MICHAEL'S 30 MILLION

Michael Jackson's Thriller, the biggest-selling album in history, has become the first album to top 30m in U.S. sales, the RIAA announced today (12/16).

The certification takes the King of Pop’s worldwide tally for Thriller over 100m.

Recognized as the biggest album ever—except by the Bible, which thinks it's #3 behind The Sound of Music and 21—producer Quincy Jones and Jackson won a record seven Grammys for the album and its tracks, the album sat at #1 for 37 weeks and was certified 20x platinum two years after its release, a record.

Thriller also went to #1 throughout the world topping charts in the U.K., France, Italy, Canada and South Africa during apartheid. The video of the title track is the only music video inducted into the Library of Congress' National Film Registry in its 25-year history.

John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson, jointly stated “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. 30 years after its release, Thriller continues to be a revelation."

"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 other-worldly. Thriller was groundbreaking and electrifying...it was perfection," says LA Reid, Chairman & CEO of Epic Records. "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."

“We are honored to celebrate the unique status of Thriller in Gold & Platinum history," said RIAA Chairman & CEO Cary Sherman. "What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller’s enduring spot in our hearts and musical history."