Wikipedia article: List of best-selling music artists

Question: who has sold the most albums world wide
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002270800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 270.8 million ( show ) US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 17.845 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 305,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.240 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.590 million DEN: 260,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002211500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 211.5 million ( show ) US: 188.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 12.245 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.587 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002184100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 184.1 million ( show ) US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.195 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.6 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 100,000 DEN: 1.179 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.5 million ( show ) US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.795 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 970,000 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169 million ( show ) US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.295 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.837 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 120,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.5 million ( show ) US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.130 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 345,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002118800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 118.8 million ( show ) US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.320 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 515,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 430,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has the most record sales in rap
Short answer: Linkin Park
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release - year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales Lady Gaga United States 2005 -- present 2008 Pop / Dance / Electronic 7001972000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 97.2 million ( show ) US: 66.5 million JPN: 5.4 million UK: 10.985 million GER: 2.9 million FRA: 1.58 million CAN: 2.4 million AUS: 2.890 million ITA: 815,000 BRA: 470,000 SWE: 680,000 SPA: 410,000 MEX: 390,000 SWI: 445,000 BEL: 270,000 DEN: 340,000 AUT: 182,500 POL: 130,000 IRE: 165,000 NZ: 277,500 114 million Metallica United States 1981 -- present Heavy metal / Thrash metal 7001941000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 94.1 million ( show ) US: 73.3 million JPN: 900,000 UK: 3.335 million GER: 3.425 million FRA: 940,000 CAN: 3.805 million AUS: 2.637 million ITA: 180,000 BRA: 380,000 SWE: 675,000 SPA: 420,000 MEX: 430,000 SWI: 560,000 BEL: 335,000 DEN: 180,000 ARG: 770,000 AUT: 340,000 POL: 735,000 FIN: 530,676 NZ: 315,000 110 million Katy Perry United States 2001 -- present 2008 Pop 7002127000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 127 million ( show ) US: 96.5 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 11.750 million GER: 2.750 million FRA: 775,000 CAN: 5.8 million AUS: 5.090 million ITA: 680,000 BRA: 625,000 SWE: 520,000 SPA: 180,000 MEX: 900,000 SWI: 160,000 BEL: 135,000 DEN: 235,000 AUT: 240,000 NZ: 360,000 100 million Justin Bieber Canada United States 2008 -- present 2009 Pop / Teen pop, Dance pop 7002126200000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 126.5 million ( show ) US: 86.5 million JPN: 750,000 UK: 14.785 million GER: 3.1 million FRA: 1.2 CAN: 4.620 million AUS: 4.340 million ITA: 1.595 million BRA: 810,000 SWE: 1.820 million SPA: 860,000 MEX: 2.910 million BEL: 435,000 DEN: 1.850 million POL: 370,000 NZ: 600,000 100 million Adele United Kingdom 2006 -- present 2008 Pop, soul 7002104500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 104.5 million ( show ) US: 61 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 20.550 million GER: 4.7 million CAN: 6.040 million AUS: 3.955 million ITA: 1.545 million BRA: 1.310 million SWE: 240,000 SPA: 800,000 MEX: 1.490 million SWI: 510,000 BEL: 795,000 DEN: 522,500 POL: 300,000 FIN: 151,639 NZ: 577,500 100 million Jay Z United States 1996 -- present Hip - hop 7001961000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 96.1 million ( show ) US: 80.7 million JPN: 1.050 million UK: 9.320 million GER: 1.550 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 1.6 million AUS: 1.260 ITA: 180,000 SWE: 130,000 100 million Bon Jovi United States 1983 -- present Hard rock / Glam metal 7001838000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 83.8 million ( show ) US: 49.9 million JPN: 4.400 million UK: 9.290 million GER: 5.650 million FRA: 825,000 CAN: 4.735 million AUS: 3.030 million ITA: 110,000 BRA: 435,000 SWE: 365,000 SPA: 1.620 million MEX: 250,000 SWI: 1.275 million AUT: 725,000 BEL: 165,000 ARG: 350,000 POL: 110,000 FIN: 422,500 NZ: 210,000 100 million Lil Wayne United States 1996 -- present 1999 Hip - hop 7001799000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 79.9 million ( show ) US: 77.7 million UK: 1.460 million CAN: 280,000 AUS: 525,000 100 million Linkin Park United States 1996 -- present 2000 Alternative rock / Nu metal / Rap rock 7001787000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 78.7 million ( show ) US: 58.6 million JPN: 1.550 million UK: 5.945 million GER: 5.750 million FRA: 1.025 CAN: 1.330 million AUS: 1.450 million ITA: 430,000 BRA: 595,000 SWE: 165,000 SPA: 175,000 MEX: 225,000 SWI: 425,000 BEL: 140,000 DEN: 125,000 AUT: 252,500 POL: 220,000 FIN: 120,469 NZ: 252,500 100 million Britney Spears United States 1998 -- present 1998 Pop / Dance / Dance - pop 7001785000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 78.5 million ( show ) US: 44.2 million JPN: 2.1 million UK: 10.150 million GER: 5.050 million FRA: 3.732 million CAN: 3.680 million AUS: 3.130 million ITA: 175,000 BRA: 380,000 SWE: 1.010 million SPA: 990,000 MEX: 1.175 million SWI: 485,000 AUT: 365,000 BEL: 935,000 ARG: 240,000 DEN: 187,500 POL: 210,000 FIN: 143,627 NZ: 240,000 100 million Beyoncé United States 1997 -- present 2002 R&B / Pop 7001780000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 78 million ( show ) US: 53.650 million JPN: 1.7 million UK: 13.685 million GER: 1.550 million FRA: 560,000 CAN: 1.395 million AUS: 2.905 million ITA: 260,000 BRA: 390,000 SPA: 1.010 million MEX: 110,000 SWI: 165,000 BEL: 115,000 DEN: 230,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 210,000 100 million Rod Stewart United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Rock / Pop 7001778000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 77.8 million ( show ) US: 43.650 million JPN: 450,000 UK: 18.330 million GER: 3.8 million FRA: 1.8 million CAN: 4.055 million AUS: 2.610 million BRA: 980,000 SWE: 440,000 SPA: 290,000 SWI: 100,000 ARG: 500,000 AUT: 100,000 POL: 220,000 IRE: 195,000 NZ: 280,000 100 million Fleetwood Mac United Kingdom United States 1967 -- present 1968 Rock / Pop 7001761009999900000 ♠ Total available certified units: 76.1 million ( show ) US: 51.250 million UK: 13.585 million GER: 3.5 million FRA: 800,000 AUS: 2.767 million CAN: 2.950 million SPA: 300,000 SWI: 100,000 BEL: 100,000 NZ: 572,500 100 million Guns N ' Roses United States 1985 -- present Hard rock / Heavy metal 7001737000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 73.7 million ( show ) US: 48.5 million JPN: 1.7 million UK: 5.850 million GER: 4.1 million FRA: 1 million CAN: 3.520 million AUS: 2.410 ITA: 685,000 BRA: 1.9 million SWE: 485,000 SPA: 450,000 MEX: 760,000 SWI: 365,000 BEL: 165,000 ARG: 1.080 million AUT: 365,000 IRE: 105,000 NZ: 270,000 100 million George Strait United States 1981 -- present 1984 Country 7001728000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 72.8 million ( show ) US: 72.150 million CAN: 705,000 100 million Backstreet Boys United States 1993 -- present 1995 Pop 7001720000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 72 million ( show ) US: 41.5 million JPN: 5.4 million UK: 4.835 million GER: 7 million FRA: 325,000 CAN: 3.430 million AUS: 1.4 million BRA: 1.625 million SWE: 655,000 SPA: 1.850 million MEX: 1.475 million SWI: 415,000 BEL: 425,000 ARG: 740,000 AUT: 325,000 POL: 300,000 FIN: 171,390 NZ: 132,500 100 million Neil Diamond United States 1966 -- present 1966 Pop / Rock 7001683000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 68.3 million ( show ) US: 55.9 million UK: 7.130 million GER: 1 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 1.725 million AUS: 1.945 million SPA: 100,000 NZ: 127,500 100 million Prince United States 1976 -- 2016 1978 Funk / R&B / Pop / Soul / Rock 7001642000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 64.2 million ( show ) US: 48.950 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 7.045 million GER: 2.4 million FRA: 2.110 million CAN: 1 million AUS: 1.120 SWE: 100,000 SPA: 700,000 SWI: 250,000 AUT: 125,000 NZ: 177,500 100 million Paul McCartney United Kingdom 1960 -- present 1970 Rock 7001606000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 60.6 million ( show ) US: 41.450 million JPN: 500,000 UK: 12.365 million GER: 1.525 million FRA: 1.305 million CAN: 1.955 million AUS: 465,000 SWE: 210,000 SPA: 640,000 DEN: 210,000 100 million Kenny Rogers United States 1958 -- present Country / Pop 7001589000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 58.9 million ( show ) US: 51.550 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 2.520 million CAN: 4.6 million AUS: 100,000 SPA: 100,000 100 million Janet Jackson United States 1982 -- present 1982 R&B / Pop 7001521000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 52.1 million ( show ) US: 39.750 million JPN: 1.6 million UK: 4.760 million GER: 1.4 million FRA: 1.475 million CAN: 1.460 million AUS: 1.155 SWE: 105,000 SPA: 150,000 SWI: 170,000 BEL: 125,000 100 million Julio Iglesias Spain 1968 -- present 1968 Latin 7001510000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 51 million ( show ) US: 11 million JPN: 800,000 UK: 1.620 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 6.1 million CAN: 1.5 million AUS: 540,000 ITA: 400,000 NLD: 950,000 BRA: 12.475 million SWE: 290,000 SPA: 8.7 million MEX: 2.975 million BEL: 125,000 ARG: 3.220 million FIN: 131,636 100 million Chicago United States 1967 -- present 1969 Rock / Pop 7001483000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 48.3 million ( show ) US: 44.150 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 1.490 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 100,000 CAN: 1.865 million SPA: 100,000 100 million The Carpenters United States 1969 -- 1983 1969 Pop 7001460000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 46 million ( show ) US: 34.6 million JPN: 2.9 million UK: 7.950 million GER: 250,000 CAN: 275,000 BRA: 100,000 100 million Bob Dylan United States 1959 -- present 1963 Folk / Rock 7001451000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 45.1 million ( show ) US: 35.6 million UK: 5.825 million GER: 625,000 FRA: 800,000 CAN: 1.5 million AUS: 480,000 SWI: 175,000 NZ: 105,000 100 million Dire Straits United Kingdom 1977 -- 1995 1978 Rock 7001447000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 44.7 million ( show ) US: 15.5 million UK: 11.1 million GER: 3.750 million FRA: 5.3 million CAN: 2.575 million AUS: 2.190 million ITA: 385,000 BRA: 175,000 SWE: 360,000 SPA: 1.380 million SWI: 1 million BEL: 100,000 AUT: 300,000 FIN: 471,530 NZ: 155,000 100 million Bryan Adams Canada 1979 -- present 1979 Rock 7001445000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 44.5 million ( show ) US: 21 million JPN: 600,000 UK: 8.675 million GER: 3.850 million FRA: 650,000 CAN: 5.120 million AUS: 2.010 million BRA: 100,000 SWE: 440,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 805,000 BEL: 250,000 AUT: 375,000 FIN: 183,444 100 million Def Leppard United Kingdom 1977 -- present 1979 Hard rock / Heavy metal 7001416000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 41.6 million ( show ) US: 35.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 1.660 million FRA: 200,000 CAN: 2.995 million AUS: 385,000 SWE: 150,000 MEX: 200,000 SWI: 125,000 100 million Cher United States 1964 -- present 1965 Pop / Rock / Dance / Folk 7001404000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 40.4 million ( show ) US: 21.9 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 6.450 million GER: 4.175 million FRA: 1.525 million CAN: 1.340 million AUS: 1.530 million ITA: 300,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE: 850,000 SPA: 600,000 MEX: 200,000 SWI: 295,000 BEL: 275,000 DEN: 300,000 AUT: 250,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 150,000 100 million Lionel Richie United States 1968 -- present 1981 Pop / R&B 7001402000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 40.2 million ( show ) US: 28.650 million UK: 6.155 million GER: 1.050 million FRA: 1.4 million CAN: 2.380 million AUS: 260,000 BRA: 100,000 SPA: 150,000 SWI: 145,000 100 million Genesis United Kingdom 1967 -- 1999 2006 -- present 1969 Progressive rock / Pop rock 7001399000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 39.9 million ( show ) US: 21.650 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 7.325 million GER: 5.875 million FRA: 3.460 million CAN: 805,000 SWE: 100,000 SPA: 250,000 SWI: 400,000 100 million James Taylor United States 1968 -- present 1970 Rock / Pop 7001355000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 35.5 million ( show ) US: 34.650 million UK: 655,000 CAN: 100,000 AUS: 100,000 100 million Olivia Newton - John Australia 1966 -- present 1966 Pop 7001346000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 34.6 million ( show ) US: 27 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 3.950 million GER: 250,000 CAN: 3.025 million AUS: 310,000 100 million Stevie Wonder United States 1961 -- present 1962 Funk / R&B / Soul 7001346000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 34.6 million ( show ) US: 21.650 million JPN: 1.050 million UK: 8.285 million GER: 500,000 FRA: 1.4 million CAN: 1.550 million SPA: 250,000 100 million Tina Turner United States 1955 -- present Rock / Pop 7001328009999900000 ♠ Total available certified units: 32.8 million ( show ) US: 12.7 million UK: 8.145 million GER: 6.050 million FRA: 1.135 million CAN: 1.560 million AUS: 480,000 SWE: 330,000 SPA: 700,000 SWI: 565,000 BEL: 190,000 AUT: 630,000 POL: 120,000 FIN: 241,954 100 million Linda Ronstadt United States 1967 -- present 1968 Rock / Folk / Country 7001325000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 32.5 million ( show ) US: 31.5 million UK: 435,000 FRA: 100,000 CAN: 500,000 100 million Donna Summer United States 1968 -- 2012 Pop / Disco / R&B 7001308000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 30.8 million ( show ) US: 24.5 million UK: 3.735 million FRA: 900,000 CAN: 1.550 million BRA: 100,000 SPA: 100,000 100 million The Beach Boys United States 1961 -- present 1962 Rock / Pop / Surf Rock 7001305000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 30.5 million ( show ) US: 25.6 million UK: 3.410 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 400,000 CAN: 100,000 AUS: 492,500 SPA: 250,000 100 million David Bowie United Kingdom 1962 -- 2016 1967 Art rock / Glam rock / Pop 7001296000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 29.6 million ( show ) US: 11.7 million JPN: 200,000 UK: 11.445 million GER: 525,000 FRA: 2.380 million CAN: 2.215 million AUS: 565,000 ITA: 320,000 SPA: 170,000 NZ: 142,500 100 million The Who United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1965 Rock / Hard rock 7001269000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 26.9 million ( show ) US: 22.150 million UK: 3.905 million FRA: 300,000 CAN: 425,000 ITA: 125,000 100 million Barry White United States 1972 -- 2003 1973 R&B / Soul 7001217000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 21.7 million ( show ) US: 16.5 million UK: 3.665 million FRA: 1.1 million CAN: 150,000 SPA: 200,000 BEL: 150,000 100 million

