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Due to our innate love for music, especially good music, most of us often wonder in discussions that lead to arguments about the best-selling songs of all time, from the best-selling historical songs to the best-selling artists of all time.
Some of the older band and artist names mentioned here may not surprise you, but others from recent times will make you wonder, “how in the world did they pull that off?” and got into the list of the best-selling songs of all time.
In light of this, makedailyprofit has conducted in-depth research to show you who comes first and who follows who in the hall of fame and progress.
This article is for those interested to know about the best-selling songs or highest-selling artists of all time.
But before we dig in, let’s take a look at the meaning of best selling, for you might have a different view all this while.
What Do We Mean by Best Selling?
What are Best Selling Songs/Album
10 Historical Best Selling Songs of All Time
1. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
2. “Candle in the Wind”/”Something About the Way You Look Tonight” by Elton John
3. “Silent Night” by Bing Crosby
4. “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and His Comets
5. “I Will Always Love You (IWALY)” by Whitney Houston
6. “It’s Now or Never” by Elvis Presley
This is one of the best-selling historical songs of all time. Elvis Presley‘s pop ballad “It’s Now or Never,” released in 1960, is the sixth best-selling song of all time, with over 20 million physical copies sold worldwide.
While serving in Germany, Elvis heard “‘O Sole Mio” and was inspired by the tune of the classic Neapolitan song, decided to borrow it for “It’s Now or Never.”
E. Presley pitched the new idea to his music publisher, who contacted composers Aaron Schroeder and Wally G., who created the lyrics in less than an hour.
7. “We Are the World” by United Support of Artists (USA) for Africa
We consider this song one of the best-selling historical songs of all time. With estimated worldwide sales of 20 million physical copies, the charity anthem “We Are the World” became the fastest-selling American pop single in history and the seventh best-selling song of all time.
Indeed, in 1985, the USA for Africa produced a charity song for African famine victims, which shockingly raised more than $60 million.
So, Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson composed the renowned lyrics for “We Are the World,” which was produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian.
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8. “If I Didn’t Care” by The Ink Spots
Their distinct musical style became well-known as a result of this song, which is the eighth best-selling single of all time, with over 19 million physical copies sold worldwide.
In February 1939, the Ink Spots recorded the song “If I Didn’t Care.” “If I Didn’t Care” was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989, 50 years after its debut, and number 271 on the list of “Songs of the Century.” This is another best-selling historical song of all time.
9. “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” by Baccara
Baccara recorded and released the disco song “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” in 1977, which is currently the 9th best-selling song of all time. This is also the best-selling song ever by a female group, with worldwide sales of 18 million hard copies.
Mayte Matee and Maria Mendillo, two Spanish flamenco dancers, founded the Bacara company.
They were singing music for visitors on the island of Fuerteventura before getting found.
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10. ”My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Celine Dion released the song in December 1997, and it quickly became her biggest global smash.
With over 18 million physical copies sold globally, it is the 10th best-selling song of all time and the 2nd best-selling single by a female singer.
Celine Dion’s song “My Heart Will Go On” was a huge success as the primary theme song for the blockbuster movie Titanic. This is one of the best-selling historical songs of all time.
Highest Selling Artists of All Time
The list contains the top 10 highest-selling Artists of all time from the early 1950s to the late 2000. This means these artists have released some of the best-selling songs ever heard.
So, the Beatles, active from 1960–1970, top our list with total sales of $600 Million. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, follows next also with a total sales of $500 Million active from 1953–1977.
Certainly, the King of Pop takes the third lead with a total of $400 Million, active from 1964–2009.
Position | Artist | Sales | Nationality |
---|---|---|---|
1 | The Beatles | $600 Million | UK |
2 | Elvis Presley | $500 Million | USA |
3 | Michael Jackson | $400 Million | USA |
4 | Drake | $395.2 Million | Canada, USA |
5 | Rihanna | $328.5 | Barbados, USA |
6 | Eminem | $321.4 Million | USA |
7 | Elton John | $300 Million | UK |
8 | Madonna | $300 Million | USA |
9 | Led Zeppelin | $300 Million | UK |
10 | Justin Bieber | $261.4 Million | Canada |
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Best Selling Songs of All Time List
This is a list of the best-selling songs of all time from the 1800s till date.
- Harry Crosby (a.k.a. Bing Crosby) “White Christmas” 1942- 52 million copies sold.
- Ed Sheeran “Shape of You” 2017- 42 million copies sold.
- Luis Rodriguez (a.k.a. Luis Fonsi) & Ramon Ayala (a.k.a. Daddy Yankee) “Despacito” 2017- 38 million copies sold.
- Elton John & Bernie Taupin “Candle in the Wind” 1997- 33 million copies sold.
- Raymond Dorset and the most successful version sung by: Mungo Jerry (band) “In the Summertime” 1970- 31 million copies sold.
- Harry Crosby (a.k.a. Bing Crosby) “Silent Night” 1818- 30 million copies sold.
- Bill Haley & His Comets (band) “Rock Around the Clock” 1954- 25 million copies sold.
- Written by: Dolly Parton, the most successful version sung by: Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You” 1982- 24 million copies sold
- The Chainsmokers & Coldplay (bands) “Something Just Like This” 2017- 23 million copies sold.
- Ed Sheeran “Perfect” 2017- 22 million copies sold.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of our beautiful lists of best-selling historical songs. However, becoming a best seller takes a lot of hard work and commitment, for nothing good comes easy.
These artists put in a lot of work to get to the peak of their careers in showbiz.
FAQs
What is the Number 1 Selling Song of All Time?
According to Guinness World Records, Bing Crosby’s version of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” (1942) is the best-selling single in the world.
What is the Best-Selling Digital Single of All Time?
On April 25, 2020, Xiao Zhan released “光点” (Spotlight). Within 24 hours of its release, the song sold over 25.48 million copies. It became the fastest-selling digital tune in China, breaking the Guinness World Record.
Who Has the Top 10 Songs of all Time?
Mariah Carey is 27
Elton John is 27
Stevie Wonder 28
Michael Jackson 29
Rihanna 31
The Beatle 34
Madonna is 38
Mariah Carey 27
Janet Jackson 27
Elton John 27
Stevie Wonder 28
Michael Jackson 29
Rihanna 31
The Beatles 34
Madonna 38
What is the Most Perfect Song Ever Written?
1968 track ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da‘ by The Beatles.
What is the Most Famous Song?
“Happy Birthday to You” is the most famous song in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Selling Songs of All Time (FAQs)
According to Guinness World Records, Bing Crosby’s version of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” (1942) is the best-selling single in the world.
On April 25, 2020, Xiao Zhan released “光点” (Spotlight). Within 24 hours of its release, the song sold over 25.48 million copies. It became the fastest-selling digital tune in China, breaking the Guinness World Record.
Mariah Carey is 27
Elton John is 27
Stevie Wonder 28
Michael Jackson 29
Rihanna 31
The Beatle 34
Madonna is 38
Mariah Carey 27
Janet Jackson 27
Elton John 27
Stevie Wonder 28
Michael Jackson 29
Rihanna 31
The Beatles 34
Madonna 38
1968 track ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da‘ by The Beatles.
“Happy Birthday to You” is the most famous song in the world.
Reference
- quora.com– What is meant by ‘best-selling album’?
- dictionary.cambridge.org– best-selling
- imdb.com– Blackboard Jungle
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