America's 100 Most Favorite Musicians of All Time
America loves music
Who are the 100 most popular musicians of all time? We wanted to find out, so we consulted with the research data and analytics group YouGov.
YouGov gave us the artist rankings, the number of records sold, and the name of the artist's first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list. You'll be as surprised by some of the results as we were.
100. Heart – No. 1 Hit: 'These Dreams'
As if to demonstrate that there’s no justice in the world, Heart never had a Billboard Top 100 chart-topper during their 1970s heyday when they made their best music. Instead, their 1980s power ballads, like "These Dreams," went to number one, despite the fact that it never made anyone pick up a guitar and try to play it like "Barracuda" did. Still, they sold over 35 million copies, so kudos!
99. Anita Baker – No. 1 Hit: n/a
There’s no accounting for taste. Somehow, Anita Baker’s iconic ballad “Sweet Love” never topped the charts, Billboard Hot 100 or otherwise. At the same time, many people who charted higher around the same time have been wholly forgotten, while this Quiet Storm ballad and the woman who sang it are still relevant. Her record sales have totaled more than 15 million copies.
98. Luther Vandross – No. 1 Hit: n/a
Luther Vandross never won a Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, but he had several number one R&B hits, such as "Here and Now." He racked up total album sales of over 35 million copies.
97. George Benson – No. 1 Hit: n/a
Former child prodigy George Benson is a triple threat – guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and while his single “Give Me the Night” only reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, it topped that publication’s Soul Singles chart. He’s sold more than 10 million records to date, and has had the admiration and respect of most of the music world for as long as he’s been at it.
96. Janis Joplin – No. 1 Hit: ‘Me and Bobby McGee'
Janis Joplin was a great interpreter of other people’s songs, and the record-buying public seemed to agree when they sent her version of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee” to the top of the charts. Her total album sales come out to over 18 million copies, although one wonders how much higher that might have been if she hadn’t joined the 27 Club.
95. Diana Ross – No. 1 Hit: ‘Ain't No Mountain High Enough'
Diana Ross hit number one with her recording of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough,” but she had already visited the Billboard charts during her tenure with the Supremes. If you include her time with that iconic group, her record sales amount to over 100 million copies.
94. Fats Domino – No. 1 Hit: ‘Blueberry Hill'
Fats Domino was an early rock ‘n’ roll pioneer, and his biggest hit, “Blueberry Hill,” was covered by artists in other genres, notably country star Loretta Lynn. With total album sales of over 65 million copies, he may not be quite at a Dolly Parton level of fame, but “Blueberry Hill” alone has been enough to keep him popular.
93. ABBA – No. 1 Hit: ‘Dancing Queen'
When it comes to unstoppable, runaway sales, Sweden is known for two things – Volvos and ABBA. With total record sales exceeding 380 million copies, ABBA hit the charts in multiple countries numerous times, and the US was no exception. People still love them today and will go completely nuts when you put "Dancing Queen" on. It’s that good.
92. Otis Redding – No. 1 Hit: ‘(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay'
Otis Redding was one of the greatest soul singers of all time, and if his life hadn’t been cut short in a plane crash (at the age of 26, in 1967), he might still be wowing audiences today. Sadly, it was not to be, but with total album sales of over 25 million copies, he remains a beloved and respected artist, though it’s still a matter of opinion if his version of “Respect” was better than Aretha’s.
91. Huey Lewis and the News – No. 1 Hit: ‘The Power of Love'
With record sales totaling over 30 million copies, Huey Lewis and the News were one of the biggest acts of the 1980s, and even the creepy monologue in “American Psycho” couldn’t diminish how beloved his music was.
90. Sammy Davis, Jr. – No. 1 Hit: ‘The Candy Man'
With sales estimated at 23 million copies, Sammy Davis, Jr. was more than just a member of the Rat Pack and more than just a talented entertainer. He had a number one hit with "The Candy Man," but truth be told, you could have given him a business-to-business directory, and he could have done something musically engaging with it.