Question: who is the best selling country artist of all time
Short answer: Elvis Presley
Answer: Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002211500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 211.5 million ( show ) US: 188.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 12.245 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.587 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million

Question: who's the best selling music artist of all time
Short answer: Michael Jackson
Answer: The Beatles Elvis Presley Michael Jackson Madonna Elton John Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd

Question: who's the best selling female artist of all time
Short answer: Madonna
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 271.9 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 NLD: 295,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 270,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 224.5 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.145 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 NLD: 555,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 188.7 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 29.045 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.775 million BRA: 280,000 NLD: 2.105 million ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.230 million DEN: 1.289 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 172.9 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.245 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million NLD: 1.735 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 182.6 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 23.195 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 NLD: 975,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 465,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 120.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.720 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 515,000 NLD: 435,000 ITA: 1.985 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold the most records to date
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 271.9 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 NLD: 295,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 270,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 224.5 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.145 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 NLD: 555,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 229.5 million US: 145.3 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 29.045 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.775 million BRA: 280,000 NLD: 2.105 million ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.230 million DEN: 1.289 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 172.9 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.245 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million NLD: 1.735 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 182.8 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 23.395 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 NLD: 975,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 465,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 120.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.720 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 515,000 NLD: 435,000 ITA: 2.035 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who's the best selling artist of all time
Short answer: Elvis Presley is
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who sold more records the beatles or rolling stones
Short answer: The Beatles are
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who is the biggest record seller of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who are the top selling rock bands of all time
Answer: The Beatles Elvis Presley Michael Jackson Madonna Elton John Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd

Question: who is the highest selling recording artist of all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002270800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 270.8 million ( show ) US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 17.845 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 305,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.240 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 260,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002211700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 211.7 million ( show ) US: 188.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 12.445 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.587 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002184200000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 184.2 million ( show ) US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.195 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.6 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.179 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.6 million ( show ) US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.795 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169 million ( show ) US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.295 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.837 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.5 million ( show ) US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.130 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 345,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002118900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 118.9 million ( show ) US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.320 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 515,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold the most records world wide
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.4 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.245 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 380,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 390,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 270,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002223100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002185600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185.6 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 28.245 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.195 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 665,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002171000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 171 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 29.045 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 715,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002181000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 181 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.595 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002140000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.530 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 420,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002119600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 119.6 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.520 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.910 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who is the most sold artist of all time
Short answer: Elvis Presley
Answer: The Beatles Elvis Presley Michael Jackson Madonna Elton John Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd

Question: who is the highest selling female musician of all time
Short answer: Madonna
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 271.6 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 270,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.145 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 185.8 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 28.245 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.740 million BRA: 280,000 ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.230 million DEN: 1.289 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 171 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.045 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 181.1 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 22.595 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 420,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 119.6 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.520 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 540,000 ITA: 1.910 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who is the world best selling music artist
Short answer: The Beatles are
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who sold more albums beatles or michael jackson
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.3 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.245 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 355,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 270,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002223100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002185300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185.3 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 28.245 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.7 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169.3 million US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.595 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002140000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.530 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 420,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002119100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 119.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.520 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who holds the record for most albums sold
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002270800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 270.8 million ( show ) US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 17.845 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 330,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 260,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002211700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 211.7 million ( show ) US: 188.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 12.445 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.587 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002184200000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 184.2 million ( show ) US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.195 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.6 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.179 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.6 million ( show ) US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.795 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169 million ( show ) US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.295 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.837 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.5 million ( show ) US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.130 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 345,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002118900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 118.9 million ( show ) US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.320 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 515,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who is the first best selling artist worldwide
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who has the most record sales of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who sold more albums elvis or the beatles
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 272 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 NLD: 295,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 315,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 224.7 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.345 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 NLD: 555,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 230 million US: 145.3 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 29.445 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.775 million BRA: 280,000 NLD: 2.105 million ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.310 million DEN: 1.334 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 172.9 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.245 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million NLD: 1.735 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 183 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 23.595 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 NLD: 975,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 465,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 120.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.720 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 515,000 NLD: 435,000 ITA: 2.035 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold the most hip hop albums
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release - year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales Rihanna Barbados United States 2005 -- present 2005 R&B / Pop / Dance / Hip - hop 7002250400000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 250.4 million US: 188.55 million JPN: 1.4 million UK: 31.1 million GER: 4.675 million FRA: 1.465 million CAN: 3.120 million AUS: 9.325 million ITA: 1.550 million BRA: 705,000 SWE: 2.480 million SPA: 1.470 million MEX: 410,000 SWI: 840,000 BEL: 660,000 DEN: 1.127 AUT: 135,000 POL: 500,000 IRE: 240,000 NZ: 682,500 230 million Eminem United States 1996 -- present 1999 Hip - hop 7002211700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 211.7 million US: 163.2 million JPN: 2.9 million UK: 23.225 million GER: 3.450 million FRA: 3.288 million CAN: 3.930 million AUS: 5.807 million ITA: 665,000 BRA: 200,000 SWE: 910,000 SPA: 290,000 MEX: 365,000 SWI: 805,000 BEL: 490,000 DEN: 611,000 > AUT: 362,500 PL: 250,000 FIN: 124,547 IRE: 285,000 NZ: 600,000 220 million 200 million Mariah Carey United States 1988 -- present R&B / Pop / Soul / Hip - hop 7002137300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 137.3 million US: 92.6 million JPN: 14.5 million UK: 10.220 million GER: 3.750 million FRA: 4.690 million CAN: 4.1 million AUS: 3.515 million ITA: 200,000 BRA: 835,000 SWE: 425,000 SPA: 1 million SWI: 515,000 BEL: 175,000 DEN: 280,000 AUT: 200,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 240,000 200 million 175 million Queen United Kingdom 1971 -- present 1973 Rock 7002125300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 125.3 million US: 65 million JPN: 2.850 million UK: 29.075 million GER: 11.525 million FRA: 4.495 million CAN: 1.870 million AUS: 2.167 million ITA: 505,000 BRA: 970,000 SWE: 190,000 SPA: 1.720 million SWI: 1.256 million BEL: 100,000 DEN: 205,000 ARG: 1.080 million AUT: 900,000 POL: 810,000 FIN: 366,152 NZ: 275,000 200 million 170 million Celine Dion Canada 1981 -- present 1981 Pop 7002125100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 125.1 million US: 56.550 million JPN: 7.150 million UK: 13.555 million GER: 8 million FRA: 15.768 million CAN: 12.245 million AUS: 3.302 million BRA: 505,000 SWE: 1.105 million SPA: 1 million SWI: 1.685 million BEL: 1.885 million ARG: 340,000 DEN: 370,000 AUT: 440,000 POL: 680,000 FIN: 356,183 NZ: 192,500 200 million 175 million Whitney Houston United States 1977 -- 2012 1984 R&B / Soul / Pop 7002114900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 114.9 million US: 76.775 million JPN: 4.3 million UK: 15.205 million GER: 5.6 million FRA: 2.275 million CAN: 3.430 million AUS: 1.755 million ITA: 140,000 BRA: 1.025 SWE: 1.035 million SPA: 1.260 million SWI: 845,000 BEL: 215,000 DEN: 140,000 AUT: 535,000 POL: 180,000 FIN: 247,222 200 million 170 million AC / DC Australia 1973 -- present Hard rock / Blues rock / Rock and roll 7002113800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 113.8 million US: 79.7 million UK: 4.6 million GER: 10.3 million FRA: 4.180 million CAN: 2.490 million AUS: 7.540 million ITA: 775,000 SWE: 350,000 SPA: 1.355 million SWI: 894,000 BEL: 100,000 ARG: 594,000 DEN: 130,000 AUT: 380,000 FIN: 321,169 NZ: 140,000 200 million 150 million The Rolling Stones United Kingdom 1962 -- present 1963 Rock / Blues rock 7001977000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 97.7 million US: 74.750 million JPN: 950,000 UK: 8.970 million GER: 3.2 million FRA: 3.377 million AUS: 417,500 CAN: 3.025 million ITA: 205,000 BRA: 100,000 SWE: 310,000 SPA: 690,000 SWI: 238,000 BEL: 120,000 ARG: 718,000 AUT: 300,000 POL: 140,000 NZ: 190,000 200 million ABBA Sweden 1972 -- 1982 1972 Pop / Disco 7001607000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 60.7 million US: 12.7 million JPN: 1.5 million UK: 18.970 million GER: 10.450 million FRA: 2.750 million CAN: 2.785 million AUS: 6.127 million BRA: 275,000 SWE: 800,000 SPA: 1.005 million MEX: 260,000 SWI: 600,000 BEL: 380,000 ARG: 238,000 DEN: 600,000 AUT: 175,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 656,319 NZ: 297,500 200 million 100 million

