Michael Jackson's Thriller Hits Another Crazy Milestone
Michael Jackson has set just about every album sales record you could possibly imagine but there are a few he’s still working on posthumously.
Thriller, his sixth solo studio album and most popular, just went 30-times multi-platinum, according to Billboard, and is the first American LP to reach more than 100 million sales locally and crossing the billion (yes, with a “b”) mark worldwide.
RIAA’s chairman and CEO Cary Sherman (whose company awards certification) issued a statement regarding the historic milestone, “RIAA has awarded Gold and 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.”
Also commenting on the album’s one of a kind ranking was Epic Records chairman and CEO L.A. Reid. His label was the one to release the LP, an effort he called “perfection.”
“Not only are his chart hits and sales stats staggering, but his pure musicality was other-worldly,” he said in a statement. “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.”
Thriller was released on November 30, 1982 and was produced by both Quincy Jones and Jackson himself. It exhibited chart-topping hits like “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and of course, the much-beloved title track. Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009.
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Watch: Wendy Williams Highlights: Michael Jackson's Son Finds Truth in the Mirror in the video below.
(Photo: Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
