This book alphabetizes the top hits from 1940-1954 by artist and by song title and contains an annual section ranking the hits by highest position on Billboard’s charts.

There are several special sections ranking artists and artist achievements and a backing performer cross reference plus much more. Another special section includes copious information on the top hits and artists from 1890 to 1954.

For jazz fans and researchers this book provides chart information for many standards showing the ranking, artist, label and number. The “Pop Annual Section” provides context, showing the peak position for all of the other hits that year. There is no index other than the cross references listed 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.