Question: who has sold the most records the beatles or the rolling stones
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 271.6 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 270,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.145 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 185.8 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 28.245 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.740 million BRA: 280,000 ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.230 million DEN: 1.289 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 171 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.045 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 181.1 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 22.595 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 420,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 119.6 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.520 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 540,000 ITA: 1.910 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold the most records of all time
Short answer: The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band.
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who has the most albums sold of all time
Short answer: The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band.
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who are the top 3 selling music artists of all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.6 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.445 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 380,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 390,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 270,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002223100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002185600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185.6 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 28.245 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.195 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 665,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002171000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 171 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 29.045 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 715,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002181000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 181 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.595 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 195,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002140000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.530 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 420,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002119600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 119.6 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.520 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.910 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who is the top selling musical artist of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who is the best-selling rap artist of all time
Short answer: Linkin Park
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release - year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales Lady Gaga United States 2005 -- present 2008 Pop / Dance / Electronic 7001972000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 97.2 million ( show ) US: 66.5 million JPN: 5.4 million UK: 10.985 million GER: 2.9 million FRA: 1.58 million CAN: 2.4 million AUS: 2.890 million ITA: 815,000 BRA: 470,000 SWE: 680,000 SPA: 410,000 MEX: 390,000 SWI: 445,000 BEL: 270,000 DEN: 340,000 AUT: 182,500 POL: 130,000 IRE: 165,000 NZ: 277,500 114 million Metallica United States 1981 -- present Heavy metal / Thrash metal 7001941000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 94.1 million ( show ) US: 73.3 million JPN: 900,000 UK: 3.335 million GER: 3.425 million FRA: 940,000 CAN: 3.805 million AUS: 2.637 million ITA: 180,000 BRA: 380,000 SWE: 675,000 SPA: 420,000 MEX: 430,000 SWI: 560,000 BEL: 335,000 DEN: 180,000 ARG: 770,000 AUT: 340,000 POL: 735,000 FIN: 530,676 NZ: 315,000 110 million Katy Perry United States 2001 -- present 2008 Pop 7002127200000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 127.2 million ( show ) US: 96.5 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 11.950 million GER: 2.750 million FRA: 775,000 CAN: 5.8 million AUS: 5.090 million ITA: 680,000 BRA: 625,000 SWE: 520,000 SPA: 180,000 MEX: 900,000 SWI: 160,000 BEL: 135,000 DEN: 235,000 AUT: 240,000 NZ: 360,000 100 million Justin Bieber Canada United States 2008 -- present 2009 Pop / Teen pop, Dance pop 7002126700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 126.7 million ( show ) US: 86.5 million JPN: 750,000 UK: 14.785 million GER: 3.1 million FRA: 1.2 CAN: 4.780 million AUS: 4.340 million ITA: 1.595 million BRA: 810,000 SWE: 1.820 million SPA: 860,000 MEX: 2.910 million BEL: 435,000 DEN: 1.850 million POL: 370,000 NZ: 600,000 100 million Adele United Kingdom 2006 -- present 2008 Pop, soul 7002104500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 104.5 million ( show ) US: 61 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 20.550 million GER: 4.7 million CAN: 6.040 million AUS: 3.955 million ITA: 1.545 million BRA: 1.310 million SWE: 240,000 SPA: 800,000 MEX: 1.490 million SWI: 510,000 BEL: 795,000 DEN: 522,500 POL: 300,000 FIN: 151,639 NZ: 577,500 100 million Jay Z United States 1996 -- present Hip - hop 7001961000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 96.1 million ( show ) US: 80.7 million JPN: 1.050 million UK: 9.320 million GER: 1.550 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 1.6 million AUS: 1.260 ITA: 180,000 SWE: 130,000 100 million Bon Jovi United States 1983 -- present Hard rock / Glam metal 7001838000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 83.8 million ( show ) US: 49.9 million JPN: 4.400 million UK: 9.290 million GER: 5.650 million FRA: 825,000 CAN: 4.735 million AUS: 3.030 million ITA: 110,000 BRA: 435,000 SWE: 365,000 SPA: 1.620 million MEX: 250,000 SWI: 1.275 million AUT: 725,000 BEL: 165,000 ARG: 350,000 POL: 110,000 FIN: 422,500 NZ: 210,000 100 million Lil Wayne United States 1996 -- present 1999 Hip - hop 7001799000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 79.9 million ( show ) US: 77.7 million UK: 1.460 million CAN: 280,000 AUS: 525,000 100 million Linkin Park United States 1996 -- present 2000 Alternative rock / Nu metal / Rap rock 7001787000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 78.7 million ( show ) US: 58.6 million JPN: 1.550 million UK: 5.945 million GER: 5.750 million FRA: 1.025 CAN: 1.330 million AUS: 1.450 million ITA: 430,000 BRA: 595,000 SWE: 165,000 SPA: 175,000 MEX: 225,000 SWI: 425,000 BEL: 140,000 DEN: 125,000 AUT: 252,500 POL: 220,000 FIN: 120,469 NZ: 252,500 100 million Britney Spears United States 1998 -- present 1998 Pop / Dance / Dance - pop 7001785000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 78.5 million ( show ) US: 44.2 million JPN: 2.1 million UK: 10.150 million GER: 5.050 million FRA: 3.732 million CAN: 3.680 million AUS: 3.130 million ITA: 175,000 BRA: 380,000 SWE: 1.010 million SPA: 990,000 MEX: 1.175 million SWI: 485,000 AUT: 365,000 BEL: 935,000 ARG: 240,000 DEN: 187,500 POL: 210,000 FIN: 143,627 NZ: 240,000 100 million Beyoncé United States 1997 -- present 2002 R&B / Pop 7001780000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 78 million ( show ) US: 53.650 million JPN: 1.7 million UK: 13.685 million GER: 1.550 million FRA: 560,000 CAN: 1.395 million AUS: 2.905 million ITA: 260,000 BRA: 390,000 SPA: 1.010 million MEX: 110,000 SWI: 165,000 BEL: 115,000 DEN: 230,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 210,000 100 million Rod Stewart United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Rock / Pop 7001778000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 77.8 million ( show ) US: 43.650 million JPN: 450,000 UK: 18.330 million GER: 3.8 million FRA: 1.8 million CAN: 4.055 million AUS: 2.610 million BRA: 980,000 SWE: 440,000 SPA: 290,000 SWI: 100,000 ARG: 500,000 AUT: 100,000 POL: 220,000 IRE: 195,000 NZ: 280,000 100 million Fleetwood Mac United Kingdom United States 1967 -- present 1968 Rock / Pop 7001761009999900000 ♠ Total available certified units: 76.1 million ( show ) US: 51.250 million UK: 13.585 million GER: 3.5 million FRA: 800,000 AUS: 2.767 million CAN: 2.950 million SPA: 300,000 SWI: 100,000 BEL: 100,000 NZ: 572,500 100 million Guns N ' Roses United States 1985 -- present Hard rock / Heavy metal 7001737000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 73.7 million ( show ) US: 48.5 million JPN: 1.7 million UK: 5.850 million GER: 4.1 million FRA: 1 million CAN: 3.520 million AUS: 2.410 ITA: 685,000 BRA: 1.9 million SWE: 485,000 SPA: 450,000 MEX: 760,000 SWI: 365,000 BEL: 165,000 ARG: 1.080 million AUT: 365,000 IRE: 105,000 NZ: 270,000 100 million George Strait United States 1981 -- present 1984 Country 7001728000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 72.8 million ( show ) US: 72.150 million CAN: 705,000 100 million Backstreet Boys United States 1993 -- present 1995 Pop 7001720000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 72 million ( show ) US: 41.5 million JPN: 5.4 million UK: 4.835 million GER: 7 million FRA: 325,000 CAN: 3.430 million AUS: 1.4 million BRA: 1.625 million SWE: 655,000 SPA: 1.850 million MEX: 1.475 million SWI: 415,000 BEL: 425,000 ARG: 740,000 AUT: 325,000 POL: 300,000 FIN: 171,390 NZ: 132,500 100 million Neil Diamond United States 1966 -- present 1966 Pop / Rock 7001683000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 68.3 million ( show ) US: 55.9 million UK: 7.130 million GER: 1 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 1.725 million AUS: 1.945 million SPA: 100,000 NZ: 127,500 100 million Prince United States 1976 -- 2016 1978 Funk / R&B / Pop / Soul / Rock 7001642000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 64.2 million ( show ) US: 48.950 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 7.045 million GER: 2.4 million FRA: 2.110 million CAN: 1 million AUS: 1.120 SWE: 100,000 SPA: 700,000 SWI: 250,000 AUT: 125,000 NZ: 177,500 100 million Paul McCartney United Kingdom 1960 -- present 1970 Rock 7001606000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 60.6 million ( show ) US: 41.450 million JPN: 500,000 UK: 12.365 million GER: 1.525 million FRA: 1.305 million CAN: 1.955 million AUS: 465,000 SWE: 210,000 SPA: 640,000 DEN: 210,000 100 million Kenny Rogers United States 1958 -- present Country / Pop 7001589000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 58.9 million ( show ) US: 51.550 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 2.520 million CAN: 4.6 million AUS: 100,000 SPA: 100,000 100 million Janet Jackson United States 1982 -- present 1982 R&B / Pop 7001521000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 52.1 million ( show ) US: 39.750 million JPN: 1.6 million UK: 4.760 million GER: 1.4 million FRA: 1.475 million CAN: 1.460 million AUS: 1.155 SWE: 105,000 SPA: 150,000 SWI: 170,000 BEL: 125,000 100 million Julio Iglesias Spain 1968 -- present 1968 Latin 7001510000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 51 million ( show ) US: 11 million JPN: 800,000 UK: 1.620 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 6.1 million CAN: 1.5 million AUS: 540,000 ITA: 400,000 NLD: 950,000 BRA: 12.475 million SWE: 290,000 SPA: 8.7 million MEX: 2.975 million BEL: 125,000 ARG: 3.220 million FIN: 131,636 100 million Chicago United States 1967 -- present 1969 Rock / Pop 7001483000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 48.3 million ( show ) US: 44.150 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 1.490 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 100,000 CAN: 1.865 million SPA: 100,000 100 million The Carpenters United States 1969 -- 1983 1969 Pop 7001460000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 46 million ( show ) US: 34.6 million JPN: 2.9 million UK: 7.950 million GER: 250,000 CAN: 275,000 BRA: 100,000 100 million Bob Dylan United States 1959 -- present 1963 Folk / Rock 7001451000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 45.1 million ( show ) US: 35.6 million UK: 5.825 million GER: 625,000 FRA: 800,000 CAN: 1.5 million AUS: 480,000 SWI: 175,000 NZ: 105,000 100 million Dire Straits United Kingdom 1977 -- 1995 1978 Rock 7001447000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 44.7 million ( show ) US: 15.5 million UK: 11.1 million GER: 3.750 million FRA: 5.3 million CAN: 2.575 million AUS: 2.190 million ITA: 385,000 BRA: 175,000 SWE: 360,000 SPA: 1.380 million SWI: 1 million BEL: 100,000 AUT: 300,000 FIN: 471,530 NZ: 155,000 100 million Bryan Adams Canada 1979 -- present 1979 Rock 7001445000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 44.5 million ( show ) US: 21 million JPN: 600,000 UK: 8.675 million GER: 3.850 million FRA: 650,000 CAN: 5.120 million AUS: 2.010 million BRA: 100,000 SWE: 440,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 805,000 BEL: 250,000 AUT: 375,000 FIN: 183,444 100 million Def Leppard United Kingdom 1977 -- present 1979 Hard rock / Heavy metal 7001418009999900000 ♠ Total available certified units: 41.8 million ( show ) US: 35.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 1.960 million FRA: 200,000 CAN: 2.995 million AUS: 385,000 SWE: 150,000 MEX: 200,000 SWI: 125,000 100 million Cher United States 1964 -- present 1965 Pop / Rock / Dance / Folk 7001404000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 40.4 million ( show ) US: 21.9 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 6.450 million GER: 4.175 million FRA: 1.525 million CAN: 1.340 million AUS: 1.530 million ITA: 300,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE: 850,000 SPA: 600,000 MEX: 200,000 SWI: 295,000 BEL: 275,000 DEN: 300,000 AUT: 250,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 150,000 100 million Lionel Richie United States 1968 -- present 1981 Pop / R&B 7001402000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 40.2 million ( show ) US: 28.650 million UK: 6.155 million GER: 1.050 million FRA: 1.4 million CAN: 2.380 million AUS: 260,000 BRA: 100,000 SPA: 150,000 SWI: 145,000 100 million Genesis United Kingdom 1967 -- 1999 2006 -- present 1969 Progressive rock / Pop rock 7001399000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 39.9 million ( show ) US: 21.650 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 7.325 million GER: 5.875 million FRA: 3.460 million CAN: 805,000 SWE: 100,000 SPA: 250,000 SWI: 400,000 100 million James Taylor United States 1968 -- present 1970 Rock / Pop 7001355000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 35.5 million ( show ) US: 34.650 million UK: 655,000 CAN: 100,000 AUS: 100,000 100 million Olivia Newton - John Australia 1966 -- present 1966 Pop 7001346000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 34.6 million ( show ) US: 27 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 3.950 million GER: 250,000 CAN: 3.025 million AUS: 310,000 100 million Stevie Wonder United States 1961 -- present 1962 Funk / R&B / Soul 7001346000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 34.6 million ( show ) US: 21.650 million JPN: 1.050 million UK: 8.285 million GER: 500,000 FRA: 1.4 million CAN: 1.550 million SPA: 250,000 100 million Tina Turner United States 1955 -- present Rock / Pop 7001328009999900000 ♠ Total available certified units: 32.8 million ( show ) US: 12.7 million UK: 8.145 million GER: 6.050 million FRA: 1.135 million CAN: 1.560 million AUS: 480,000 SWE: 330,000 SPA: 700,000 SWI: 565,000 BEL: 190,000 AUT: 630,000 POL: 120,000 FIN: 241,954 100 million Linda Ronstadt United States 1967 -- present 1968 Rock / Folk / Country 7001325000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 32.5 million ( show ) US: 31.5 million UK: 435,000 FRA: 100,000 CAN: 500,000 100 million Donna Summer United States 1968 -- 2012 Pop / Disco / R&B 7001308000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 30.8 million ( show ) US: 24.5 million UK: 3.735 million FRA: 900,000 CAN: 1.550 million BRA: 100,000 SPA: 100,000 100 million The Beach Boys United States 1961 -- present 1962 Rock / Pop / Surf Rock 7001305000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 30.5 million ( show ) US: 25.6 million UK: 3.410 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 400,000 CAN: 100,000 AUS: 492,500 SPA: 250,000 100 million David Bowie United Kingdom 1962 -- 2016 1967 Art rock / Glam rock / Pop 7001296000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 29.6 million ( show ) US: 11.7 million JPN: 200,000 UK: 11.445 million GER: 525,000 FRA: 2.380 million CAN: 2.215 million AUS: 565,000 ITA: 320,000 SPA: 170,000 NZ: 142,500 100 million The Who United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1965 Rock / Hard rock 7001269000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 26.9 million ( show ) US: 22.150 million UK: 3.905 million FRA: 300,000 CAN: 425,000 ITA: 125,000 100 million Barry White United States 1972 -- 2003 1973 R&B / Soul 7001217000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 21.7 million ( show ) US: 16.5 million UK: 3.665 million FRA: 1.1 million CAN: 150,000 SPA: 200,000 BEL: 150,000 100 million