89. John Denver – No. 1 Hit: ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders'
With record sales of more than 33 million copies, frequent Muppet collaborator John Denver was one of the most popular musicians of the 20th century. Hits like “Sunshine on My Shoulders” helped pave the way, and even though he’s been gone for over 25 years, the music has never gone away.
88. The Who – No. 1 Hit: n/a
The Who is another band you would have thought had a numberone hit (or multiple number one hits) to their name, but the highest point they ever reached on the Billboard Hot 100 was number nine, the position at which "I Can See For Miles" peaked. They were always more of an "albums band" anyway, and on that score, they did great, selling 100 million copies.
87. The Mamas & the Papas – No. 1 Hit: ‘Monday, Monday'
The Mamas & the Papas folkie harmonies and lyrical depictions of life in California shifted many units during the 1960s, starting with their hit "Monday, Monday." Today, Boomers still love listening to their music, which has resulted in the group selling over 40 million copies.
86. The Monkees – No. 1 Hit: ‘I'm a Believer'
The Monkees may not have been a "real" band, but the music released with their name on it sold very well anyway, including their number one hit, "I'm a Believer." Their album sales total over 75 million copies.
85. Nirvana – No. 1 Hit: n/a
Nirvana never had a number one hit. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" topped the Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock charts but could only get to number six on the Billboard Hot 100. If you were alive during the 1990s, then you know that didn’t matter, as the 75 million records and countless flannel shirts sold will attest.
84. Guns N' Roses – No. 1 Hit: ‘Sweet Child o' Mine'
With total album sales of over 100 million copies, Guns N' Roses have somehow managed to keep it together in one form or another since the 1980s. They have scant studio material to their name due to years of instability (among other things), but "Appetite for Destruction" keeps on selling anyway.
83. Carrie Underwood – No. 1 Hit: ‘Inside Your Heaven'
With total record sales exceeding 70 million copies, Carrie Underwood burst onto the scene on “American Idol” and has remained popular since then. In 2007, the animal rights organization PETA named her “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian.”
82. Gladys Knight & the Pips – No. 1 Hit: ‘Midnight Train to Georgia'
Gladys Knight & the Pips started as just the Pips before lead singer Gladys Knight stepped into the forefront. With total album sales of over 40 million copies, the group disbanded in 1988, at which time Knight became a solo artist. By the way, time has done nothing to diminish her voice and she still sounds great even as she approaches 80.
81. Natalie Cole – No. 1 Hit: ‘This Will Be'
With record sales totaling over 30 million copies, Natalie Cole was musical royalty as the daughter of Nat “King” Cole. Sadly she was plagued by health problems in the final years of her life and passed away at 65.
80. Ike & Tina Turner – No. 1 Hit: ‘Proud Mary'
Tina Turner became a household name after her star turn as a member of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. They sold over 20 million copies, and when she parted ways with Ike, there was skepticism about whether she could be a star in her own right. The passage of time has more than adequately answered that question.
79. Commodores – No. 1 Hit: ‘Three Times a Lady'
The Commodores had total album sales of over 20 million copies, and their popularity was due at least in part to Lionel Ritchie, who was a member of the group until 1982 and wrote some of their biggest hits. He also co-wrote “Brick House,” so he was good for more than just the sappy ballads.
78. The Pointer Sisters – No. 1 Hit: n/a
With record sales of more than 15 million copies, the Pointer Sisters were massively popular, but sadly, that popularity wasn't enough to land them at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. They came very close with "Slow Hand," which hit number two.
77. Patsy Cline – No. 1 Hit: ‘I Fall to Pieces'
Patsy Cline was a rarity in the 1960s as a former country singer who had crossed over into pure pop, and she did it with stunning results on “I Fall to Pieces,” which has been sung by scads of other people who will never come close to doing it as well as she did. She’s racked up total album sales of over 25 million copies.
76. Van Halen – No. 1 Hit: ‘Jump'
While some fans of the group's guitar wizardry groused when Van Halen released the keyboard-heavy single "Jump," it launched them to the top of the charts, which was rare for heavy metal bands in the early 1980s. Van Halen sold over 80 million copies, and the late guitarist Eddie Van Halen continues to inspire fledgling six-stringers.
