The Eagles have just set a new milestone in music history: their 1976 compilation Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) has become the first album ever certified quadruple diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking more than 40 million units sold in the United States. That achievement not only reinforces the band’s staggering commercial reach, it also cements the collection as the best-selling album of all time in U.S. history.
The RIAA’s diamond certification traditionally signals sales of 10 million units — whether sold physically or through streaming equivalents — but Their Greatest Hits has now reached four times that benchmark, a feat no other record has matched. That puts the Eagles well ahead of Thriller — Michael Jackson’s 1982 juggernaut, which holds 34× platinum — and makes Their Greatest Hits one of the most dominant catalog releases of all time.
Released on February 17, 1976, Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) brought together some of the Eagles’ most enduring songs from their earliest years, including staples like “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” “Witchy Woman” and “Lyin’ Eyes.” The compilation epitomized the band’s blend of rock, country and harmony-rich pop, and quickly became a defining record of the era.
Remarkably, this milestone arrives as the album approaches its 50th anniversary, a testament to the depth of its appeal across generations. Founding member Don Henley reflected on the achievement by noting how uncommon it is for something created so long ago to remain relevant in a landscape where trends come and go.
The compendium was also the first album ever to be certified platinum by the RIAA when that designation was introduced in 1976, making it historically significant from both commercial and cultural perspectives.
With the new certification, the Eagles’ legacy in American music sales is unparalleled:
- Best-selling album of all time in the U.S. (Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975: 40× platinum)
- Second-highest certified album overall: Thriller by Michael Jackson (34× platinum)
- Third-highest certified album: Hotel California (28× platinum)
Alongside that, Hotel California — itself a cultural touchstone — has been recertified at 28× platinum, firmly securing its spot among the most successful albums in U.S. history.
The continued demand for Their Greatest Hits — decades after its release — shows how profoundly the Eagles’ music has woven into American life. With songs spanning themes from easy-going country rock to introspective balladry, the album is more than a collection of hits — it is a cultural soundtrack for multiple generations.
Music consumption has changed dramatically since the 1970s, with streaming now included in RIAA certifications at a rate of 1,500 streams per equivalent album unit. Even with that modern metric, the album’s standing is largely built on real, sustained affinity rather than a momentary spike in plays.
To mark the 50th anniversary, the band is reissuing Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) on crystal-clear 180-gram vinyl on February 13, 2026, giving fans — old and new — a special edition around the landmark date.
Beyond this certification frenzy, the Eagles continue to perform, with a Las Vegas residency at the Sphere scheduled through March, and major festival appearances — including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — on the calendar.
Hot on the heels of this milestone, longtime Eagles guitarist Steuart Smith announced his retirement after being diagnosed with Parkinsonism, signaling an emotional shift within the band’s ranks even as its music continues to soar.