Question: who is the highest selling rap artist of all time
Short answer: Linkin Park
Answer: Linkin Park United States 1996 -- present 2000 Alternative rock / Nu metal / Rap rock 7001790000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 79 million ( show ) US: 58.6 million JPN: 1.550 million UK: 6.005 million GER: 5.850 million FRA: 1.025 CAN: 1.330 million AUS: 1.485 million ITA: 440,000 BRA: 595,000 SWE: 165,000 SPA: 175,000 MEX: 225,000 SWI: 425,000 BEL: 140,000 DEN: 175,000 AUT: 252,500 POL: 220,000 FIN: 120,469 NZ: 252,500 100 million

Question: who is the biggest selling solo artist of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who holds the record for most albums sold worldwide
Short answer: The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band.
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who has sold the most albums worldwide ever
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002270800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 270.8 million ( show ) US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 17.845 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 330,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 260,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002211700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 211.7 million ( show ) US: 188.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 12.445 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.587 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002184400000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 184.4 million ( show ) US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.395 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.6 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.179 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.6 million ( show ) US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.795 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169 million ( show ) US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.295 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.837 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.5 million ( show ) US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.130 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 345,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002118900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 118.9 million ( show ) US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.320 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who's the best selling female recording artist of all time
Short answer: Madonna
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.6 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.445 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 380,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 390,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 270,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002223100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002185600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185.6 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 28.245 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.195 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 665,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002171000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 171 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 29.045 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 715,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002181000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 181 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.595 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 195,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002140000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.530 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 420,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002119600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 119.6 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.520 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.910 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who sold more records the beatles or michael jackson
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 271.6 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 270,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.145 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 185.8 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 28.245 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.740 million BRA: 280,000 ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.230 million DEN: 1.289 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 171 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.045 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 181.1 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 22.595 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 420,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 119.6 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.520 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 540,000 ITA: 1.910 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who is the biggest selling artists of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who has sold the most music albums ever
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.3 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.245 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 355,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 270,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002223100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002185000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.945 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.7 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169.3 million US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.595 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.8 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.330 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 420,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002119100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 119.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.520 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold the most records in music
Short answer: The Beatles are
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who is the top selling canadian artist of all time
Short answer: Celine Dion
Answer: Celine Dion Canada 1981 -- present 1981 Pop 7002125000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 125 million ( show ) US: 56.550 million JPN: 7.150 million UK: 13.555 million GER: 8 million FRA: 15.685 million CAN: 12.245 million AUS: 3.302 million BRA: 505,000 SWE: 1.105 million SPA: 1 million SWI: 1.685 million BEL: 1.885 million ARG: 340,000 DEN: 370,000 AUT: 440,000 POL: 680,000 FIN: 356,183 NZ: 192,500 200 million 175 million

Question: who is the best selling male artist of all time
Short answer: Elvis Presley
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 272 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 NLD: 295,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 315,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 224.7 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.345 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 NLD: 555,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 230 million US: 145.3 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 29.445 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.775 million BRA: 280,000 NLD: 2.105 million ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.310 million DEN: 1.334 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 172.9 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.245 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million NLD: 1.735 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 183 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 23.595 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 NLD: 975,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 465,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 120.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.720 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 515,000 NLD: 435,000 ITA: 2.035 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold the most albums worldwide of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who is the biggest selling recording artist of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who is the top selling artist of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who is the most selling band of all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.3 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.245 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 355,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 270,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002223100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002185000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.945 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.7 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169.3 million US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.595 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.8 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.330 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 420,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002119100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 119.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.520 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold more records than anyone in history
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who sold more records elvis or the beatles
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.3 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.245 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 355,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 270,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002223100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002185000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.945 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.7 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169.3 million US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.595 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.8 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.330 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 420,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002119100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 119.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.520 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold the most records all time
Short answer: The Beatles are
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: list of the best selling artists of all time
Answer: The Beatles Elvis Presley Michael Jackson Madonna Elton John Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd

