

While he hasn’t released any new material since 2001, with more than 30 Top 40 hits Joel continues to tour and perform before sold-out crowds. Moreover, Joel is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and has won six Grammy Awards.

6. Michael Jackson

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 89

First as the electrifying, prepubescent frontman of the Jackson Five and later as a pioneering solo artist, Michael Jackson more than earned his “King of Pop” moniker. His career exploded in the early 1980s with the advent of MTV and hit songs/videos like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and “Thriller.”

While his controversial personal life sometimes overshadowed his music, Jackson, who died in 2009, remains an iconic figure in the world of music and pop culture.

5. Led Zeppelin

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 112.5

Synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll excess and debauchery, Led Zeppelin helped create the template for heavy, guitar-driven music. Hailing from England, the band released its first album in 1969 — which critics savaged.

But with the combustible mix of Robert Plant on vocals and Jimmy Paige on guitar, Led Zeppelin garnered a rabid following, headlining sold-out area tours throughout the 1970s.

4. Eagles

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 120

Hailing from Los Angeles, the Eagles were a dominant musical force throughout much of the 1970s, producing radio-friendly rock/pop tunes like “Hotel California” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”

The Eagles disbanded in 1980 but reunited in 1994 to record the album “Hell Freezes Over” and then “Long Road Out of Eden” in 2007, followed by an extended tour.

3. Elvis Presley

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 146.5

He’s known as the “King of Rock & Roll” for good reason. When he arrived on the scene in the 1950s, he scandalized mainstream America with his hip-swiveling performances. But it was his music — a powerful mix of rock, blues, country and gospel — that made an indelible mark.

While Elvis died in 1977, he’s still an iconic figure, and every year millions of people make the pilgrimage to Graceland, his former residence in Memphis, Tennessee.

2. Garth Brooks

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 157

Brooks rose to prominence in the early 1990s with a unique sound that mixed elements of country, rock and pop. He supported a string of No. 1 records with wildly popular world tours, earning 2 Grammy Awards and 17 American Music Awards in the process.

After an extended hiatus, Brooks recently launched a comeback tour and released a new album in 2016.

1. The Beatles

Certified Units Sold (in millions): 183

The four lads from Liverpool, England — John, Paul, George and Ringo —first arrived in the United States in 1964. Music would never be the same. “Beatlemania” swept the nation and in less than a decade the band released a dozen albums, each one a defining cultural moment.

The band broke up in 1970, but the Beatles are still deeply relevant and continue to influence new generations of musicians.