The Eagles have cemented their place in American music history with their 1976 compilation album, "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975," officially becoming the first album in US history to sell over 40 million units. This remarkable achievement has been certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), solidifying the band's position at the pinnacle of commercial success in the recording industry.
A Landmark Achievement in Music Sales
The new certification represents a significant milestone in the annals of American music consumption. The Eagles' seminal compilation has now surpassed all other albums in terms of certified sales within the United States, establishing a new benchmark for commercial success that has stood for nearly five decades since its original release.
How the RIAA Calculates Modern Sales Figures
The RIAA tracks US sales and streaming equivalents through a rigorous certification process that requires application and third-party audit. The organization's methodology has evolved significantly over time to reflect changing consumption patterns in the music industry.
Originally, RIAA's diamond status was equivalent to selling 10 million albums or songs. However, in 2013, the organization began incorporating streaming data from platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and other digital music services into their certification calculations. Under the current system, 1,500 streams of an album are considered equivalent to one album sale, allowing modern consumption patterns to be fairly represented alongside traditional sales figures.
The Eagles' Dominance in the Record Books
The band's success extends beyond their greatest hits compilation. Their iconic 1976 studio album "Hotel California" was also certified 28x platinum on Thursday, maintaining its position as the third bestselling album in the United States. This dual achievement underscores the enduring popularity of the Eagles' music across multiple releases.
Michael Jackson's groundbreaking album "Thriller" holds the second spot in the all-time rankings, having been certified 34x diamond in 2021. The competition between these legendary albums highlights the remarkable staying power of music created during the 1970s and 1980s.
Celebrating Fifty Years of Musical Legacy
"Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" was originally released almost exactly fifty years ago, on February 17, 1976. To commemorate both the anniversary and the new RIAA certification, the band has announced the release of a special crystal-clear, 180-gram vinyl edition of the album, offering fans a premium physical format to celebrate this milestone.
Founding member, drummer, and singer Don Henley shared his reflections on this achievement in a written statement to The Associated Press: "In an age, in a culture, where everything seems to become more ephemeral by the day, it is gratifying to have been part of something that endures, even for fifty years. We are amazed and grateful."
Current Success and Historical Context
The timing of this certification coincides with another significant achievement for the Eagles. On Friday, the band will launch twelve final shows at Las Vegas' Sphere, setting a record for the longest-running residency at the state-of-the-art venue. According to a press release, since beginning their residency on September 20, 2024, "Eagles - Live In Concert At Sphere" has entertained over 700,000 fans across forty-four performances.
The Eagles formed in Los Angeles in the early 1970s and quickly mastered a distinctive blend of rock 'n' roll and country music that would define the Southern California sound of that era. Their hits, including but certainly not limited to "Hotel California" and "Take It Easy," became integral components of the decade's musical soundtrack.
After breaking up in 1980, the band reunited fourteen years later with Henley and Glenn Frey as the only remaining original members. Frey's passing in 2016 marked the end of an era, but the band's music continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.
Recognition and Honors
The Eagles' contributions to American music have been formally recognized through numerous honors. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and received Kennedy Center Honors in 2016, cementing their status as cultural icons whose influence extends far beyond commercial success.
This latest RIAA certification represents not just a numerical achievement, but a testament to the enduring appeal of carefully crafted popular music that continues to find new audiences nearly half a century after its initial release.
