After graduating from Menomonee Falls High School in 1957,[3] he attended Elmhurst College and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, but did not receive a degree from either institution.
Featuring each recording's peak position, date charted, weeks charted, label and information, and trivia on recordings and artists, Whitburn's books are used extensively by the entertainment industry (especially radio DJs) and music fans worldwide.
[9] Whitburn was also the author of the series Top 40 Hits, published by Billboard Books.
[11] Whitburn was an avid collector of phonograph records, with extensive collections in his underground vaults.
His collection included a copy of nearly every 78-rpm record, 45-rpm single, LP, and compact disc to reach the Billboard charts.