Released just over 33 years ago, Michael Jackson's sixth studio album, Thriller, has now been declared 30 times platinum in the U.S. That's 30 million records. On a worldwide scale, the album has sold over 100 million copies.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) made the announcement earlier this week (Dec. 15) in coordination with the Estate of Michael Jackson, Epic Records, and Legacy Recordings. "What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller's enduring spot in our hearts and musical history," said RIAA CEO Cary Sherman.
L.A. Reid, chairman and CEO of Epic Records, issued a statement in honor of the milestone:
"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. 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."
Will there ever be another album like it?
[via Billboard]
