Today, we’re exploring the top-selling national musicians in Portugal in terms of album sales. After realizing that only one foreign artist would make the list, we decided to create an all-Portuguese list! Can you guess who takes the top spot?

11 – José Malhoa

If you’re wondering why this list has 11 musicians instead of the usual 10, it’s because the first three spots are tied with 3 million records sold. Kicking off our list is José Malhoa, one of the top party animators in Portugal’s summer festivals. With a career spanning back to 1969, the Lisbon-born singer has accumulated several gold and platinum records.

10 – Madredeus

Shifting gears, we have Madredeus, a Portuguese music group that blends various styles with significant international influence. With multiple world tours, including a performance in North Korea, Madredeus has also sold 3 million records, standing out as one of the biggest names in Portuguese music.

9 – Delfins

Tied with 3 million records sold, Delfins was one of the most iconic pop-rock bands in Portugal. Formed in 1984, the band gave their final concert in 2009, but their music continues to be played and recognized by many.

8 – Dulce Pontes

With 3.5 million records sold, Dulce Pontes is the next artist on our list. Internationally recognized as one of the best sopranos, the singer of Canção do Mar has collaborated with big names in music, such as Andrea Bocelli, and remains one of the greatest representatives of Portuguese music abroad.

7 – Tony Carreira

Despite recent controversies and plagiarism accusations, Tony Carreira has sold over 4 million records. With a career marked by numerous sold-out concerts, the singer was also honored as a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government, solidifying his place among the greatest in Portuguese music.

6 – Carlos do Carmo

Undoubtedly one of the biggest icons of fado, Carlos do Carmo has sold over 5 million records throughout his long career. Born in Lisbon in 1939, he continues to inspire new generations of fadistas and remains an unavoidable reference in the history of Portuguese music.

5 – Marco Paulo

With over 5 million records sold, Marco Paulo is one of the most well-known names in Portuguese music. The author of some of the country’s biggest hits recently celebrated 50 years of career, receiving a Golden Globe for Merit and Excellence.

4 – Jorge Ferreira

This position might surprise some, but Jorge Ferreira has sold over 6 million records throughout his career. Residing in the United States, the Portuguese singer, famous for songs like A Portuguesa é a Mais Linda, was distinguished as the Man of the Year in Fall River and as an ambassador of Portuguese music in Atlantic City.

3 – Linda de Suza

In third place, we have Linda de Suza, a Portuguese emigrant who achieved enormous success in France. With over 8 million records sold, Linda became one of the most famous artists of all time in the Portuguese music scene.

2 – Roberto Leal

Yes, the accent might be Brazilian, but Roberto Leal is Portuguese! Born in Macedo de Cavaleiros, the singer emigrated to Brazil at 11 years old, where he developed his career. With over 17 million records sold, Roberto Leal is an unavoidable figure in Portuguese and Brazilian music.

1 – Amália Rodrigues

As expected, the top spot on this list of Portuguese musicians is occupied by Amália Rodrigues, the Queen of Fado. With a career that transcended borders and genres, Amália sold over 30 million records and remains the greatest ambassador of Portuguese music worldwide. Currently, she rests in the National Pantheon, alongside other great names in Portuguese history.

Conclusion

These 11 musicians represent the best that Portuguese music has to offer, showcasing incredible diversity in styles and an unparalleled ability to touch the hearts of audiences both in Portugal and beyond.

Want to read more articles? Visit our homepage to read our latest articles, but don’t forget to also visit the Trove Vault, the sponsor of today’s article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the best-selling Portuguese musician of all time?

A: Amália Rodrigues is the best-selling Portuguese musician of all time, with over 30 million records sold.