I own a LOT of music books published by Record Research. A recent email reads in part:
“For more than half a century, Joel Whitburn’s Record Research has created the data trusted by history buffs and music preservationists worldwide.
“We’ve self-published 174 research books, authored the Billboard Top 40 Hits book series… [and] created the Billboard Hits series of music books…
“What began as a one-man hobby in the mid-1960s, became a thriving small business. By the early 1990s, we employed a healthy staff able to field a variety of projects.”
But with retirements and deaths, notably the passing of founder Joel Whitburn, “Record Research has a tremendous database, stock on several titles, and strong support from music lovers worldwide, like you, for which we are immensely grateful. To move forward and initiate new projects requires an influx of capital from those with deep pockets who concurrently have a desire to take up the mantle and enjoy the myriad of possibilities awash within our goldmine of data. If not, it looks as if the days of this mom ‘n pop shop are numbered.”
To keep the lights on, they are selling their books, DVD-ROMs, and T-shirts at 50% off a purchase of $200 or more with the MAYDAY code. I have nine of the 33 books currently for sale.
Comparison Book
I bought a few books and a couple of T-shirts. Most of the books were based on the Billboard charts, but the Comparison Book shows “Billboard, Cash Box, or Record World/Music Vendor: EVERY song that appeared on any of the main pop singles charts of the BIG 3, when these three periodicals existed together, from 1954-1982.”
Since most songs I’ve listed in this blog note the #1 songs from various Billboard charts, I thought I’d list the tunes that went to #1 on CB and/or RW/MV but NOT Billboard. The numbers represent the number of weeks at #1. This year I’ll concentrate on years ending in five. The songs with * I own in some physical form.
1955
Melody of Love– Billy Vaughn and his orchestra (Dot), CB 7
The Crazy Otto – Johnny Maddox and the Rhythmasters, MV 3
1965
Love Potion #9 -The Searchers (Kapp), RW 1, a Leiber-Stoller song recorded by the Clovers in 1959
*Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat – Herman’s Hermits (MGM), CB 1
Wooly Bully – Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs (MGM), RW 1
*Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan, CB 1 – the source of the title for the movie A Complete Unknown
A Lover’s Concerto – The Toys (dynoVoice), CB 1, RW 2. Based on the Bach Minuet in G, which I wrote about here
1-2-3 – Len Berry (Decca), CB 1
*Let’s Hang On – The 4 Seasons (Philips), CB 1, RW 1
*Taste Of Honey – Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, CB 1 – Herb just hit 90 and is still performing
As you can see, these are recognizable songs for the most part.
I should note that I have received no compensation for promoting the sale, only the joy of trying to help a company I’ve been enamored with for at least two decades.
