Kvällstoppen – Best Selling Records Charts in Sweden
About Kvällstoppen Record Charts in Sweden
The popular radio show, Kvällstoppen, aired the first time on July 10, 1962.
Just like Tio i Topp (Top Ten), it was Swedish Radio’s answer to the pirate radio stations with similar charts that quickly became popular in Sweden in the early 60’s.
The first host was Klas Burling, who also produced the radio show. He was later replaced by other well-known Swedish radio voices, like Rune Hallberg, Inger Flyckt, Kersti Adams-Ray and Kiki Engerstedt.
The music chart listed the top twenty best-selling records in Sweden. Figures were based on sales data from a number of record stores. In the beginning, only about 44 record stores contributed with their sales, but the number of stores later increased to 360.
In the late sixties, when LP albums starting selling more than singles, they also found their way into the charts.
September 22, 1969, Kvällstoppen was split into two charts. LP albums had their own list (LP toppen) and the remainder of the regular chart was reduced to top 15 entries. Unfortunately, LP albums could end up on both lists, making this separation unnecessary.
Swedish radio returned to the old system after one year. On September 29, 1970, only one list was once again presented. It had the 20 most sold records in Sweden (both LP albums and singles).
The Last Show Aired in 1974
In 1974, the basic idea of the program was questioned on ideological grounds. Public radio was not supposed to promote or report the sale of particular products (like music records). As a result, a part of the list was presented in a random order. A year later, in late summer of 1975, the show was cancelled for good. The last program aired on August 19, 1975.
A short period in the 70s, Kvällstoppen was replaced by Skivspegeln, but this new show did not have the same impact as its forerunner. After only three years, this show was also discontinued.
The Theme Song
During all years, from 1962 until 1975, the Kvällstoppen had the same theme song, “The Stripper” by David Rose’s orchestra.
Most Weeks at Number One (Singles)
(6 weeks)
Kvällstoppen listed the top twenty best-selling records in Sweden during the 1960s. Figures were based on sales data from a number of record stores.
Quick Facts
Which song was the first number one on Kvällstoppen?
The first song to top Kvällstoppen was "I Can't Stop Loving You" with Ray Charles and written by Don Gibson. It held the number one position for 5 weeks until it was replaced by "Gimme A Little Kiss" with Michael Landon.
When was Kvällstoppen cancelled?
The last radio show and the last charts were published on august 19, 1975.
Why was Kvällstoppen cancelled?
In the early seventies, the program was considered to preserve people's taste of music in favor of the "imperialist Coca Cola culture" of the multinational record companies. Swedish Radio took a hard stand against the commercial music represented by groups like ABBA.
Which song was the last number one on Kvällstoppen?
Cat Stevens' album Greatest Hits was the last number one on Kvällstoppen in August 1975.
Kvällstoppen 55 years ago:
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