The Eagles’ 1976 collection, “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975”, has surpassed Michael Jackson’s 1982 smash, “Thriller”, to top the list of best-selling albums in music history.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced the California band’s package has been newly-certified at 38x Platinum, accounting for sales and streams of more than 38 million copies since its release.
The RIAA also revealed that The Eagles’ 1976 record, “Hotel California”, is now the third best-selling album of all time, certified 26x Platinum for sales and streams of more than 26 million copies.
“Congratulations to the Eagles, who now claim the jaw-dropping feat of writing and recording two of the top three albums in music history,” says RIAA Chairman and CEO Cary Sherman. “Both of these transcendent albums have impressively stood the test of time, only gaining more currency and popularity as the years have passed, much like the Eagles themselves.
“As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program this year, it is only fitting that we can recognize the Eagles for their singular contribution to the history of American music.”
“We are grateful for our families, our management, our crew, the people at radio and, most of all, the loyal fans who have stuck with us through the ups and downs of 46 years,” added Don Henley in a statement. “It’s been quite a ride.”
As one of the top-selling acts of all time, The Eagles have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1998 in their first year of eligibility, and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2016.
Band co-founder Glenn Frey passed away in 2016 at the age of 67 from complications from acute ulcerative colitis, pneumonia and rheumatoid arthritis.
The Eagles – Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Deacon Frey and Vince Gill – are currently on a North American tour that runs into late October.
See also:
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Search The Eagles at hennemusic