75. Bob Seger – No. 1 Hit: n/a
Bob Seger is another one of those artists you hear constantly on FM radio but never actually had a hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100. He'll have to be happy with "Shakedown" topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks and selling more than 50 million records.
74. Neil Diamond – No. 1 Hit: ‘Cracklin' Rosie'
Neil Diamond had a few trips to the top of the Billboard chart, including his first number one, “Cracklin' Rosie,” and “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” a duet with Barbra Streisand. His total record sales have exceeded 100 million copies.
73. The Four Tops – No. 1 Hit: ‘I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)'
With record sales of over 50 million copies, the Four Tops crafted exquisite and addictive songs that can brighten any mood, no matter how crappy. These include their number one hit, “I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch).” If that song doesn’t do anything for you, call a doctor immediately.
72. Patti LaBelle – No. 1 Hit: n/a
With total album sales of over 50 million copies, Patti LaBelle never had a solo number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. However, she got there with "On My Own," a duet with Michael McDonald.
71. Bruno Mars – No. 1 Hit: ‘Just the Way You Are'
Born Peter Hernandez in Hawaii, Bruno Mars has made multiple trips to the top of the Billboard charts, starting with his debut single, “Just the Way You Are.” He’s sold over 130 million records to date and is currently working on his next album.
70. Pink Floyd – No. 1 Hit: ‘Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2'
With total album sales of over 250 million copies, Pink Floyd has remained massively popular over 50 years after their founding. Despite their biggest hit, "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2," being released in 1979, we're going to guess that many of those albums sold were copies of 1973’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” which has sold 45 million copies worldwide.
69. The Doors – No. 1 Hit: ‘Light My Fire'
For a band that had as many two-minute pop tunes as the Doors, it’s hard to believe that their sole voyage to the top of the Billboard charts was with “Light My Fire,” which even in its shortened single edit seems a little too steeped in LSD for mainstream acceptance. They won it anyway and sold over 75 million albums to boot.
68. Creedence Clearwater Revival – No. 1 Hit: n/a
Considering how often you hear them on the radio, it’s hard to believe that of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s many trips to the Billboard Top 10, they never took the top slot. Having said that, "Bad Moon Rising" and "Proud Mary" reached number two and the band sold over 50 million copies, so they have that to be proud of at least.
67. ZZ Top – No. 1 Hit: ‘Sleeping Bag'
Although ZZ Top is best known for those 1980s videos, they had been playing consistently since the early 1970s and won a dedicated fan base as a concert attraction. It all amounted to record sales of more than 50 million copies, and even though bassist Dusty Hill passed away in 2021, the band is still touring and isn’t going away anytime soon.
66. Reba McEntire – No. 1 Hit: ‘Can't Even Get the Blues'
Country singer Reba McEntire is more than just the woman who played a water spirit named Trish in “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.” She’s also sold over 75 million records.
65. Simon and Garfunkel – No. 1 Hit: ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water'
It's too bad Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel had a feud for the ages because if they could have stayed together, they might have sold more records. Oh well, they'll have to be happy with selling over 100 million copies and hitting the top of the charts with “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
64. Loretta Lynn – No. 1 Hit: ‘Coal Miner's Daughter'
When Loretta Lynn passed in 2022 at the age of 90, she had a long list of accomplishments to her credit. In addition to the number one hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” she sold more than 45 million records to date, and she was still performing live until just a few years before her passing.
63. Billie Holiday – No. 1 Hit: n/a
If it were all about talent and topicality, Billie Holiday would have hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with her dark, unforgettable song “Strange Fruit.” Sadly, that wasn’t in the cards, and while she never topped the charts, she’s sold approximately 25 million albums.
62. The Carpenters – No. 1 Hit: ‘(They Long to Be) Close to You'
Former president Richard Nixon called the Carpenters “young America at its very best,” and in the 40 years since drummer and vocalist Karen Carpenter passed, the group has continued to sell records, with sales totaling over 100 million copies.
