LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” continues to break sales records three decades after its release.

The Recording Industry Association of America said today the album has sold 30 million copies in the United States and Jackson is the first artist to receive 30-time multi-platinum status.

“Thriller” has been an even bigger seller overseas, with 100 million copies of the album sold worldwide since its 1982 release.

Jackson’s music experienced a surge in popularity after his unexpected death in June 2009. “Thriller” includes the hits “Beat It,” ‘‘Billie Jean” and the title track.

John Branca is the co-administrator of Jackson’s estate. He says “Thriller” remains the yardstick against which all albums are measured.

He says the album is special because Jackson wrote it to appeal to broad audiences, which helped fuel international sales.

First Published December 16, 2015, 2:01 p.m.