In a move that cements its legendary status for good, the Eagles’ seminal compilation, Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, has soared into rarefied air. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has officially certified the album 40 times Platinum, bestowing upon it the first-ever Quadruple Diamond Award and widening its unassailable lead as the best-selling album in American history.
This landmark achievement pushes the album’s certified U.S. sales to a staggering 40 million units, placing it a full 6 million units ahead of its closest competitor, Michael Jackson’s monumental Thriller. The timing is particularly symbolic, as the celebrated greatest hits package approaches its 50th anniversary next month.
The album’s tracklist is a veritable jukebox of classic rock anthems that have dominated airwaves for nearly half a century. It compiles ten essential tracks from the band’s first four records, capturing their early country-rock zenith before the arrival of Joe Walsh. The collection boasts two of the band’s five US No. 1 singles—“Best of My Love” and “One of These Nights”—alongside chart-toppers like “Lyin’ Eyes” (No. 2) and “Take It to the Limit” (No. 4). Timeless radio staples including “Take It Easy,” “Witchy Woman,” “Already Gone,” and “Desperado” round out the definitive introduction to the band’s sound.
Upon its release in 1976, the compilation spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart and holds the distinct honor of being the very first album ever certified Platinum by the RIAA. Its longevity is equally impressive, with over 500 nonconsecutive weeks on the Billboard 200. Its cultural impact was formally recognized in 1999 when it was named the Top-Selling Album of the 20th Century, and again in 2017 with its induction into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.
Formed in 1971 by members of Linda Ronstadt’s band—Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner—the Eagles’ lineup evolved to include Don Felder and later, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit. This very evolution led to their next masterpiece, 1976’s Hotel California, which itself sits at No. 3 on the all-time bestsellers list with 28 million units sold.
The band, officially known as Eagles on their album covers, now boasts an incredible 14 Platinum-certified titles with combined U.S. sales of approximately 126.5 million. The music lives on both on record and on stage, with the current touring lineup featuring Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Vince Gill, and Deacon Frey, carrying the legacy of his late father, Glenn Frey. With this unprecedented 40x Platinum certification, the Eagles have not just taken it to the limit—they have redefined it.
