On This Day in 1994, RIAA Announced Pink Floyd’s Album As The Fourth Biggest-Selling Album in US History
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On April 8, 1994, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that Pink Floyd’s 1973 album, “The Dark Side of the Moon,” had become the fourth best-selling album in U.S. history, surpassing 13 million copies sold. This milestone highlighted the album’s enduring popularity and significant impact on the music industry.
Initial Release and Chart Performance
Released on March 1, 1973, “The Dark Side of the Moon” quickly gained attention for its innovative sound and thematic depth. Although it held the number one spot on the Billboard 200 for only a week, the album remained on the chart for an unprecedented 736 non-consecutive weeks from 1973 to 1988. This longevity set a record for the most weeks on the chart at that time.
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Sales Milestones and RIAA Certifications
By 1994, the album had achieved significant sales milestones. According to the RIAA, it had sold 13 million copies in the United States, making it the fourth best-selling album in the country at that time. It trailed behind Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” with 22 million copies, and both Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and the Eagles’ “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” each with 14 million copies sold.
The album’s success continued in the following years. On June 4, 1998, the RIAA certified “The Dark Side of the Moon” 15× Platinum, denoting 15 million copies sold in the U.S. Globally, the album has sold over 45 million copies, solidifying its status as one of the best-selling albums worldwide.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Beyond its commercial achievements, “The Dark Side of the Moon” has left a lasting mark on popular culture. Its tracks, such as “Money” and “Time,” have become classic rock staples. The album’s cover art, featuring a prism dispersing light into a spectrum of colors, is one of the most recognizable images in music history. Its influence extends beyond music, inspiring various artistic and cultural works over the decades.
