One Hit Wonders: 19 Bands and Songs from the '70s that Never Replicated Their Success
Daniel Bonfiglio
Published
11/27/2024
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I'd bet that you know many of these songs, but do you know the artists? And do you know any of their other work?
The 1970s were a definite decade for music, but like in any era, many of its biggest hits were made by artists and groups that never had another.
Here are the biggest one-hit wonders from the 1970s.
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1. My Sharona - 1979
"My Sharona" was The Knack’s first single, and made it to number one. -
2. Dancing in the Moonlight - 1970-1972
Written by Sherman Kelly, originally recorded in 1970 by Kelly's band Boffalongo. It became a hit single when recorded by King Harvest in 1972. -
3. Ring My Bell - 1979
"Ring My Bell" is a 1979 disco song written by Frederick Knight. The song was originally written for eleven-year-old Stacy Lattisaw, but was sung by Anita Ward. -
4. In the Summertime - 1970
Mungo Jerry are a British rock band formed by Ray Dorset. -
5. Spirit in the Sky - 1970
By Norman Joel Greenbaum. -
6. I Love the Nightlife - 1978
“I Love the Nightlife” was released as the first single from Alicia Bridges’ debut album. -
7. Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) - 1970
This was the debut single by Edison Lighthouse. -
8. Mississippi Queen - 1970
By Mountain, headed by Leslie West. -
9. The Hustle - 1975
By Van McCoy and the Soul City Symphony. -
10. Kung Fu Fighting - 1974
By Jamaican vocalist Carl Douglas, written by Douglas and produced by British-Indian musician Biddu. -
11. Afternoon Delight - 1976
The Starland Vocal Band had three other singles chart after “Afternoon Delight,” but less after that. -
12. Black Betty - 1977
Performed by Ram Jam, Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter is credited as the author. Some believe the song was adapted from even earlier folk material. -
13. "Brother Louie" - 1973
The Stories topped the charts when they covered “Brother Louie.” -
14. Don't Give Up On Us - 1977
Written by Tony Macaulay, and recorded by David Soul. -
15. “Seasons in the Sun” - 1974
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16. Play That Funky Music - 1976
By Rob Parissi and recorded by the band Wild Cherry. -
17. "Lovin' You" - 1975
This song with a unique sound was the biggest hit Maya Rudolph’s mother would ever have. -
18. "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" - 1972
This single from Looking Glass’s debut album reached number one. -
19. "The Rapper" - 1970
The Jaggerz reached number one with their only major hit.
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- One Hit Wonders: 19 Bands and Songs from the '70s that Never Replicated Their Success
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My Sharona - 1979
"My Sharona" was The Knack’s first single, and made it to number one.
"My Sharona" was The Knack’s first single, and made it to number one.
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