61. Alicia Keys – No. 1 Hit: ‘Fallin'“
With total record sales exceeding 65 million copies, Alicia Keys has remained consistently popular since her 2001 debut album, “Songs in A Minor.” In 2021, Billboard named her R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Decade (2000s).
60. Stevie Nicks – No. 1 Hit: ‘Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" (with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
Stevie Nicks racked up most of her 140 million records sold as a member of Fleetwood Mac, but her tenure as a solo performer had plenty of highlights, too. Her duet with Tom Petty on “Stop Draggin' My Heart Around” is one of those highlights, and even people who don’t care for her music will concede that it’s a good tune.
59. Red Hot Chili Peppers – No. 1 Hit: ‘Under the Bridge'
With total album sales of over 80 million copies, the Red Hot Chili Peppers did many things that should have limited their popularity, such as having a bassist who insists on performing naked and a singer who can't carry a tune to save his life. Regardless, “Under the Bridge” sent them to the top of the charts, clearing the way for Liam Gallagher to sing a hit song despite being unable to sing.
58. Celine Dion – No. 1 Hit: Numerous, including ‘The Power of Love'
With total album sales of over 250 million copies, Celine Dion has had multiple trips to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. “The Power of Love” was the first of several, although “My Heart Will Go On” is likely the most memorable due to its placement in 1997’s “Titanic.”
57. Buddy Holly – No. 1 Hit: n/a
Buddy Holly never reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, but "That'll Be the Day" remains a memorable and beloved tune that’s kept his memory alive. He’s sold an estimated 25 million records.
56. Donna Summer – No. 1 Hit: ‘MacArthur Park'
Donna Summer was massively popular during the disco era and was one of a small handful of such artists who could stay popular after the period ended, thanks to songs like "She Works Hard for the Money." While that song helped her stay in the spotlight, her chart-topping hit was "MacArthur Park," and she racked up record sales of over 100 million copies.
55. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – No. 1 Hit: ‘Tears of a Clown'
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles racked up record sales of more than 60 million copies, and undeniable songs like their chart-topper, "Tears of a Clown," are just one reason.
54. Eric Clapton – No. 1 Hit: ‘Tears in Heaven'
Almost 30 years after starting his music career as a member of the Yardbirds, Eric Clapton finally topped the charts as a solo artist with “Tears in Heaven.” He’s sold over 100 million records, and some people even believe he might have a future as a popular guitar player.
53. Cyndi Lauper – No. 1 Hit: ‘Time After Time'
Again, just because a song is your most well-known doesn’t mean it will be your number one hit. If you say “Cyndi Lauper” today, most people will instantly think of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” but her only trip to the top of the Billboard chart was for the ballad “Time After Time.” She’s sold over 50 million records.
52. Ella Fitzgerald – No. 1 Hit: ‘A-Tisket, A-Tasket'
Ella Fitzgerald may not be well known to modern audiences, but in her day few could top her, and her glass-shattering commercials for Memorex are still famous decades after people stopped using cassettes. She racked up album sales of over 40 million copies during her reign.
51. Freddie Mercury – No. 1 Hit: As the lead singer of Queen, "Another One Bites the Dust'
Just like Sting reached his commercial apex as a member of the Police, Queen singer Freddie Mercury released a few solo albums but could never outshine his original band. He sold over 300 million copies with them, and while his solo output is significantly less popular, his music is winning new fans every day more than 30 years after his passing.
50. Bob Marley – No. 1 Hit: n/a
More than 40 years after his passing, Bob Marley remains the most famous reggae artist of all time. He never reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, but "No Woman, No Cry" remains a classic, and he’s sold over 75 million copies.
49. Kenny Rogers – No. 1 Hit: ‘Lady'
With total record sales exceeding 100 million copies, Kenny Rogers broke out of the country charts to become a mainstream pop success. While “The Gambler” will always be a popular pick on karaoke night, “Lady” is the song that put him over the top.
