Eagles' Greatest Hits Achieves Unprecedented 40 Million Sales Milestone in US History
The Eagles' legendary compilation album "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" has reached an extraordinary milestone in American music history. According to new certification data released by the Recording Industry Association of America, this iconic 1976 release has officially sold over 40 million units in the United States, making it the first album ever to achieve this remarkable sales figure.
Quadruple Diamond Certification and Streaming Era Recognition
This achievement grants the album quadruple diamond status, a recognition that has evolved significantly in the digital age. The RIAA's certification process now incorporates streaming data from platforms including YouTube and Spotify, with 1,500 streams of an album now equivalent to one album sale. This modern methodology reflects how music consumption has transformed while maintaining rigorous standards through third-party audits.
The RIAA also announced that the band's seminal 1976 studio album "Hotel California" has been certified 28 times platinum, solidifying its position as the third bestselling album in American history. This maintains the Eagles' remarkable dominance of the all-time US album charts.
Historic Context and Anniversary Celebrations
Released almost exactly fifty years ago on February 17, 1976, "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" has demonstrated extraordinary longevity in popular culture. To commemorate both this golden anniversary and the new RIAA certification, the band is releasing a special crystal-clear, 180-gram vinyl edition of the landmark compilation.
Founding member Don Henley expressed profound gratitude for this enduring achievement, stating: "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."
The Eagles' Continued Cultural Impact and Legacy
Formed in Los Angeles during the early 1970s, the Eagles mastered a distinctive blend of rock and country music that defined an era. Their catalogue of hits, including timeless classics like "Hotel California" and "Take It Easy," became integral to the soundtrack of that decade and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The band's influence has been formally recognized through induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and receipt of Kennedy Center Honors in 2016. Despite disbanding in 1980 and reuniting fourteen years later with only Henley and Glenn Frey as remaining original members, their musical legacy has only grown stronger over time.
Current Success and Record-Breaking Residency
The Eagles are currently enjoying renewed commercial success with their groundbreaking Las Vegas residency. Their "Live In Concert At Sphere" shows, which launched on September 20, 2024, have already entertained over 700,000 fans across 44 performances. This Friday marks the beginning of twelve final shows at the state-of-the-art venue, setting a record for the longest-running residency at the Sphere.
This remarkable sales achievement places the Eagles' compilation ahead of Michael Jackson's "Thriller," which was certified 34 times diamond in 2021 and remains the second bestselling album in US history. The RIAA's certification system continues to track both traditional sales and streaming equivalents, providing comprehensive recognition of an artist's commercial impact in the modern music landscape.
