This book contains the rankings of 1000 Billboard singles hits: Pop, 1955-1996; Pop, 1940-1954; Adult Contemporary, 1961-1996; R&B, 1942-1996; and Country, 1944-1996; plus Album Rock Tracks, 1981-1996 and Modern Rock Tracks, 1988-1996. Chart information contains debut and peak dates, weeks charted, record label, and more. There is also a chapter on Top Artist & Record Achievements.

For jazz standards reading and research, this text is interesting especially for ranking information in its “Pop Singles 1940-1954” section. In that regard, however, Joel Whitburn’s Pop Hits 1940-1954: Singles and Albums is far more comprehensive, listing rankings up to 30 depending on the year. The artists and songs are listed alphabetically, but there is no index beyond the cross references shown in the contents.

Since 1970 Joel Whitburn has authored over 60 books that research and chart pop music. He is known as “The World’s #1 Chart Authority.” His comprehensive research even dates back to 1890. In collaboration with Rhino Records he has produced over 100 CD compilations of his favorite songs in a variety of musical categories.