48. Journey – No. 1 Hit: ‘Open Arms'
It may seem surprising, but "Don't Stop Believin,'" Journey's signature song, only went to number nine on the Billboard chart, while “Open Arms,” the ballad from the same album, went to number one. Journey went on to sell over 75 million copies, so ultimately, who cares?
47. John Lennon – No. 1 Hit: ‘(Just Like) Starting Over'
John Lennon sold over 14 million records as a solo artist, but as with his former bandmate Paul McCartney, it's over 800 million copies if you add his work with the Beatles.
46. Sting – No. 1 Hit: ‘Every Breath You Take" (with the Police)
Combined with the record sales of his old band, the Police, Sting has sold over 100 million records. That band broke up 40 years ago, leaving Sting to craft faux adult-contemporary tunes that can barely be considered rock music.
45. Chuck Berry – No. 1 Hit: ‘My Ding-a-Ling'
With total album sales of approximately 25 million, the man who singlehandedly invented rock and roll guitar has songs to his credit that directly influenced more musicians than anyone can name. It’s kind of unfortunate though that the one time he topped the Billboard chart was with “My Ding-a-Ling,” which is easily one of his worst songs.
44. Rod Stewart – No. 1 Hit: ‘Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)'
With record sales of more than 120 million copies, Rod Stewart has remained popular since the 1960s despite being dogged by rumors that could best be described as "urban legends."
43. Michael Jackson – No. 1 Hit: ‘Billie Jean'
With record sales totaling over 750 million copies, it seems like Michael Jackson would be much higher on the list than number 43. He was plagued with issues that could politely be termed "public relations problems" throughout most of his adult life, so that may account for his relatively low ranking, but as long as the “Thriller” album remains in print, expect to see his name turn up on these kinds of lists.
42. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – No. 1 Hit: n/a
The fact that Tom Petty never hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 is utterly perplexing even if you never liked him, because he sure seemed to have tons of hits that were all over the radio, like "Refugee," "The Waiting," and "Free Fallin.'" With and without his backing band, the Heartbreakers, he' sold more than 80 million records.
41. Barry White – No. 1 Hit: ‘Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe'
With total album sales of over 100 million copies, Barry White’s deep baritone voice was a big hit with record buyers, and it’s more than likely that his records caused many sessions of whoopee to take place. In fact, if you’re in middle age, you may have been conceived while the dulcet tones of his music played in the background.
40. Hall & Oates – No. 1 Hit: ‘Rich Girl'
With record sales of over 40 million copies, Hall & Oates did brisk business in the 1970s and 1980s, and they made some memorable videos for MTV during the Reagan decade.
39. Fleetwood Mac – No. 1 Hit: ‘Dreams'
With over 120 million records sold and despite their uncertain personnel status, Fleetwood Mac is one of the most popular bands in the world. Whether they succeeded despite having two broken-up couples in the band or because of it is a matter of opinion.
38. James Brown – No. 1 Hit: ‘I Got You (I Feel Good)'
With total album sales of over 75 million copies, James Brown truly earned his reputation as "the hardest-working man in show business."
37. Paul McCartney – No. 1 Hit: ‘Silly Love Songs" (with Wings)
With his post-Beatles group Wings and as a solo artist, Sir Paul McCartney has racked up total album sales of over 100 million. With the Beatles, it's over 800 million.
36. Bee Gees – No. 1 Hit: ‘Stayin' Alive'
With a career stretching back to the 1960s, some people are unaware that the Bee Gees spent a decade as a Diet Beatles pop group before reinventing themselves for the disco era. They've sold over 220 million copies, which we hope makes the "disco sucks" people livid with rage.
35. Billy Joel – No. 1 Hit: ‘It's Still Rock and Roll to Me'
Billy Joel has remained widely popular since the 1970s, with total album sales of over 150 million copies.
34. Willie Nelson – No. 1 Hit: ‘Always On My Mind'
With total record sales exceeding 40 million copies, Willie Nelson didn’t hit the big time until he was well into middle age. He turned 90 earlier this year, and no one has suggested he should retire, which is an advantage when your brand is “grizzled old pothead.'
