37 years ago, Michael Jackson released an album that cemented his status as the world’s biggest pop star.
'Thriller', released on November 30, 1982, went on to become the world’s best-selling music album in history.
The iconic album, featuring hits like the title track as well as 'Beat It' and “Billie Jean,” has sold over 33 million copies, and counting, in the United States alone, according to recent numbers from the Recording Industry Association of America.
While the Eagles album “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975” recently passed 'Thriller' in terms of all-time American sales (with 38 million, according to RIAA), Jackson’s classic album is still recognized as the best-selling album ever in terms of global sales.
'Thriller' is said to have sold at least 66 million copies globally, according to the Guinness World Records. Representatives for Sony and Jackson’s estate say that Thriller has sold 105 million copies globally.
Michael's sixth studio album kicked off a period of massive earnings for Jackson, with Forbes reporting that the “King of Pop” pulled in $134 million (from album sales, touring and other sources) in just the two years following the album’s release.
Listen to Thriller down below.