Question: who is the biggest selling female singer of all time
Short answer: Madonna
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 271.6 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 270,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.145 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 185.8 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 28.245 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.740 million BRA: 280,000 ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.230 million DEN: 1.289 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 171 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.045 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 181.1 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 22.595 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 420,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 119.6 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.520 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 540,000 ITA: 1.910 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who has sold the most music records of all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002270800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 270.8 million ( show ) US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 17.845 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 305,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.240 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 260,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million

Question: who has sold the most albums all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002270800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 270.8 million ( show ) US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 17.845 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 330,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 260,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002211700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 211.7 million ( show ) US: 188.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 12.445 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.587 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002184200000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 184.2 million ( show ) US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.195 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.6 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.179 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.6 million ( show ) US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.795 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169 million ( show ) US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.295 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.837 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.5 million ( show ) US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.130 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 345,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002118900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 118.9 million ( show ) US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.320 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 515,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who is the best selling canadian artist of all time
Short answer: Celine Dion
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release - year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales Rihanna Barbados United States 2005 -- present 2005 R&B / Pop / Dance / Hip - hop 7002228000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 228 million ( show ) US: 168.55 million JPN: 1.4 million UK: 29.7 million GER: 4.475 million FRA: 1.425 million CAN: 2.840 million AUS: 9.220 million ITA: 1.450 million BRA: 555,000 SWE: 2.480 million SPA: 1.450 million MEX: 410,000 SWI: 840,000 BEL: 660,000 DEN: 1.117 AUT: 120,000 POL: 500,000 IRE: 240,000 NZ: 667,500 230 million Mariah Carey United States 1988 -- present R&B / Pop / Soul / Hip - hop 7002136400000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 136.4 million ( show ) US: 92.6 million JPN: 14.5 million UK: 10.020 million GER: 3.250 million FRA: 4.690 million CAN: 4.1 million AUS: 3.445 million ITA: 200,000 BRA: 835,000 SWE: 425,000 SPA: 1 million SWI: 515,000 BEL: 150,000 DEN: 130,000 AUT: 200,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 240,000 200 million 175 million Celine Dion Canada 1981 -- present 1981 Pop 7002125000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 125 million ( show ) US: 56.550 million JPN: 7.150 million UK: 13.555 million GER: 8 million FRA: 15.685 million CAN: 12.245 million AUS: 3.302 million BRA: 505,000 SWE: 1.105 million SPA: 1 million SWI: 1.685 million BEL: 1.885 million ARG: 340,000 DEN: 370,000 AUT: 440,000 POL: 680,000 FIN: 356,183 NZ: 192,500 200 million 175 million Queen United Kingdom 1971 -- present 1973 Rock 7002120800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 120.8 million ( show ) US: 61 million JPN: 2.850 million UK: 28.815 million GER: 11.525 million FRA: 4.495 million CAN: 1.870 million AUS: 2.167 million ITA: 505,000 BRA: 970,000 SWE: 190,000 SPA: 1.720 million SWI: 1.256 million BEL: 100,000 ARG: 1.080 million AUT: 900,000 POL: 810,000 FIN: 366,152 NZ: 275,000 200 million 170 million AC / DC Australia 1973 -- present Hard rock / Blues rock / Rock and roll 7002113200000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 113.2 million ( show ) US: 79.7 million UK: 4.2 million GER: 10.3 million FRA: 4.180 million CAN: 2.490 million AUS: 7.330 million ITA: 750,000 SWE: 350,000 SPA: 1.355 million SWI: 894,000 BEL: 100,000 ARG: 594,000 DEN: 135,000 AUT: 380,000 FIN: 321,169 NZ: 140,000 200 million 150 million Whitney Houston United States 1977 -- 2012 1984 R&B / Soul / Pop 7002113600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 113.6 million ( show ) US: 76.275 million JPN: 4.3 million UK: 14.605 million GER: 5.6 million FRA: 2.275 million CAN: 3.430 million AUS: 1.580 million ITA: 140,000 BRA: 1.025 SWE: 1.035 million SPA: 1.260 million SWI: 845,000 BEL: 215,000 DEN: 140,000 AUT: 535,000 POL: 180,000 FIN: 247,222 200 million 170 million The Rolling Stones United Kingdom 1962 -- present 1963 Rock / Blues rock 7001972000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 97.2 million ( show ) US: 74.750 million JPN: 950,000 UK: 8.510 million GER: 3.2 million FRA: 3.370 million AUS: 417,500 CAN: 3.025 million ITA: 180,000 BRA: 100,000 SWE: 310,000 SPA: 690,000 SWI: 238,000 BEL: 120,000 ARG: 718,000 AUT: 300,000 POL: 140,000 NZ: 190,000 200 million ABBA Sweden 1972 -- 1982 1972 Pop / Disco 7001607000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 60.7 million ( show ) US: 12.7 million JPN: 1.5 million UK: 18.970 million GER: 10.450 million FRA: 2.750 million CAN: 2.785 million AUS: 6.127 million BRA: 275,000 SWE: 800,000 SPA: 1.005 million MEX: 260,000 SWI: 600,000 BEL: 380,000 ARG: 238,000 DEN: 600,000 AUT: 175,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 656,319 NZ: 297,500 200 million 100 million

Question: who is the top selling music artist of all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop Total available certified units: 272 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million GER: 8 million UK: 18.445 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million BRA: 550,000 NLD: 295,000 ITA: 380,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWE 485,000 DEN: 315,000 SWI: 350,000 ARG: 1.606 million BEL: 390,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country Total available certified units: 224.7 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 GER: 1.2 million UK: 13.345 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million BRA: 125,000 NLD: 555,000 ITA: 105,000 SPA: 300,000 SWE 380,000 DEN: 120,000 SWI: 185,000 MEX: 105,000 ARG: 110,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B Total available certified units: 230 million US: 145.3 million JPN: 4.650 million GER: 11.275 million UK: 29.445 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.775 million BRA: 280,000 NLD: 2.105 million ITA: 1.195 million SPA: 1.995 million SWE: 1.310 million DEN: 1.334 million SWI: 910,000 MEX: 3.670 million ARG: 124,000 BEL: 665,000 AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica Total available certified units: 172.9 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million GER: 12.4 million UK: 29.245 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.787 million BRA: 3.440 million NLD: 1.735 million ITA: 465,000 SPA: 2.815 million SWE: 1.070 million DEN: 407,000 SWI: 1.080 million MEX: 510,000 ARG: 1.098 BEL: 740,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock Total available certified units: 183 million US: 129.350 million JPN: 1.1 million GER: 7.9 million UK: 23.595 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 NLD: 975,000 SPA: 1.2 million SWE: 740,000 DEN: 195,000 SWI: 1.313 million MEX: 100,000 ARG: 128,000 BEL: 565,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 GER: 3.775 million UK: 9.530 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million BRA: 820,000 ITA: 465,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock Total available certified units: 120.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 GER: 7.5 million UK: 11.720 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million BRA: 515,000 NLD: 435,000 ITA: 2.035 million SPA: 625,000 SWE: 220,000 SWI: 390,000 ARG: 582,000 BEL: 115,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who sold the most music records of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who are the best selling artists of all time
Answer: The Beatles Elvis Presley Michael Jackson Madonna Elton John Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd

Question: who's the best selling recording artist of all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.1 million ( show ) US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.045 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 355,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 260,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002212400000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 212.4 million ( show ) US: 188.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.587 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 1 billion 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002184600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 184.6 million ( show ) US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 27.545 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.6 million ( show ) US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.795 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169 million ( show ) US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.395 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.837 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002139690000099999 ♠ Total available certified units: 139.7 million ( show ) US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.330 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 345,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002118900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 118.9 million ( show ) US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.320 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who is the world's biggest selling female artist
Short answer: Rihanna is
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who has sold most records of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who has sold the most hip hop albums of all time
Short answer: Rihanna
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release - year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales Rihanna Barbados United States 2005 -- present 2005 R&B / Pop / Dance / Hip - hop 7002256000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 256 million US: 188.55 million JPN: 1.4 million UK: 31.5 million GER: 10.075 million FRA: 1.465 million CAN: 3.120 million AUS: 9.325 million ITA: 1.550 million BRA: 705,000 SWE: 2.480 million SPA: 1.470 million MEX: 410,000 SWI: 840,000 BEL: 660,000 DEN: 1.127 AUT: 135,000 POL: 500,000 IRE: 240,000 NZ: 682,500 230 million Eminem United States 1996 -- present 1999 Hip - hop 7002215500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 215.5 million US: 163.2 million JPN: 2.9 million UK: 23.825 million GER: 6.6 million FRA: 3.288 million CAN: 3.930 million AUS: 5.807 million ITA: 675,000 BRA: 220,000 SWE: 910,000 SPA: 290,000 MEX: 365,000 SWI: 805,000 BEL: 505,000 DEN: 656,000 AUT: 362,500 PL: 250,000 FIN: 124,547 IRE: 285,000 NZ: 600,000 220 million 200 million Mariah Carey United States 1988 -- present R&B / Pop / Soul / Hip - hop 7002137300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 137.3 million US: 92.6 million JPN: 14.5 million UK: 10.220 million GER: 3.750 million FRA: 4.690 million CAN: 4.1 million AUS: 3.515 million ITA: 200,000 BRA: 835,000 SWE: 425,000 SPA: 1 million SWI: 515,000 BEL: 175,000 DEN: 280,000 AUT: 200,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 240,000 200 million 175 million Queen United Kingdom 1971 -- present 1973 Rock 7002126200000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 126.2 million US: 65 million JPN: 2.850 million UK: 29.075 million GER: 12.375 million FRA: 4.495 million CAN: 1.870 million AUS: 2.167 million ITA: 545,000 BRA: 970,000 SWE: 190,000 SPA: 1.720 million SWI: 1.256 million BEL: 150,000 DEN: 205,000 ARG: 1.080 million AUT: 900,000 POL: 810,000 FIN: 366,152 NZ: 275,000 200 million 170 million Celine Dion Canada 1981 -- present 1981 Pop 7002125700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 125.7 million US: 56.550 million JPN: 7.150 million UK: 13.915 million GER: 8 million FRA: 15.768 million CAN: 12.245 million AUS: 3.302 million BRA: 505,000 SWE: 1.105 million SPA: 1 million SWI: 1.685 million BEL: 2.110 million ARG: 340,000 DEN: 370,000 AUT: 440,000 POL: 680,000 FIN: 356,183 NZ: 192,500 200 million 175 million Whitney Houston United States 1977 -- 2012 1984 R&B / Soul / Pop 7002114900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 114.9 million US: 76.775 million JPN: 4.3 million UK: 15.205 million GER: 5.6 million FRA: 2.275 million CAN: 3.430 million AUS: 1.755 million ITA: 140,000 BRA: 1.025 SWE: 1.035 million SPA: 1.260 million SWI: 845,000 BEL: 215,000 DEN: 140,000 AUT: 535,000 POL: 180,000 FIN: 247,222 200 million 170 million AC / DC Australia 1973 -- present Hard rock / Blues rock / Rock and roll 7002114900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 114.9 million US: 79.7 million UK: 5.5 million GER: 10.3 million FRA: 4.180 million CAN: 2.490 million AUS: 7.740 million ITA: 775,000 SWE: 350,000 SPA: 1.355 million SWI: 894,000 BEL: 100,000 ARG: 594,000 DEN: 130,000 AUT: 380,000 FIN: 321,169 NZ: 140,000 200 million 150 million The Rolling Stones United Kingdom 1962 -- present 1963 Rock / Blues rock 7001983000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 98.3 million US: 74.750 million JPN: 950,000 UK: 8.970 million GER: 3.8 million FRA: 3.377 million AUS: 417,500 CAN: 3.025 million ITA: 205,000 BRA: 100,000 SWE: 310,000 SPA: 690,000 SWI: 238,000 BEL: 120,000 ARG: 718,000 AUT: 300,000 POL: 140,000 NZ: 190,000 200 million ABBA Sweden 1972 -- 1982 1972 Pop / Disco 7001609000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 60.9 million US: 12.7 million JPN: 1.5 million UK: 19.170 million GER: 10.450 million FRA: 2.750 million CAN: 2.785 million AUS: 6.127 million BRA: 275,000 SWE: 800,000 SPA: 1.005 million MEX: 260,000 SWI: 600,000 BEL: 380,000 ARG: 238,000 DEN: 600,000 AUT: 175,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 656,319 NZ: 297,500 200 million 100 million

