These One-Hit Wonders From the ’60s and ’70s Are Still Classics

Author: Matt Harris

The music of the 1960s and 1970s wasn’t just about legendary bands that dominated the charts — it was also an era filled with unforgettable one-hit wonders. These songs may have been the only big hit for their artists, but they left a lasting impact, filling the airwaves with catchy hooks, soulful melodies, and timeless lyrics.

Decades later, many of these tracks still bring back waves of nostalgia and continue to be discovered by new generations. Today, we’re celebrating some of the best one-hit wonders from this golden era of music.

1. “In The Year 2525” by Zager and Evans

The summer of 1969 brought peace and love. It also delivered this gloomy look into the future. The tune may be catchy, but Zager and Evans quickly disappeared and split up in 1971. Perhaps the song will enjoy a revival when the year 2525 comes around.

2. “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry

This song got to number three on the Billboard charts, but that was Mungo Jerry’s only hit in the United States. He continued to sell in big numbers in the U.K. and is still performing. However, the lyrics of this song didn’t age too well…

3. “Have I The Right” by The Honeycombs

The Honeycombs spent four weeks on the U.S. charts with this hit in 1964 but split three years later without a follow-up. “Have I the Right” was made more memorable through a 1977 cover version by Dead End Kids.

4. “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas

“Kung Fu Fighting” cashed in on the martial arts craze of the mid-70s. It was a smash for Carl Douglas in 1974, but he disappeared into the realms of one-hit wonders.

5. “Get It On” by T Rex

It would be incredible for readers in some parts of the world to think of T. Rex as a one-hit wonder. Their charismatic singer, Marc Bolan, led them to many chart successes in the U.K., but this was their only U.S. hit.

6. “I Fought the Law” by Bobby Fuller

A little unfairly, Bobby Fuller makes the list with this cover version. He may have been a bigger hit, but he unfortunately passed away at a young age.

7. “Saturday Night” by the Bay City Rollers

Another band bigger in the U.K., the Bay City Rollers, had to settle for this solitary U.S. hit. It became the earworm for many who began the chant, “S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y!” every single weekend.

8. “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” by Iron Butterfly

“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” is credited as a seminal work in heavy rock, but these days, it is remembered mainly for a cameo appearance in The Simpsons.

9. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam

This 1969 song made it into the charts, but the band Steam failed to deliver on its promise and the band seemed to lose steam after this hit.

10. “Hey There Lonely Girl” by Eddie Holman

Eddie Holman couldn’t follow up this 1969 hit, but it’s another song that has stood the test of time. He continued to release songs but none of them climbed the charts like this song did at the end of the ’60s.

11. “Black Betty” by Ram Jam

This song has endured so well that we may have thought Ram Jam had enjoyed more hits. But at least we still have “Black Betty.” Though Ram Jam never replicated its success, “Black Betty” remains their defining track, ensuring their place in rock history.

12. “Macarthur Park” by Richard Harris

This bizarre rendition overshadowed the brilliance of the songwriter Jimmy Webb. The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the U.K. Singles Chart.

13. “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum

Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” is one of the most successful one-hit wonders of all time. Despite this, as well as a continued career, he was never able to duplicate that success, but at least we can still sing this tune.

14. “Misty Blue” by Dorothy Moore

Billboard voted this as the 19th best song of 1976. Sadly, it was so good that Dorothy Moore simply couldn’t find a follow-up. Her smooth, heartfelt vocals and the song’s lush instrumentation helped it climb the charts, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

15. “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks

This song came from the 1974 album of the same name and was a hit worldwide for Terry Jacks. It is so evocative of that period, and it’s a huge surprise that the talented Jacks couldn’t find another hit record.

16. “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest

This cover of a Boffalongo track was a hit for King Harvest in 1972. The song was quickly forgotten until it became a worldwide success for the U.K. band Toploader at the start of the new millennium. Many music fans agree that they greatly preferred the King Harvest version.

17. “Ariel” by Dean Friedman

While this one-hit wonder has largely been forgotten, contributors had great fun recalling the lyrics. “Ariel” climbed to No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his most well-known song.

18. “How Long” by Ace

This haunting song of betrayal made it onto the list. The band Ace was not around for much longer, but their singer, Paul Carrack, enjoyed success further down the line. He provides the voice for hits by both Mike and the Mechanics and Squeeze.

19. “Venus” by Shocking Blue

A forgotten song from the 1960s was given a new lease of life when it was covered by Bananarama in 1986. However, most people prefer the original version of “Venus” by Shocking Blue.

20. “Beach Baby” by The First Class

Another song from that heady summer of 1974, “Beach Baby,” was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. First Class was a U.K. band who found it hard to live up to the success of this early smash, and they broke up not long after their hit in 1976.

21. “My Sharona” by The Knack

The Knack are rare in the sense that they are one-hit wonders in the U.S. and in the U.K. “My Sharona” was a success on both sides of the Atlantic in 1979. The singer wistfully announced that the band was going to “be bigger than the Beatles.” Oops.

22. “Pictures of Matchstick Men” by Status Quo

Readers in the U.K. will be shocked to see this make the list. After releasing this psychedelic number in 1968, the band changed their image and swapped paisley shirts for denim. Sadly, the new look wasn’t appreciated by an American audience who barely bought another record.

23. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass

The band Looking Glass had a follow-up top 40 hit. Technically they are not one-hit wonders, but this number-one song has found a lot of love as of late (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, anyone?). This song is still a jam, and it kind of makes you wonder just how many pets and kids were named “Brandy” due to this record.

24. “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams

This catchy instrumental was a surprise hit for Mason Williams and his backing band, The Wrecking Crew, in 1968. Williams continued to perform but was unable to find any more success on the Billboard charts.

25. “Dominique” by The Singing Nun

I have to end with my own personal favorite from 1963. In this curious hit, The Singing Nun (real name Jeanne Deckers) manages to find herself bracketed as a one-hit wonder and a novelty act.

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This post was previously published on Wealth of Geeks.

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