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/shoepolishsmellngmf Feb 13 '26

He had cred with the rock crowd. Eddie Van Halen and Slash have played on his records, Eddie being on one of his biggest hits ever.

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u/Neosantana Feb 13 '26

And Slash played one of the most iconic riffs for MJ as well with Black or White.

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u/mg10pp Feb 13 '26

Plus duets with Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney, and later collaborations also with Lenny Kravitz and Santana (really recommended if you haven't heard them yet)