Question: who is the top selling female artist of all time
Short answer: Rihanna is
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who's the biggest selling artist of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who is the top selling solo artist of all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: The Beatles Elvis Presley Michael Jackson Madonna Elton John Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd

Question: who is the best selling artist in the world
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who are the top 3 best selling music artists of all time
Short answer: The Beatles
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales The Beatles United Kingdom 1960 -- 1970 1962 Rock / Pop 7002271300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 271.3 million US: 212.250 million JPN: 4.950 million UK: 18.245 million GER: 8 million FRA: 3.890 million CAN: 14.455 million AUS: 3.060 million ITA: 355,000 BRA: 550,000 SWE 485,000 SPA: 1.250 million SWI: 350,000 BEL: 265,000 ARG: 1.606 million DEN: 270,000 AUT: 500,000 POL: 175,000 NZ: 660,000 600 million 500 million Elvis Presley United States 1954 -- 1977 1954 Rock and roll / Pop / Country 7002223100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 223.1 million US: 199.150 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 13.145 million GER: 1.2 million FRA: 2.590 million CAN: 2.925 million AUS: 1.797 million ITA: 105,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE 380,000 SPA: 300,000 MEX: 105,000 SWI: 185,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 110,000 DEN: 120,000 AUT: 205,000 FIN: 213,945 NZ: 117,500 600 million 500 million Michael Jackson United States 1964 -- 2009 1971 Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B 7002185300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185.3 million US: 104.5 million JPN: 4.650 million UK: 28.245 million GER: 11.275 million FRA: 11.375 million CAN: 4.670 million AUS: 6.670 million ITA: 1.170 million BRA: 280,000 SWE: 1.230 million SPA: 1.995 million MEX: 3.670 million SWI: 910,000 BEL: 365,000 ARG: 124,000 DEN: 1.224 million AUT: 1.197 million POL: 530,000 FIN: 384,127 NZ: 902,500 350 million 300 million Madonna United States 1979 -- present 1982 Pop / Dance / Electronica 7002170700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 170.7 million US: 85.675 million JPN: 6.450 million UK: 28.845 million GER: 12.4 million FRA: 12.81 million CAN: 6.030 million AUS: 4.717 million ITA: 465,000 BRA: 3.440 million SWE: 1.070 million SPA: 2.815 million MEX: 510,000 SWI: 1.080 million BEL: 690,000 ARG: 1.098 DEN: 407,000 AUT: 602,500 POL: 530,000 FIN: 652,686 NZ: 417,500 300 million 275 million Elton John United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Pop / Rock 7002169300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 169.3 million US: 117.850 million JPN: 1.1 million UK: 22.595 million GER: 7.9 million FRA: 4.825 million CAN: 5.975 million AUS: 2.947 million BRA: 835,000 SWE: 740,000 SPA: 1.2 million MEX: 100,000 SWI: 1.313 million BEL: 390,000 ARG: 128,000 DEN: 150,000 AUT: 765,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 163,481 NZ: 255,000 300 million 250 million Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968 -- 1980 1969 Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock 7002140000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 140 million US: 114.1 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 9.530 million GER: 3.775 million FRA: 2.310 million CAN: 4.710 million AUS: 2.8 million ITA: 420,000 BRA: 820,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 211,000 ARG: 360,000 POL: 120,000 300 million 200 million Pink Floyd United Kingdom 1965 -- 1996, 2014 1967 Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock 7002119100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 119.1 million US: 78 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.520 million GER: 7.5 million FRA: 6.360 million CAN: 6.790 million AUS: 2.932 million ITA: 1.685 million BRA: 540,000 SWE: 220,000 SPA: 625,000 SWI: 390,000 BEL: 115,000 ARG: 582,000 AUT: 460,000 POL: 590,000 NZ: 787,500 250 million 200 million

Question: who sold the most records in country music
Short answer: Taylor Swift
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release - year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales Taylor Swift United States 2006 -- present 2006 Country / Country pop / Pop / Pop - rock 7002185300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 185.3 million US: 159 million JPN: 2.950 million UK: 8.9 million GER: 1.750 FRA: 300,000 CAN: 4.820 million AUS: 5.530 million ITA: 285,000 BRA: 440,000 SWE: 280,000 MEX: 510,000 DEN: 140,000 > AUT: 100,000 NZ: 382,500 175 million Garth Brooks United States 1989 -- present 1989 Country 7002156100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 156.1 million US: 149.4 million UK: 520,000 CAN: 5.730 million AUS: 350,000 IRE: 120,000 160 million Eagles United States 1971 -- 1980, 1994 -- present 1972 Rock 7002129600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 129.6 million US: 108.9 million JPN: 600,000 UK: 8.035 million GER: 925,000 FRA: 2.040 million CAN: 4.2 million AUS: 3.395 million SWE: 140,000 SPA: 500,000 SWI: 290,000 DEN: 185,000 > FIN: 124,749 NZ: 352,500 150 million U2 Ireland 1976 -- present 1980 Rock 7002107500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 107.5 million US: 53.1 million JPN: 1.450 million UK: 18.720 million GER: 5.525 million FRA: 5.125 million CAN: 7.155 million AUS: 4.412 million ITA: 855,000 BRA: 2.675 million SWE: 515,000 SPA: 2.295 million MEX: 835,000 SWI: 696,000 BEL: 750,000 ARG: 806,000 DEN: 473,000 AUT: 522,500 POL: 370,000 FIN: 235,460 IRE: 316,000 NZ: 765,000 150 million Billy Joel United States 1964 -- present 1971 Pop / Rock 7002102600000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 102.6 million US: 87.950 million JPN: 2 million UK: 5.655 million GER: 1.250 million FRA: 925,000 CAN: 3.275 million AUS: 1.267 AUT: 125,000 NZ: 162,500 150 million Phil Collins United Kingdom 1980 -- 2011, 2015 -- present 1981 Rock / Progressive rock / Adult contemporary 7001884000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 88.4 million US: 39.850 million JPN: 800,000 UK: 15.850 million GER: 13.8 million FRA: 6.410 million CAN: 3.375 million AUS: 1.522 BRA: 1.370 million SWE: 245,000 SPA: 2.150 million SWI: 973,000 BEL: 305,000 ARG: 1.044 million AUT: 440,000 FIN: 182,581 NZ: 122,500 150 million Aerosmith United States 1970 -- present 1973 Hard rock 7001847000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 84.7 million US: 70.250 million JPN: 2.7 million UK: 3.230 million GER: 2 million FRA: 225,000 CAN: 3.950 million AUS: 225,000 ITA: 100,000 BRA: 600,000 SWE: 260,000 SPA: 200,000 MEX: 230,000 SWI: 145,000 ARG: 338,000 AUT: 125,000 POL: 100,000 FIN: 101,722 150 million Frank Sinatra United States 1935 -- 1995 1939 Pop / Swing 7001375000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 37.5 million US: 28.2 million UK: 5.645 million GER: 1 million FRA: 600,000 CAN: 650,000 AUS: 315,000 BRA: 350,000 SWE: 130,000 SPA: 500,000 ARG: 188,000 150 million Barbra Streisand United States 1960 -- present 1963 Pop / Adult contemporary 7001975000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 97.5 million US: 82.450 million UK: 5.765 million GER: 750,000 FRA: 3.150 million CAN: 2.650 million AUS: 2.152 million SWE: 120,000 SPA: 150,000 FIN: 186,501 NZ: 137,500 145 million Justin Bieber Canada United States 2008 -- present 2009 Pop / Teen pop, Dance pop 7002149000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 149 million US: 101.5 million JPN: 750,000 UK: 18.285 million GER: 4.4 million FRA: 1.098 CAN: 5.780 million AUS: 4.795 million ITA: 1.895 million BRA: 810,000 SWE: 2.020 million SPA: 880,000 MEX: 2.970 million BEL: 450,000 DEN: 2.250 million POL: 370,000 AUT: 140,000 NZ: 615,000 140 million Bruno Mars United States 2004 -- present Pop rock / R&B 7002126300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 126.3 million US: 89.5 million JPN: 1.2 million UK: 14.5 million GER: 3.4 million FRA: 1.950 million CAN: 5.240 million AUS: 5.810 million ITA: 710,000 SWE: 440,000 SPA: 490,000 MEX: 810,000 SWI: 405,000 BEL: 360,000 DEN: 435,000 AUT: 180,000 NZ: 577,500 PHL: 330,000 130 million Ed Sheeran United Kingdom 2004 -- present 2011 Pop / Folk pop 7002123100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 123.1 million US: 54 million JPN: 350,000 UK: 36.160 million GER: 7.2 million FRA: 1.691 million CAN: 6.440 million AUS: 7.490 million ITA: 2.465 million SWE: 1.360 million SPA: 730,000 MEX: 180,000 SWI: 475,000 BEL: 615,000 DEN: 2.160 million AUT: 340,000 POL: 360,000 NZ: 1.140 million 126 million Kanye West United States 1996 -- present Hip - hop / Electronic / Pop rock 7002115500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 115.5 million US: 98.750 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 11.260 million GER: 1.350 CAN: 1.180 million AUS: 2.135 million ITA: 160,000 SWE: 160,000 DEN: 424,000 121 million Bruce Springsteen United States 1972 -- present 1973 Rock 7002101800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 101.8 million US: 76.150 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 7.345 million GER: 4.325 million FRA: 1.887 million CAN: 3.2 million AUS: 3.362 million ITA: 575,000 BRA: 100,000 SWE: 810,000 SPA: 1.730 million SWI: 400,000 DEN: 255,000 AUT: 290,000 FIN: 449,800 IRE: 189,500 NZ: 375,000 120 million Metallica United States 1981 -- present Heavy metal / Thrash metal 7001952000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 95.2 million US: 73.3 million JPN: 900,000 UK: 3.535 million GER: 4.025 million FRA: 940,000 CAN: 3.885 million AUS: 2.637 million ITA: 180,000 BRA: 380,000 SWE: 675,000 SPA: 420,000 MEX: 430,000 SWI: 560,000 BEL: 360,000 DEN: 180,000 ARG: 874,000 AUT: 340,000 POL: 735,000 FIN: 530,676 NZ: 315,000 120 million Bee Gees United Kingdom Australia 1963 -- 2003 2009 -- 2012 1963 Pop / Disco 7001688000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 68.8 million US: 42.5 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 9.525 million GER: 6.675 million FRA: 3.4 million CAN: 3.215 million AUS: 1.187 million BRA: 350,000 SPA: 450,000 SWI: 415,000 ARG: 188,000 AUT: 125,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 380,000 120 million

