They say that accidents happen, but sometimes those accidents can lead to something extraordinary. In the world of music, this is particularly true. Many of our favorite songs were born out of serendipity, chance encounters, or even simple mistakes. These “accidental hits” remind us that sometimes the greatest art comes from the most unexpected places.
Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” was a fluke—a jam session recorded by chance. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge” started as a poem by Anthony Kiedis, turned into a hit by producer Rick Rubin.
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was inspired by a random scribble by Kathleen Hanna. Kurt Cobain loved the phrase and wrote the iconic song. These are just a few examples of accidental hits that have shaped music history. The following are some of the most memorable from the 60s.
1. “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris (1963)
Sometimes, the greatest hits aren’t born from meticulous planning and studio perfection. Sometimes, they’re just accidents waiting to happen. Such was the case with “Wipe Out”, a timeless surfer rock anthem that took the world by storm in 1963.
The song, performed by the teenage band The Surfaris, was born out of a spontaneous moment in the studio. While recording their A-side, “Surfer Joe”, the band’s producer asked them to come up with a B-side. With little time to spare, they quickly pieced together a catchy instrumental track inspired by the term “wipe out”, used to describe a hard fall from a surfboard.
The result was a groundbreaking song that featured minimal lyrics—just a repeated chorus of “Wipe out” followed by a series of instrumental solos. Despite its simplicity, “Wipe Out” became a massive hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the chart for four months during the summer of 1963.
2. “Kind of a Drag” by The Buckinghams (1966)
When you least expect it, inspiration can strike. Such was the case with “Kind of a Drag,” a catchy pop tune that topped the charts in 1966.
The song was written by Jim Holvay, a friend of the Buckinghams, who had a knack for penning heartfelt ballads about his love life. Inspired by his tumultuous relationship with a woman named Susie Creamcheese, Holvay wrote several songs about her, including “Susan”, “Don’t You Care”, and “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song)”.
“Kind of a Drag” was one of those songs, a melancholic tune that perfectly captured the bittersweet feelings of heartbreak. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, the song quickly resonated with audiences and became the title track of the Buckinghams’ debut album.
3. “Mony Mony” by Tommy James & the Shondells (1966)
“Mony Mony”, a standout pop hit from 1966, was performed by Tommy James & the Shondells. Despite being written by the band, the song initially lacked a title. In a moment of creative frustration, James found inspiration in an unexpected place: while gazing at the Mutual of New York building, he noticed the illuminated “MONY” and realized he had discovered the perfect name for the song.
The song quickly became a sensation, climbing to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning its place as a surf rock classic. Its infectious melody and vibrant energy resonated with listeners, establishing it as a favorite anthem of the era.
The song’s catchy melody and infectious energy have made it a beloved anthem for generations, with Billy Idol’s iconic cover version further cementing its legacy.
4. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding (1968)
In late 1967, Otis Redding crafted a song that would go on to capture the essence of his poignant and soulful style. He recorded the track just days before his tragic death in a plane crash on December 10, 1967. Released posthumously by Stax Records a year later, the song made history as the first posthumous No. 1 single.
This track marked a subtle shift from Redding’s traditional soulful sound, ultimately becoming one of his most celebrated works. Its distinctive appeal was enhanced by an unexpected touch: Redding’s whistling at the end of the song. The whistling was a spontaneous addition after he forgot his ad-lib during the song’s fade-out.
The lyrics evoke a sense of calm reflection, with lines like “Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun” and “Watching the ships roll in.” The song paints a picture of contemplative solitude, expressing Redding’s feelings of displacement and longing as he sings about leaving Georgia and heading towards San Francisco, feeling adrift and without purpose.