Eagles’ ‘Greatest Hits’ Becomes America’s All-Time Bestselling Album
The Eagles’ compilation album “Their Greatest Hits (1971-75)” has officially attained a historic milestone, being crowned the greatest-selling album in American history. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently awarded the album Quadruple Diamond certification, denoting sales exceeding 40 million copies. This achievement marks it as the first album to reach such an unprecedented figure, solidifying its position as the best-selling album of all time in the United States.
This distinguished compilation features ten iconic tracks, including perennial favorites such as “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.” It has outperformed other major contenders in the realm of album sales, surpassing critical benchmarks set by legendary albums like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours.”
Originally released by Asylum Records in 1976, “Their Greatest Hits” achieved a groundbreaking honor as the first album to be certified platinum by the RIAA, an organization that has monitored sales since 1952. The album spent five weeks atop the Billboard albums charts shortly after its release and was recognized by the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2017, a testament to its cultural significance.
In celebration of the album’s 50th anniversary, a special reissue on crystal clear vinyl is slated for release on February 13. Fans can currently place preorders through the Eagles’ official website, emphasizing the continued popularity and enduring legacy of this classic collection.
The Eagles initially formed in 1971, brought together by founding members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. They began their journey as a backing band for Linda Ronstadt during the recording of her third solo album in 1972 before breaking out with their own debut later that year. Their subsequent success has led to a lasting impact on the music industry, as evidenced by their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and their recognition as one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” in 2010.
As “Their Greatest Hits (1971-75)” continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a testament not only to the Eagles’ musical prowess but also to the timeless appeal of rock music in American culture.
