Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' has become the first record to sell 30 million copies in the US

The late King of Pop - who died from acute Propofol intoxication in 2009 - is the first artist to attain 30-time multiplatinum status, and his iconic LP has also clocked up sales of over 100 million worldwide since its release in 1982, the Recording Industry Association of America and Michael's estate have announced.

John Branca, who is co-executor of the late star's estate, said:

"'Thriller' continues to be the yardstick against which all other albums are measured."

Branca believes part of the reason why the record remains so popular is the 'Billie Jean' hitmaker wrote the album to appeal to a broad audience.

He said: "He didn't want to sell records to blacks or whites or Americans.

"He wanted to sell records to everyone, Africa, Asia, everywhere. It's just continued to sell and sell and sell."

Despite the astonishing sales, Branca didn't want to declare the record unbeatable, noting Adele's '21' has already sold 11 million copies in the US in just four years.

He said: "Nobody saw that coming [with '21'].

"But you wouldn't want to bet that there's another one coming along. Not these days."

To date, a greatest-hits compilation by the Eagles is Michael's nearest competitor, having sold 29 million copies.