Auction Of Jackson Family Items From Their Personal Collection (Photo : Getty Images)
King of Pop Michael Jackson, had he been alive, would be thrilled to know that his "Thriller" album just turned 30 times multi-platinum with domestic sales of 30 million copies in the U.S.
The album makes music history by becoming the first 30 times multi-platinum album, notes The Hollywood Reporter. Globally, sales has reached 100 million, while total sales of all of Jackson's albums have tipped 1 billion, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The album, released on Nov. 30, 1982, stayed for almost 2 ½ years on the Billboard album chart. It was number 1 for 37 weeks, a record which current artists Justin Bieber, One Direction or Adele, has yet to break. "Thriller" also holds the distinction of being the first album in music history to be in Billboard's top 10 album chart on its first 80 weeks.
"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," says RIAA Chairman-CEO Cary Sherman. He adds that it is the first time in six decades that the industry group has been awarding gold and platinum records that an album turned 30 times multi-platinum.
Among the tracks in "Thriller," seven became Top 10 singles, while "Thriller," "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" were number 1. In YouTube, "Thriller" has been viewed almost 287 million times. The album also got eight Grammy nominations in 12 categories.
However, while the album surely thrilled Jackson's family who has suffered financial and legal battles in the past few years since he died from propofol overdose, alleged plans of his daughter, Paris, to marry boyfriend Chester Castlelow does not thrill the Jackson clan. Paris, who turns 18 in four months, plans to wed her 19-year-old boyfriend amid the disagreement of her family with the decision.
When she turns 18 on April, Paris would inherit a large sum of money, which is why grandmother Katherine, Paris's guardian, wants Michael's only daughter to have a prenup if she would insist on getting married despite the family objection, reports Starpulse.