33. Prince – No. 1 Hit: ‘When Doves Cry'
With record sales totaling over 100 million copies, Prince's biggest hit was "When Doves Cry," a song that nobody noticed had no bass. A true original, he passed away in 2016, leaving a vacuum unlikely to be filled any time soon.
32. Bon Jovi – No. 1 Hit: ‘Livin' on a Prayer'
Bon Jovi made an interesting transition from hair metal practitioners to Springsteen-esque champions of the downtrodden, but it worked, and the band remained popular up to the present day. They've racked up record sales of over 130 million copies to date.
31. Adele – No. 1 Hit: ‘Rolling in the Deep'
Adele’s overwrought and emotional singing style was an immediate hit with record buyers when she was 21, and she remains beloved today at 35. With record sales of more than 120 million copies, it’s safe to assume she’ll be on the scene for the foreseeable future.
30. Earth, Wind & Fire – No. 1 Hit: ‘Shining Star'
With total album sales of over 90 million copies, Earth, Wind & Fire have earned their spot as one of the most beloved R&B bands of the 20th century, as well as this century and probably the next one.
29. Phil Collins – No. 1 Hit: ‘Another Day in Paradise'
Phil Collins started his career as the very technical drummer for Genesis, but by the 1980s, he was a solo star in his own right. To date, he's sold more than 150 million records.
28. David Bowie – No. 1 Hit: ‘Let's Dance'
"Let's Dance" aside, the late David Bowie was not concerned with courting mainstream audiences. He appealed to them anyway, and they helped him rack up over 140 million albums sold.
27. Led Zeppelin – No. 1 Hit: n/a
Led Zeppelin never had a number one hit, but with total album sales of over 300 million copies, they surely belong on this list. It’s not just because of "Stairway to Heaven," either – they have multiple songs that are straight bangers that slap and are fire, as the kids like to say.
26. The Jackson 5 – No. 1 Hit: ‘I Want You Back'
With total album sales of over 100 million copies, the Jackson 5 had multiple hits and launched the career of Michael Jackson. Their music has lost none of its power in the intervening decades, and listening to their number one hit, "I Want You Back," can redeem any day, no matter how crappy.
25. Queen – No. 1 Hit: ‘Another One Bites the Dust'
With record sales of over 300 million copies, Queen was one of the most popular bands in the world during their 20-year run. "Another One Bites the Dust" was their biggest hit, and legend has it that when it broke through on radio stations that played dance music, listeners thought Queen was a new R&B band.
24. Santana – No. 1 Hit: ‘Smooth" (featuring Rob Thomas)
With total record sales exceeding 100 million copies, Santana’s Latin-infused psychedelic rock has been broadly popular since the 1960s.
23. Eagles – No. 1 Hit: ‘Hotel California'
With record sales totaling over 200 million copies, the Eagles were one of the most popular bands of the 1970s, and they remain as popular as ever. Turn on your car radio right now, in fact – they’re probably playing “Peaceful Easy Feeling.'
22. The Rolling Stones – No. 1 Hit: ‘(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction'
The Rolling Stones, known to many as “the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world,” just celebrated 60 years in show business and have racked up 240 million total album sales to date. Now pushing 80, the surviving members show no signs of slowing down, and they’re expected to release a new album later in 2023.
21. Lionel Richie – No. 1 Hit: ‘Endless Love" (with Diana Ross)
Lionel Richie dominated the charts during the 1980s, topping them with his duet "Endless Love," which he sang with Diana Ross. He's sold over 100 million copies overall, so apparently, record buyers have forgiven him for the mawkish and insipid "Hello" video.
20. Jimi Hendrix – No. 1 Hit: n/a
Like B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix never had a number one hit either. He’ll just have to settle for being acknowledged as the greatest guitar player who ever lived, and who sold more than 70 million records.
