The 1982 album has become the first album to be certified 30-times multi-platinum in the U.S. sales with more than 30 million sales domestically.
- Dec 17, 2015
AceShowbiz - Michael Jackson's landmark 1982 album "Thriller" has become the first album ever to be certified 30-times multi-platinum in the U.S. sales with more than 30 million sales domestically. The Recording Industry Association of America announced the news on Wednesday, December 16.
RIAA Chairman and CEO Cary Sherman said in a statement, "RIAA has awarded Gold & Platinum records on behalf of the music business for nearly 60 years, but this is the first time an artist has crossed the 30X multi-Platinum plateau. We are honored to celebrate the unique status of 'Thriller' in Gold & Platinum history. What an exceptional achievement and testament to 'Thriller's' enduring spot in our hearts and musical history."
"Thriller" was certified 20 million times platinum two years after its release. The album continued to set milestones with more than 29 million times platinum in 2009, less than two months after Michael's death. It is also the first album to win eight Grammys with nominations in 12 categories.
Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid said, "It is crystal clear that Michael Jackson is simply the greatest, and biggest artist of all time. Not only are his charts, hits and sales stats staggering, but his pure musicality was otherworldly. 'Thriller' was groundbreaking and electrifying ... it was perfection. I am extremely proud that Michael is the heart and soul of Epic Records and he will forever remain the one-and-only King of Pop."
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson, said in a joint statement, "100 million albums and counting; there has never been a phenomenon like 'Thriller'. Michael opened the floodgates of his creativity, explored emotional depths and pushed the boundaries of sonic innovation. In the process, he breached destructive barriers in the music industry and literally united the world through his music: there isn't a place on this planet that hasn't been exhilarated by the music of Michael Jackson. Thirty years after its release, 'Thriller' continues to be a revelation."
The latest milestone continued Michael's reign as the best-selling artist of all time with over 100 million sales worldwide for "Thriller" and 1 billion total sales to his credit.
