K-Tel: Top 20 Albums

First posted 4/27/2016; updated 8/12/2020.

K-Tel: Top 20 Albums

In 1966, K-Tel released its first compilation, 25 Country Hits. Over the next two decades, the company would release more than a hundred compilations, most focused on the pop hits of the day. A 2013 Forbes article called the company “the spotify of the 1970s.” The company was founded by Philip Kives, a business executive, entrepreneur, and marketing expert from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was born on February 12, 1929, and died at age 87 on April 27, 2016. In honor of him, the DMDB presents a list of the top 100 songs (see list here) to appear on K-Tel compilations and the top 20 K-Tel compilations. (years covered, year of release): 1. Rock Revival Greats (1954-65, 1972) 2. Rockin’ and Rollin’ (1954-65, 1972) 3. 25 Rockin’ and Rollin’ Greats (1954-64, 1972) 4. Hometown USA (1954-66, 1979) 5. Juke Box Jive (1954-66, 1975) 6. Elton John: Milestones (1970-79, 1980) 7. Elvis Love Songs – 16 Original Hits (1956-71, 1981) 8. Music Machine (1973-77, 1977) 9. 24 Great Tear Jerkers (1955-65, 1976) 10. 20 Super Hits – The Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968-71, 1978) image from discogs.com, my first EVER album purchase! 11. High Energy (1978-79, 1979) 12. Rock 80 (1978-80, 1980) 13. Music Express (1973-75, 1975) 14. Women of Rock (1978-84, 1986) 15. Believe in Music (1971-72, 1972) 16. 20 Dynamite Hits (1972-74, 1974) 17. 60 Flashback Greats of the ‘60s (1957-70, 1972) 18. Right On (1973-76, 1976) 19. 22 Fantastic Hits (1972-73, 1973) 20. Hit Machine (1974-76, 1976) Resources and Related Links: K-Tel Top 100 Songs