Who might become the next Beatles, Michael Jackson, or Drake? With a new decade just around the corner, we may see even more possibilities for technology to revamp how we access our favorite tunes-and how artists distribute them to their fanbase. Some artists are even going so far as use only an iPhone to record their work-showcasing the modern-era ability to record high-fidelity quality and achieve studio-like results. Musicians are a creative breed, continuously experimenting with new instruments, sound effects, and recording styles. In 2016, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified that Drake was the first music artist ever to reach #1 through streaming platform sales and downloads, instead of through physical album sales.Īccording to RIAA, streaming revenues jumped from almost half of all music industry sales in 2017, to over 75% of sales in 2018-with $4.6 billion in total record sales as of Q1 2018. Only three artists have hit the best-selling artist spot in the current decade: Rihanna, Drake, and Luis Fonsi-the Puerto Rican singer most well known for his hit single “Despacito”. The 21st century also brought music streaming services such as Spotify to the forefront, forever altering how people listen to their favorite artists and bands. Being one of the most controversial best-selling artists of all time, he pushed genre boundaries through his technical prowess, wordsmithing, and relatability to wider audiences. 2000sĮminem dominated 2000s record sales, but the decade also featured brief stints from the Backstreet Boys in 2000 and Rihanna in 2009.Įminem helped to launch hip hop music into the mainstream.
While the 1990s marked a decade of great variety in top-selling artists, it was also the peak of the music industry’s sales, at a whopping $21.5 billion in 1999-a figure not since repeated.
1990sĪ predominant factor of the 90s music scene was the explosion of popular music artists being commissioned to record the theme songs for blockbuster films. The MTV era (launched 1981) also significantly impacted the sales of albums, as music now offered both visual and audio experiences-and broadcast directly into people’s homes. In addition, Thriller was one of the first albums recorded on compact discs (CDs), which were introduced in 1982. The German-based group Kraftwerk was one of the first to pioneer using a synthesizer in their sets.įor example, one of the reasons for Michael Jackson’s success was that the technology of the time allowed for much wider distribution at much lower costs. 1980sĮnter the age of electronic music-synthesizers, theremins, electronic samplers, and electronic drum kits popped up in the music scene, most predominantly in the United Kingdom and the United States. The introduction of 8-tracks and cassette tapes enabled people to play albums in their vehicles, opening up new possibilities for on-the-go entertainment.
This left a huge mark on the music world, and in many ways influenced how modern music is recorded. They used analog sound editing techniques-utilizing a sound effect “bank” to record overtop finished music tracks to add depth and texture. The Beatles became known, not just for their music, but for pushing the envelope with how they recorded their music. This era of music is defined by the emergence of the rock genre, with artists like The Eagles and Led Zeppelin, the latter of which is widely considered a forefather of hard rock and heavy metal. Let’s dive into each decade to uncover defining moments and key technology advancements that pushed the art of music into exciting new areas. Michael Jackson has the highest cumulative number of years in the top spot (~12 years), while Eminem holds the longest continuous best-selling artist slot (8.5 years). Of all of the artists in the past half-century, two stand out: Michael Jackson and Eminem. Today’s video from Data is Beautiful visualizes the world’s best-selling music artists from the past 50 years (1969 to 2019) and highlights the length of their reigns.ĭo you see your favorite artist or group in the mix? The Best Selling Artists, By Decade Thanks to their relatability and creative prowess, these artists have not only boasted longevity in their record sales, but they’ve also dominated the charts year after year. Chart-Toppers: 50 Years of the Best-Selling Music Artistsįame, fortune, and adoring fans-this is often the dream-turned-reality for the world’s most popular music artists.
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