10 Of The Highest Selling Artists Of All-Time

The music industry is an unpredictable world where talent and skill seem to account for only a fraction of the success. To be successful as a musician, it seems that you not just need to make good music, but you need to possess a special quality that makes you a favorite among fans. When you look at the list of highest selling artists of all-time, you will realize that these artists weren’t just tremendously gifted, but they also bought something unique to the table. This list features the best the music industry has had to offer, the highest selling artists to ever sing into a mic.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was the queen of R&B and Pop during her three-decade tenure in the industry. During this period she managed to make a total sales of 110.2 million dollars.

Celine Dion

Her heart will go on and it looks like her record sales will go on as well. Celine Dion is one of the most widely recognized Pop artists of all time. Her 120.8 million dollar haul worldwide is proof of just how popular she really is.

Mariah Carey

The latest diva to hit the R&B and Pop world, Mariah Carey managed to hold her own and even surpass her contemporaries in record time. In just a couple of decades in the industry, she has already managed to make 128.3 million dollars.

Pink Floyd

Who doesn’t know Pink Floyd? The trippy, psychedelic group from the 60’s managed to shake the world up with their groovy sounds and intense visuals, and made for the perfect background music during any party in the 60’s. They have managed to take away a cool 134.1 million dollars in the process as well.

Led Zeppelin

If you ask any music fan to choose a favorite between Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, most people would be lost. There is a winner in terms of sales though, and Led Zeppelin manages to take the cake ever so slightly by making 137.2 million dollars worldwide.

Elton John

It is time for the big leagues now, with artists crossing the 150 million dollar marks. This is legend territory over here, and the first name on this list is Sir Elton John. His five-plus-decade long career has not just earned him fame and respect, but also a whopping 159.1 million dollars.

Madonna

Madonna is the uncrowned queen of Pop, and an inspiration to women and artists from all over the world. After a humble and rough beginning, she soared to the top of the charts and hasn’t stepped down since. She has made 164.4 million dollars so far, and will possibly hit the 200 million mark by the time she calls it quits.

Michael Jackson

If Madonna is the queen of pop, then Michael Jackson has to be its king. The pop rock sensation began his career at a very early age as a part of the Jackson Five, but took the solo route to staggering success. Personal problems and psychological issues cut down his career, but not before he could amass 169.7 million dollars.

Elvis Presley

Speaking of kings, is there any greater king than ‘The King’ himself. Most people believe that he is still alive and living a crazy life in some part of the world, but with 206.8 million dollars in your pocket, you can pretty much afford to do anything you want.

The Beatles

There aren’t many records that the Beatles don’t hold at this point. They have the most number of number one albums on the US charts – 19, the most number one singles ever – 20, and have made more money than any other band in the world. Their collective wealth stacks up to a mind-bending 257.7 million dollars at this point.