The Best Selling Female Musician of All Time: Mariah Carey

When discussing the best selling female musicians of all time, Mariah Carey stands out as one of the most prominent names in the music industry. Throughout her illustrious career, she has sold an estimated 74 million records, a figure that has earned her a place among the chart-topping best sellers.

Top Selling Artists by Gender

The competition for the title of 'best selling female musician' is fierce, with a list of accomplished artists who have achieved remarkable success:

Mariah Carey: 74 million records sold Barbra Streisand: 68.5 million records sold Madonna: 64.5 million records sold Whitney Houston: 60 million records sold Celine Dion: 53 million records sold Taylor Swift: 51 million records sold Shania Twain: 48 million records sold Reba McEntire: 41 million records sold Beyoncé: 30.5 million records sold, but 18 million more with Destiny’s Child

Mariah Carey's Career Highlights

Mariah Carey's discography includes numerous hits and accolades:

Commercial Success

Over 22 top 100 singles 9 top 10 hits 3 number one hits 13 Grammy nominations, but no wins First all-time woman for top 100 songs

Personal Life and Influence

Mariah Carey has not only been a tremendous hit selling artist but also a cultural icon, shaping the aesthetics of the 1990s and beyond. Her distinct voice, powerful performances, and influence on RB and pop music have been pivotal in her career.

The Priceless Legacy of Yayoi Kusama

While Mariah Carey's success is celebrated in the realm of music, another female artist has made her mark in a different but equally impactful way. Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist, has set records in the art world, and her contributions are groundbreaking.

Artistic Innovations and Achievements

Kusama is recognized as the most expensive female painter, sculptor, installation designer, and fashion designer alive today. Some standout achievements include:

Market Acknowledgment: In 2015, Yayoi Kusama shattered records by selling "White 28" from her 'Infinity Nets' series for 7.1 million, making her the most expensive female artist ever. Artistic Beginnings: In 1960, Kusama created her 'Infinity Nets' series, a collection of paintings that use a psychedelic and repeating visual pattern, often revolving around polka dots and infinity. Personal Influences: Her inspiration often stems from personal perceptions and visions, such as hallucinations and anxiety, which have led to iconic works. One famous hallucination led her to believe everything in the room was covered in the same pattern, resulting in her famous "the tablecloth experience." Collaborations and Popularity: Kusama has collaborated with major brands like Armani and Louis Vuitton to bring her art to a broader audience.

Major Works and Legacy

Kusama's most famous sculptures include the Pumpkin series, where she takes a familiar form and adds elements that make them unique. Her art has been showcased in major cities worldwide, and she continues to inspire with her creativity and vision.

Current Exhibitions and Legacy

As of now, a large-scale retrospective of Yayoi Kusama's work is being held at the Gropiusbau in Berlin, Germany, from April 11 to August 15, 2021, before traveling to Tel Aviv. This exhibition serves as a testament to her enduring legacy as a "Polka Dot Princess."

In summary, while Mariah Carey's music continues to be a monumental success in the music industry, artists like Yayoi Kusama are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realms of visual art, fashion, and installation.