The Eagles Surpass Michael Jackson For Best-Selling Album Of All Time

The Eagles‘ greatest hits album has surpassed Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the best-selling album of all-time, according to the RIAA.

The group’s 1976 album Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is certified 38x Platinum, putting it ahead of Jackson’s iconic Thriller album, which is 33x Platinum.

According to the RIAA, the Eagles’ 1977 album Hotel California is now 26x Platinum, which places it as the third best-selling album of all time.

The RIAA had previously totaled sales for the Eagles’ greatest hits album in 2006 (it was 29x Platinum at the time). Sales and streams tallies for Jackson’s Thriller were updated in 2017.

“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,” the Eagles’ Don Henley said via a statement.

After a 2013 change in company policy, the RIAA began incorporating digital music services to ascertain song and album certifications. Currently, 1,500 album streams equal one album sale. Additionally, 10 song downloads are equal to one album sale.

The band, known for their hits including “Hotel California” and “I Can’t Tell You Why,” was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

Latest posts by Jessica Nicholson (see all)

• CMA Honors Robert Deaton With Chairman’s Award - December 4, 2020
• Nashville Symphony, Nashville Musicians Association Reach Agreement - December 4, 2020
• Zach Williams’ “Chain Breaker” Is Most-Added On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart - December 4, 2020