Question: who is the highest selling artist of all time
Answer: This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units ( for each country ) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation - albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full - length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2017, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest - selling band. Elvis Presley is considered the highest - selling individual artist based on sales claims and Rihanna is the highest - selling individual artist based on certified units.

Question: who has sold the most records in hip hop
Short answer: Rihanna
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release - year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales Rihanna Barbados United States 2005 -- present 2005 R&B / Pop / Dance / Hip - hop 7002252300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 252.3 million US: 188.55 million JPN: 1.4 million UK: 31.1 million GER: 6.625 million FRA: 1.465 million CAN: 3.120 million AUS: 9.325 million ITA: 1.550 million BRA: 705,000 SWE: 2.480 million SPA: 1.470 million MEX: 410,000 SWI: 840,000 BEL: 660,000 DEN: 1.127 AUT: 135,000 POL: 500,000 IRE: 240,000 NZ: 682,500 230 million Eminem United States 1996 -- present 1999 Hip - hop 7002214500000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 214.5 million US: 163.2 million JPN: 2.9 million UK: 23.225 million GER: 6.2 million FRA: 3.288 million CAN: 3.930 million AUS: 5.807 million ITA: 665,000 BRA: 220,000 SWE: 910,000 SPA: 290,000 MEX: 365,000 SWI: 805,000 BEL: 505,000 DEN: 611,000 > AUT: 362,500 PL: 250,000 FIN: 124,547 IRE: 285,000 NZ: 600,000 220 million 200 million Mariah Carey United States 1988 -- present R&B / Pop / Soul / Hip - hop 7002137300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 137.3 million US: 92.6 million JPN: 14.5 million UK: 10.220 million GER: 3.750 million FRA: 4.690 million CAN: 4.1 million AUS: 3.515 million ITA: 200,000 BRA: 835,000 SWE: 425,000 SPA: 1 million SWI: 515,000 BEL: 175,000 DEN: 280,000 AUT: 200,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 240,000 200 million 175 million Queen United Kingdom 1971 -- present 1973 Rock 7002125700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 125.7 million US: 65 million JPN: 2.850 million UK: 29.075 million GER: 11.875 million FRA: 4.495 million CAN: 1.870 million AUS: 2.167 million ITA: 505,000 BRA: 970,000 SWE: 190,000 SPA: 1.720 million SWI: 1.256 million BEL: 100,000 DEN: 205,000 ARG: 1.080 million AUT: 900,000 POL: 810,000 FIN: 366,152 NZ: 275,000 200 million 170 million Celine Dion Canada 1981 -- present 1981 Pop 7002125100000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 125.1 million US: 56.550 million JPN: 7.150 million UK: 13.555 million GER: 8 million FRA: 15.768 million CAN: 12.245 million AUS: 3.302 million BRA: 505,000 SWE: 1.105 million SPA: 1 million SWI: 1.685 million BEL: 1.885 million ARG: 340,000 DEN: 370,000 AUT: 440,000 POL: 680,000 FIN: 356,183 NZ: 192,500 200 million 175 million Whitney Houston United States 1977 -- 2012 1984 R&B / Soul / Pop 7002114900000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 114.9 million US: 76.775 million JPN: 4.3 million UK: 15.205 million GER: 5.6 million FRA: 2.275 million CAN: 3.430 million AUS: 1.755 million ITA: 140,000 BRA: 1.025 SWE: 1.035 million SPA: 1.260 million SWI: 845,000 BEL: 215,000 DEN: 140,000 AUT: 535,000 POL: 180,000 FIN: 247,222 200 million 170 million AC / DC Australia 1973 -- present Hard rock / Blues rock / Rock and roll 7002113800000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 113.8 million US: 79.7 million UK: 4.6 million GER: 10.3 million FRA: 4.180 million CAN: 2.490 million AUS: 7.540 million ITA: 775,000 SWE: 350,000 SPA: 1.355 million SWI: 894,000 BEL: 100,000 ARG: 594,000 DEN: 130,000 AUT: 380,000 FIN: 321,169 NZ: 140,000 200 million 150 million The Rolling Stones United Kingdom 1962 -- present 1963 Rock / Blues rock 7001978000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 97.8 million US: 74.750 million JPN: 950,000 UK: 8.970 million GER: 3.3 million FRA: 3.377 million AUS: 417,500 CAN: 3.025 million ITA: 205,000 BRA: 100,000 SWE: 310,000 SPA: 690,000 SWI: 238,000 BEL: 120,000 ARG: 718,000 AUT: 300,000 POL: 140,000 NZ: 190,000 200 million ABBA Sweden 1972 -- 1982 1972 Pop / Disco 7001609000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 60.9 million US: 12.7 million JPN: 1.5 million UK: 19.170 million GER: 10.450 million FRA: 2.750 million CAN: 2.785 million AUS: 6.127 million BRA: 275,000 SWE: 800,000 SPA: 1.005 million MEX: 260,000 SWI: 600,000 BEL: 380,000 ARG: 238,000 DEN: 600,000 AUT: 175,000 POL: 150,000 FIN: 656,319 NZ: 297,500 200 million 100 million

