'Thriller' enjoys 30 years of success

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NEW YORK, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Thirty years ago, Michael Jackson was on his way to becoming the "King of Pop" with the release of the best-selling studio album in U.S. history, "Thriller."

"Thirty years ago the greatest album ever made was released and it still stands the test of time," longtime Jackson watcher and author Stacy Brown told ABCNews.com Friday, the day of the album's anniversary.

"Thriller" was the first album to feature seven Hot 100 top 10s, including "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," which took the No. 1 spot, Billboard reported. The album was at the top of the Billboard 200 for 37 weeks, more than any other album by a single artist.

The Recording Industry Association of America lists the album as the best-selling studio album in U.S. history, with 29 million copies sold. "Thriller" is tied with the Eagles' "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" for the overall domestic title.

Estimates of worldwide sales are as high as 110 million albums sold, Billboard reported.

"Thriller" earned Jackson seven Grammy awards in 1984, including album and record of the year.