GARTH BROOKS - COUNTRY STAR OUTSELLS ELVIS

COUNTRY STAR OUTSELLS ELVIS

Country star Garth Brooks has overtaken Elvis Presley to become the bestselling solo artist in history, according to new record industry figures.

The singer has sold an amazing 123 million units in his career, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) confirmed yesterday, while awarding Brooks Diamond Awards for his albums Sevens and Garth Brooks.

Four of the country crooner's albums have received Diamond Awards, for sales of more than ten million copies each.

The Standing Outside the Fire singer accepted the latest accolade for his work at a ceremony held at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, outside the Capitol Records tower.

"This award reflects the magnitude of the country audience and what they can accomplish when they act together," Brooks said at the presentation.

RIAA figures place Elvis' sales at 118.5 million units, with only the Beatles ahead of Brooks with 170 million units sold.

"He has always been true to country music as a format," observed Ed Benson , chief strategic officer of the Country Music Association.

"He's never decided to cross over and be anything else, and so it's great that the number one selling solo artist of all time is a country music artist."

The RIAA tracks albums shipped plus digital downloads sold.