A CBC article on Canadian hits that didn't chart in the USA linked to a Nielsen Music Canada document put together for Canada's 150th birthday. That was way back in 2017.
There are many interesting lists in this PDF, with two key caveats:
- This is from the Nielsen Music Canada era
- This list was assembled in 2017, which I'm told is now 8 years ago
Here's what they list as the top 150 overall selling Canadian artists in Canada, by album sales, physical and digital.
- Celine Dion
- Shania Twain
- Michael Buble
- The Tragically Hip
- Sarah McLachlan
- Nickelback
- Diana Krall
- Avril Lavigne
- Our Lady Peace
- Bryan Adams
- Justin Bieber
- Leonard Cohen
- Neil Young
- Blue Rodeo
- Barenaked Ladies
- Great Big Sea
- Johnny Reid
- Alanis Morrisette
- François Pérusse
- Loreena McKennitt
I have thoughts!
- Since this list is 8 years old, you have to assume Justin Bieber has risen significantly and Drake, the Weeknd, and Shawn Mendes would now rank.
- On yesterday's FOTMCast, while discussing the Colin Cripps episode of Toronto Mike'd, I wondered if Blue Rodeo was now Canada's biggest active band this side of Nickelback. According to this chart, it might just be Our Lady Peace.
- Who would have thought Johnny Reid and Loreena McKennitt would beat out Rush?
- Sloan is #73. Lowest of the Low and Rusty did not rank.
- I had to Google François Pérusse, a Quebec phenomenon.
I would love to see an updated document from Nielsen Music Canada.
