Biggest Selling Song
The biggest selling song of all time is “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. Since it was recorded in 1942, it has sold over 50 million copies. The song was the first best selling single included in the Guinness Book of Records in 1955. It has never relinquished its position.
Other Big Selling Singles: the Top Five
Runner up to “White Christmas” is “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John with 33 million copies. The song came out in 1997 as a tribute to the late Princess Diana. “Candle in the Wind” is the top selling single in the US and UK since singles charts started being used in the 1950s. “White Christmas” came out before singles charts were used.
At number three is “Silent Night” also by Bing Crosby. It has sold 30 million copies since being released in 1935. The fourth biggest selling song of all time is “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets. This 1954 rock and roll classic has sold 25 million copies. 1985’s “We Are the World” by USA for Africa is the fifth largest selling single with 20 million copies.
The Rest of the Top Ten
The Ink Spots’ “If I Didn’t Care” is at number six. This 1936 Doo-wop song has sold 19 million copies. At the seventh spot is Baccara with “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie”. Released in 1977, the song has sold 18 million copies.
The Scorpions’ 1991 rock ballad “Wind of Change” is at the eighth spot with 14 million copies. Also at number eight is “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean. This Latin pop tune came out in 2008.
At the number nine spot is the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” which came out in 2009. This hip / hop track has sold 13.2 million copies since it was released in 2009. Rounding off the top ten is “Tik Tok” by Kesha. Since it came out in 2009, the pop song has sold over 12.8 million copies.
The biggest selling Beatles song is “I Want to Hold Your Hand”. It is at number 11 with 12 million copies. The song came out in 1964.
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” is tied with “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People (1978) and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” from 1992. “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks is the 12th biggest selling song. Released in 1974, it has sold 11.5 million copies.
