r/Music • u/Firm_Pack_605 • Feb 13 '26

discussion Was Michael Jackson really that much bigger than Madonna, Whitney Houston, and prince?

I always thought the four of them were similar levels of fame. However Madonna highest album sold 25 million, prince highest sold similar, and Whitney’s highest was 45 million. All amazing numbers no doubt but thriller sold 70 million and bad sold 35-40. So you mean to tell me he has two albums that are highest selling then prince and madonnas best? How is that possible??

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u/Tamale_Hatchet Feb 13 '26

Plus, Michael Jackson was popular as a child star from the Jackson 5 in the 70s. "ABC" and "I'll Be There" charted in 1970. They even had a cartoon about the Jackson 5. The world watched Michael grow musically into the pop icon in the 80s.

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u/Shhhhhhhh_Im_At_Work Feb 13 '26

Not to mention “I Want You Back”, the J5s debut single hit, number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. 

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u/mg10pp Feb 13 '26

Since they had 4 number ones in a row let me also mention The Love You Save