Over 30 years to date, Michael Jackson’s landmark 1982 album Thriller, officially crosses the threshold for selling 30 million copies. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the foundation has confirmed the news as well as marking the LP for selling more than 100 million copies worldwide.
“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 30 times multi-platinum plateau,” Cary Sherman, RIAA chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller‘s enduring spot in our hearts and musical history.”
The achievement is the latest in a string of sales milestones the iconic album has set thus far, with the strength of singles like “the Girl Is Mine” and “Billie Jean” both certified platinum. “It is crystal clear that Michael Jackson is simply the greatest, and biggest artist of all time,” L.A. Reid, chairman and CEO of Epic Records, said. “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.”
So if you don’t have a copy, it might be a good time to add Thriller to your catalog, for the sake of the king’s legacy.