19. B.B. King – No. 1 Hit: n/a
One of the most famous blues guitarists in modern history, King surprisingly never had a number one song on the Billboard Hot 100. Having said that, "The Thrill Is Gone" is one of the only blues songs that people who don’t like blues can name, and his minimalist playing style definitely moved units, with total album sales of over 40 million copies.
18. The Beach Boys – No. 1 Hit: ‘Good Vibrations'
With record sales of more than 100 million copies, the Beach Boys were the only serious competition the Beatles had across the pond.
17. Elton John – No. 1 Hit: ‘Candle in the Wind 1997'
With total album sales of over 300 million copies, Elton John is one of the most popular artists in rock history. Because we’re nice people, we’ll overlook “I’m Still Standing.'
16. Aerosmith – No. 1 Hit: ‘I Don't Want to Miss a Thing'
Aerosmith defied the odds, transforming from a group of drug addicts who were sometimes too impaired to play – hey, singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry were known as "The Toxic Twins" – to one of the biggest acts in the world. They have sold over 150 million records to date.
15. Marvin Gaye – No. 1 Hit: ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine'
Almost 40 years after his passing, Marvin Gaye still makes a strong showing on this list, thanks partly to his hit songs, record sales of over 75 million copies, and incredible singing voice.
14. Elvis Presley – No. 1 Hit: ‘Heartbreak Hotel'
Elvis Presley needs no introduction, so we won't give him one. Instead we're just going to say he's sold over one billion records (with a "B") and leave it at that.
13. The Supremes – No. 1 Hit: ‘Where Did Our Love Go'
The Supremes created the template for the Motown girl group. With total album sales of over 60 million copies, they show no signs of slowing down, even after breaking up decades ago.
12. Nat King Cole – No. 1 Hit: ‘Unforgettable'
With total album sales of over 50 million copies, Nat King Cole only hit the number one spot when his voice appeared on "Unforgettable," a posthumous duet with his daughter. Some grumbled about using his voice this way after he passed, but not enough to stop it from taking the top spot on the charts.
11. Frank Sinatra – No. 1 Hit: ‘Strangers in the Night'
Frank “The Chairman of the Board” Sinatra has sold over 150 million records, and though he’s been gone for 25 years, he’s never gone out of style.
10. The Temptations – No. 1 Hit: ‘My Girl'
With total album sales of over 75 million copies, The Temptations remain as beloved by music fans as ever.
9. Whitney Houston – No. 1 Hit: ‘I Will Always Love You'
The late Whitney Houston has sold more than 200 million records to date, and with that voice, is it any wonder?
8. Tina Turner – No. 1 Hit: ‘What's Love Got to Do with It'
The late Ms. Turner has sold over 200 million records, including during her tenure as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.
7. Ray Charles – No. 1 Hit: ‘I Can't Stop Loving You'
With record sales of more than 75 million copies, Ray Charles’ passing in 2004 has done nothing to diminish his popularity.
6. Stevie Wonder – No. 1 Hit: ‘Superstition'
Stevie Wonder has been a permanent fixture of American pop music since the 1960s. He’s racked up the staggering figure of over 100 million copies sold.
5. Johnny Cash – No. 1 Hit: ‘A Boy Named Sue'
With record sales totaling over 90 million copies, Johnny Cash is the highest-ranking performer to perform in two different state prisons.
4. Louis Armstrong – No. 1 Hit: ‘Hello, Dolly!'
Louis Armstrong may have passed over 50 years ago, but that’s done nothing to diminish how beloved he still is with music lovers, who have bought his records to the tune of 100 million copies.
3. The Beatles – No. 1 Hit: Numerous, including 'Hey Jude'
With total record sales exceeding 800 million copies, the Beatles' high ranking on this list should be no surprise.
2. Aretha Franklin – No. 1 Hit: ‘Respect'
With record sales of over 75 million copies, Aretha Franklin deserves all our respect, even if we need her to spell the word for us.
1. Dolly Parton – No. 1 Hit: ‘9 to 5'
It should come as no surprise that the mighty Dolly Parton tops the list. She's uniformly popular globally and has record sales of over 100 million copies to prove it.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
