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February 21, 2019 | Gold & Platinum

‘The BEATLES’ (‘White Album’) Makes Music History with 24X Platinum Certification

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today announced that The BEATLES (‘White Album’) from Apple/Capitol/UMe has now been certified 24X Platinum, earning the spot as the fourth top-certified album of all time.

The Beatles already hold top honors as the highest certified band in Gold and Platinum Award history, with 178 million certifications across a wide range of titles, including the iconic ‘White Album.’ Other albums by The Beatles that have surpassed Diamond certification include The Beatles 1967-1970 at 17X Platinum, The Beatles 1962-1966 at 15X Platinum, Abbey Road at 12X Platinum, 1 at 11X Platinum, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band at 11X Platinum.

“The Beatles are undoubtedly one of the most influential bands of all time, with music that stands the test of time,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO, RIAA. “The magic of John, Paul, George, and Ringo continues to be experienced by new fans across the country and we are honored to present them with this milestone achievement. Diamond status is already a rare feat – for an album to go 24X Platinum it has truly become part of America’s cultural fabric. Congratulations to the band and their families, Apple Corps, Capitol and UMe, and all who helped create this album and bring it to the world.”

Fresh off its 60th anniversary celebration in 2018, the RIAA’s iconic Gold & Platinum brand is the industry’s premier award for recognizing artistic achievement in the music marketplace.  Officially launched in 1958, the program expanded in 1999 to include a Diamond Award honoring 10 million or more sales of an album or record. The RIAA added on-demand music streams to its Digital Single Award in 2013 and its Album Award in 2016 to better reflect artists’ commercial success in an ever-evolving music marketplace.

All RIAA certifications are calculated by Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman.  Complete lists of all album, single, and video awards, as well as top tallies for artists and albums can be accessed at https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/.

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RIAA Contacts:

Cara Duckworth Weiblinger

Madelyne Adams

(202) 775-0101

 

Apple Corps Ltd./UMe Contact:

Jennifer Ballantyne, UMe: (310) 865-2350 / jennifer.ballantyne@umusic.com