21 Songs and 3 Albums From the King of Pop Earn New Certifications Leading Into Diamond Celebration Of His Birthday

Washington/New York – A week before the worldwide Diamond Celebration of Michael Jackson’s birthday (August 29^th), the popularity of the iconic artist and his extensive catalogue shows no sign of slowing down. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that 21 different songs and three albums, spanning Michael's career, have garnered major new Gold and Platinum certifications.

Some of Michael’s more renown albums and songs are newly multi-Platinum, while other songs are earning Gold status for the first time, demonstrating the enduring interest in Jackson’s extensive catalogue.  The new song awards mean that Michael Jackson enjoys 40 million cumulative digital singles certifications in the US.

“These new awards highlight the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson,” said Mitch Glazier, President, RIAA.  “Michael’s music continues to be a dominant cultural force today.  That’s a testament to his iconic music and to the team that astutely protects his legacy.  As we celebrate 60 years of Gold and Platinum Awards this year, we are proud to recognize once again one of the program’s signature artists.”

“Michael Jackson’s music and short films continue to thrill fans and inspire artists all over the world.  These new certifications are a testament to Michael’s continued legacy,” Richard Story, President CMG, Sony Music Entertainment.

“Michael’s music and spirit has proved exciting and relevant to each succeeding generation, and that is borne out by these tremendous numbers and the kinds of artists who gravitate to and are inspired by his music,“ noted John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson. 

New Album Certifications

• Dangerous 8x multi-Platinum
• History: Past, Present & Future Book 1 8x multi-Platinum
• The Essential Michael Jackson 4x multi-Platinum

New Song Certifications

• Thriller 6x multi-Platinum
• Billie Jean 5x multi-Platinum
• Beat It 4x multi-Platinum
• Man In The Mirror 3x multi-Platinum
• Smooth Criminal 2x multi-Platinum
• Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough 3x multi-Platinum
• The Way You Make Me Feel 2x multi-Platinum
• Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) 2x multi-Platinum
• Black Or White 2x multi-Platinum
• Rock With You 2x multi-Platinum
• Bad Platinum
• Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ Platinum
• Dirty Diana Platinum
• Human Nature Platinum
• Remember The Time Platinum
• They Don’t Care About Us Gold
• You Rock My World Gold
• Will You Be There Platinum
• Hold My Hand Gold
• Earth Song Gold
• Off The Wall Platinum

SOURCE: RIAA and MJvibe