The Eagles’ Greatest Hits 1971-1975 has surpassed Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the best-selling album of all-time.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America’s latest certification on Monday, The Eagles’ Greatest Hits album sales and streams have reached more than 38 million copies, knocking Jackson’s 1982 Thriller to the No. 2 spot with 33 million copies sold. The Eagles also hold the No. 3 spot with their Hotel California album, also released in 1976.
“Congratulations to the Eagles, who now claim the jaw-dropping feat of writing and recording two of the top three albums in music history,” said RIAA chairman Cary Sherman in a statement. “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.”
"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. It's been quite a ride," founding member Don Henley said in a statement.
The Eagles sadly lost founding member Glenn Frey in January 2016 to pneumonia, but continue on with Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, along with Frey’s son Deacon Frey and Vince Gill.