Record Research Announces New Whitburn Country Book

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 3:40pm CT

Top Country Singles 1944-2025

Record Research Inc. has announced the release of its 230th reference title, Joel Whitburn's History of Top Country Singles 1944-2025, marking the latest addition to its long-running catalog of chart-based publications. The book, available now for preorder at a discounted price of $89.95, is scheduled for official release on June 4 during CMA Fest in Nashville.

The new volume offers a comprehensive, artist-by-artist account of every song to appear on the Country singles charts, spanning from the debut of the Most-Played Juke Box Folk Records chart in 1944 through the Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts of 2025. It also includes a detailed title index, multiple artist and song rankings, and a chronological listing of all No. 1 hits.

For the first time, the series adds a dedicated section highlighting songwriters, featuring the top 40 all-time Country songwriters and their Top 40 hits. The section is presented in partnership with Nan Kingsley and honors the late Bob Kingsley for his role in elevating songwriters through his nationally syndicated countdown shows.

The release marks the first under new CEO and majority owner Vinnie Freda, who joined the company in September 2025 after serving as Chief Data Officer at Warner Music Group. Freda is working alongside Publisher Kim Bloxdorf and head researcher Paul Haney to continue the legacy of founder Joel Whitburn, who died in 2022.

Founded in 1970, Record Research built its reputation through a series of authoritative chart books based on licensed data from Billboard and other industry sources. Whitburn's publications became widely used references for music professionals and fans, particularly before chart data became readily accessible online.

Bloxdorf said the new edition represents the next phase for the company, noting continued demand from industry executives, DJs, and chart enthusiasts. Freda added that the goal is to carry Whitburn's legacy forward while reaching a new generation of music and data fans.