Question: who is the top selling rapper of all time
Short answer: Jay - Z
Answer: Artist Country / Market Period active Release - year of first charted record Genre Total certified units ( from available markets ) Claimed sales Lady Gaga United States 2005 -- present 2008 Pop / Dance / Electronic 7001992000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 99.2 million ( show ) US: 68.5 million JPN: 5.4 million UK: 10.985 million GER: 2.9 million FRA: 1.58 million CAN: 2.4 million AUS: 2.890 million ITA: 840,000 BRA: 470,000 SWE: 680,000 SPA: 410,000 MEX: 390,000 SWI: 445,000 BEL: 270,000 DEN: 340,000 AUT: 182,500 POL: 130,000 IRE: 165,000 NZ: 277,500 114 million Metallica United States 1981 -- present Heavy metal / Thrash metal 7001943000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 94.3 million ( show ) US: 73.3 million JPN: 900,000 UK: 3.335 million GER: 3.525 million FRA: 940,000 CAN: 3.805 million AUS: 2.637 million ITA: 180,000 BRA: 380,000 SWE: 675,000 SPA: 420,000 MEX: 430,000 SWI: 560,000 BEL: 335,000 DEN: 180,000 ARG: 874,000 AUT: 340,000 POL: 735,000 FIN: 530,676 NZ: 315,000 110 million Justin Bieber Canada United States 2008 -- present 2009 Pop / Teen pop, Dance pop 7002132000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 132 million ( show ) US: 87.5 million JPN: 750,000 UK: 17.085 million GER: 3.3 million FRA: 1.2 CAN: 5.620 million AUS: 4.725 million ITA: 1.795 million BRA: 810,000 SWE: 1.820 million SPA: 880,000 MEX: 2.910 million BEL: 450,000 DEN: 2.075 million POL: 370,000 AUT: 140,000 NZ: 615,000 100 million Katy Perry United States 2001 -- present 2008 Pop 7002129300000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 129.3 million ( show ) US: 97.5 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 12.550 million GER: 2.750 million FRA: 825,000 CAN: 6.160 million AUS: 5.090 million ITA: 780,000 BRA: 625,000 SWE: 520,000 SPA: 180,000 MEX: 900,000 SWI: 160,000 BEL: 135,000 DEN: 235,000 AUT: 247,500 NZ: 360,000 100 million Adele United Kingdom 2006 -- present 2008 Pop, soul 7002104700000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 104.7 million ( show ) US: 61 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 20.550 million GER: 4.7 million CAN: 6.120 million AUS: 3.955 million ITA: 1.570 million BRA: 1.310 million SWE: 240,000 SPA: 800,000 MEX: 1.490 million SWI: 510,000 BEL: 795,000 DEN: 597,500 POL: 300,000 FIN: 151,639 NZ: 577,500 100 million Jay - Z United States 1996 -- present Hip - hop 7001981000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 98.1 million ( show ) US: 82.7 million JPN: 1.050 million UK: 9.320 million GER: 1.550 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 1.6 million AUS: 1.260 ITA: 180,000 SWE: 130,000 100 million B'z Japan 1988 -- present Rock / Pop rock / Hard rock 7001857000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 85.7 million ( show ) JPN: 85.75 million 100 million Bon Jovi United States 1983 -- present Hard rock / Glam metal 7001840000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 84 million ( show ) US: 49.9 million JPN: 4.400 million UK: 9.490 million GER: 5.650 million FRA: 825,000 CAN: 4.735 million AUS: 3.030 million ITA: 110,000 BRA: 435,000 SWE: 365,000 SPA: 1.620 million MEX: 250,000 SWI: 1.275 million AUT: 725,000 BEL: 165,000 ARG: 358,000 POL: 110,000 FIN: 422,500 NZ: 210,000 100 million Linkin Park United States 1996 -- present 2000 Alternative rock / Nu metal / Rap rock 7001823000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 82.3 million ( show ) US: 61.6 million JPN: 1.550 million UK: 6.205 million GER: 5.850 million FRA: 1.025 CAN: 1.330 million AUS: 1.485 million ITA: 515,000 BRA: 595,000 SWE: 165,000 SPA: 175,000 MEX: 225,000 SWI: 425,000 BEL: 140,000 DEN: 175,000 AUT: 252,500 POL: 220,000 FIN: 120,469 NZ: 252,500 100 million Beyoncé United States 1997 -- present 2002 R&B / Pop 7001810000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 81 million ( show ) US: 56.150 million JPN: 1.7 million UK: 13.885 million GER: 1.550 million FRA: 560,000 CAN: 1.395 million AUS: 2.975 million ITA: 260,000 BRA: 390,000 SWE: 120,000 SPA: 1.030 million MEX: 110,000 SWI: 165,000 BEL: 115,000 DEN: 312,500 POL: 100,000 NZ: 210,000 100 million Lil Wayne United States 1996 -- present 1999 Hip - hop 7001799000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 79.9 million ( show ) US: 77.7 million UK: 1.460 million CAN: 280,000 AUS: 525,000 100 million Britney Spears United States 1998 -- present 1998 Pop / Dance / Dance - pop 7001785000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 78.5 million ( show ) US: 44.2 million JPN: 2.1 million UK: 10.150 million GER: 5.050 million FRA: 3.732 million CAN: 3.680 million AUS: 3.130 million ITA: 175,000 BRA: 380,000 SWE: 1.010 million SPA: 990,000 MEX: 1.175 million SWI: 485,000 AUT: 365,000 BEL: 935,000 ARG: 248,000 DEN: 187,500 POL: 210,000 FIN: 143,627 NZ: 240,000 100 million Rod Stewart United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1969 Rock / Pop 7001778000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 77.8 million ( show ) US: 43.650 million JPN: 450,000 UK: 18.330 million GER: 3.8 million FRA: 1.8 million CAN: 4.055 million AUS: 2.610 million BRA: 980,000 SWE: 440,000 SPA: 290,000 SWI: 100,000 ARG: 524,000 AUT: 100,000 POL: 220,000 IRE: 195,000 NZ: 280,000 100 million Fleetwood Mac United Kingdom United States 1967 -- present 1968 Rock / Pop 7001761009999900000 ♠ Total available certified units: 76.1 million ( show ) US: 51.250 million UK: 13.585 million GER: 3.5 million FRA: 800,000 AUS: 2.767 million CAN: 2.950 million SPA: 300,000 SWI: 100,000 BEL: 100,000 NZ: 572,500 100 million Guns N ' Roses United States 1985 -- present Hard rock / Heavy metal 7001743000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 74.3 million ( show ) US: 48.5 million JPN: 1.7 million UK: 6.150 million GER: 4.1 million FRA: 1 million CAN: 3.520 million AUS: 2.410 ITA: 685,000 BRA: 1.9 million SWE: 485,000 SPA: 450,000 MEX: 760,000 SWI: 365,000 BEL: 165,000 ARG: 1.248 million AUT: 365,000 POL: 160,000 IRE: 105,000 NZ: 270,000 100 million George Strait United States 1981 -- present 1984 Country 7001728000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 72.8 million ( show ) US: 72.150 million CAN: 705,000 100 million Backstreet Boys United States 1993 -- present 1995 Pop 7001720000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 72 million ( show ) US: 41.5 million JPN: 5.4 million UK: 4.875 million GER: 7 million FRA: 325,000 CAN: 3.430 million AUS: 1.4 million BRA: 1.625 million SWE: 655,000 SPA: 1.850 million MEX: 1.475 million SWI: 415,000 BEL: 425,000 ARG: 740,000 AUT: 325,000 POL: 300,000 FIN: 171,390 NZ: 132,500 100 million Neil Diamond United States 1966 -- present 1966 Pop / Rock 7001683000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 68.3 million ( show ) US: 55.9 million UK: 7.130 million GER: 1 million FRA: 400,000 CAN: 1.725 million AUS: 1.945 million SPA: 100,000 NZ: 127,500 100 million Prince United States 1976 -- 2016 1978 Funk / R&B / Pop / Soul / Rock 7001642000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 64.2 million ( show ) US: 48.950 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 7.045 million GER: 2.4 million FRA: 2.110 million CAN: 1 million AUS: 1.120 SWE: 100,000 SPA: 700,000 SWI: 250,000 AUT: 125,000 NZ: 177,500 100 million Kenny Rogers United States 1958 -- present Country / Pop 7001601000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 61.4 million ( show ) US: 54.050 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 2.520 million CAN: 4.6 million AUS: 100,000 SPA: 100,000 100 million Paul McCartney United Kingdom 1960 -- present 1970 Rock 7001606000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 60.6 million ( show ) US: 41.450 million JPN: 500,000 UK: 12.365 million GER: 1.525 million FRA: 1.305 million CAN: 1.955 million AUS: 465,000 SWE: 210,000 SPA: 640,000 DEN: 210,000 100 million Janet Jackson United States 1982 -- present 1982 R&B / Pop 7001521000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 52.1 million ( show ) US: 39.750 million JPN: 1.6 million UK: 4.760 million GER: 1.4 million FRA: 1.475 million CAN: 1.460 million AUS: 1.155 SWE: 105,000 SPA: 150,000 SWI: 170,000 BEL: 125,000 100 million Julio Iglesias Spain 1968 -- present 1968 Latin 7001510000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 51 million ( show ) US: 11 million JPN: 800,000 UK: 1.620 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 6.1 million CAN: 1.5 million AUS: 540,000 ITA: 400,000 NLD: 950,000 BRA: 12.475 million SWE: 290,000 SPA: 8.7 million MEX: 2.975 million BEL: 125,000 ARG: 3.220 million FIN: 131,636 100 million Chicago United States 1967 -- present 1969 Rock / Pop 7001483000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 48.3 million ( show ) US: 44.150 million JPN: 400,000 UK: 1.490 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 100,000 CAN: 1.865 million SPA: 100,000 100 million The Carpenters United States 1969 -- 1983 1969 Pop 7001460000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 46 million ( show ) US: 34.6 million JPN: 2.9 million UK: 7.950 million GER: 250,000 CAN: 275,000 BRA: 100,000 100 million Bob Dylan United States 1959 -- present 1963 Folk / Rock 7001453000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 45.3 million ( show ) US: 35.6 million UK: 6.025 million GER: 625,000 FRA: 800,000 CAN: 1.5 million AUS: 480,000 SWI: 175,000 NZ: 105,000 100 million Dire Straits United Kingdom 1977 -- 1995 1978 Rock 7001447000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 44.7 million ( show ) US: 15.5 million UK: 11.1 million GER: 3.750 million FRA: 5.3 million CAN: 2.575 million AUS: 2.190 million ITA: 385,000 BRA: 175,000 SWE: 360,000 SPA: 1.380 million SWI: 1 million BEL: 100,000 AUT: 300,000 FIN: 471,530 NZ: 155,000 100 million Def Leppard United Kingdom 1977 -- present 1979 Hard rock / Heavy metal 7001418009999900000 ♠ Total available certified units: 41.8 million ( show ) US: 35.650 million JPN: 300,000 UK: 1.960 million FRA: 200,000 CAN: 2.995 million AUS: 385,000 SWE: 150,000 MEX: 200,000 SWI: 125,000 100 million Cher United States 1964 -- present 1965 Pop / Rock / Dance / Folk 7001405000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 40.5 million ( show ) US: 21.9 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 6.450 million GER: 4.175 million FRA: 1.525 million CAN: 1.340 million AUS: 1.530 million ITA: 300,000 BRA: 125,000 SWE: 850,000 SPA: 600,000 MEX: 200,000 SWI: 295,000 BEL: 275,000 ARG: 106,000 DEN: 300,000 AUT: 250,000 POL: 100,000 NZ: 150,000 100 million Genesis United Kingdom 1967 -- 1999 2006 -- present 1969 Progressive rock / Pop rock 7001399000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 39.9 million ( show ) US: 21.650 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 7.325 million GER: 5.875 million FRA: 3.460 million CAN: 805,000 SWE: 100,000 SPA: 250,000 SWI: 400,000 100 million James Taylor United States 1968 -- present 1970 Rock / Pop 7001355000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 35.5 million ( show ) US: 34.650 million UK: 655,000 CAN: 100,000 AUS: 100,000 100 million Olivia Newton - John Australia 1966 -- present 1966 Pop 7001347000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 34.7 million ( show ) US: 27 million JPN: 100,000 UK: 3.950 million GER: 250,000 CAN: 3.025 million AUS: 380,000 100 million Stevie Wonder United States 1961 -- present 1962 Funk / R&B / Soul 7001346000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 34.6 million ( show ) US: 21.650 million JPN: 1.050 million UK: 8.285 million GER: 500,000 FRA: 1.4 million CAN: 1.550 million SPA: 250,000 100 million Tina Turner United States 1955 -- present Rock / Pop 7001328009999900000 ♠ Total available certified units: 32.8 million ( show ) US: 12.7 million UK: 8.145 million GER: 6.050 million FRA: 1.135 million CAN: 1.560 million AUS: 480,000 SWE: 330,000 SPA: 700,000 SWI: 565,000 BEL: 190,000 AUT: 630,000 POL: 120,000 FIN: 241,954 100 million Linda Ronstadt United States 1967 -- present 1968 Rock / Folk / Country 7001325000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 32.5 million ( show ) US: 31.5 million UK: 435,000 FRA: 100,000 CAN: 500,000 100 million Donna Summer United States 1968 -- 2012 Pop / Disco / R&B 7001308000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 30.8 million ( show ) US: 24.5 million UK: 3.735 million FRA: 900,000 CAN: 1.550 million BRA: 100,000 SPA: 100,000 100 million The Beach Boys United States 1961 -- present 1962 Rock / Pop / Surf Rock 7001305000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 30.5 million ( show ) US: 25.6 million UK: 3.410 million GER: 250,000 FRA: 400,000 CAN: 100,000 AUS: 492,500 SPA: 250,000 100 million David Bowie United Kingdom 1962 -- 2016 1967 Art rock / Glam rock / Pop 7001299000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 29.9 million ( show ) US: 11.7 million JPN: 200,000 UK: 11.745 million GER: 525,000 FRA: 2.380 million CAN: 2.215 million AUS: 565,000 ITA: 345,000 SPA: 170,000 NZ: 142,500 100 million The Who United Kingdom 1964 -- present 1965 Rock / Hard rock 7001269000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 26.9 million ( show ) US: 22.150 million UK: 3.905 million FRA: 300,000 CAN: 425,000 ITA: 125,000 100 million Barry White United States 1972 -- 2003 1973 R&B / Soul 7001217000000000000 ♠ Total available certified units: 21.7 million ( show ) US: 16.5 million UK: 3.665 million FRA: 1.1 million CAN: 150,000 SPA: 200,000 BEL: 150,000 100 million