Some songs come and go, but a rare few seem to stay forever. Even though their creators may have only had a single moment in the spotlight, these one-hit wonders from the ‘70s still hold a special place in music history. Their melodies, lyrics, and unforgettable hooks have kept them alive in our playlists and memories.
While being labeled a “one-hit wonder” might sound dismissive, these artists achieved something remarkable. With only one song, they managed to captivate listeners worldwide, leaving an indelible mark that echoes through the decades. These tracks may have defined a moment, but their influence endures far beyond it.
In this list, we’re diving into the stories behind 15 unforgettable one-hit wonders of the ‘70s. Each one offers a unique glimpse into the era, capturing the creativity and spontaneity of a decade known for its experimental sounds and bold personalities.
Wild Cherry – “Play That Funky Music”
Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976, becoming an instant classic with its infectious beat and groovy lyrics. The Ohio-based band originally leaned toward rock but pivoted to funk after noticing audiences wanted something to dance to. This bold shift paid off in a big way.
Their self-titled debut album went platinum and even earned two Grammy nominations, a remarkable achievement for a band that started out playing in small Ohio clubs. “Play That Funky Music” became an anthem of the disco era, blending rock and funk in a way that resonated across genres.
However, Wild Cherry couldn’t repeat this level of success with later releases. Despite their talent and catchy style, follow-up albums didn’t capture the same magic, and they disbanded a few years later. Still, their one big hit lives on, filling dance floors and radio airwaves for decades.
Stealers Wheel – “Stuck in the Middle With You”
Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You” became an unexpected hit in 1972, climbing to the Top 10 and putting the Scottish folk-rock group on the map. Formed by Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty, the band had a unique sound that blended folk, rock, and a hint of humor. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable riff quickly turned it into a fan favorite.
However, Stealers Wheel faced constant instability. Rafferty left shortly after their debut, only to rejoin later, but the band struggled to recapture the success of their breakout hit. Their follow-up single “Star” came close, peaking at No. 29 in the U.S., but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the spotlight.
By 1975, Stealers Wheel disbanded before their third album, Right or Wrong, could make an impact. Despite their short-lived career, “Stuck in the Middle with You” remains iconic, later gaining a resurgence in popularity from its use in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs.
Carl Douglas – “Kung Fu Fighting”
Carl Douglas struck gold with “Kung Fu Fighting” in 1974, a song that blended disco beats with a martial arts theme, making it an instant novelty hit. It quickly shot to No. 1 in both the U.S. and the U.K., with its playful melody and catchy chorus capturing the disco era’s spirit. The song became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 11 million copies worldwide.
Douglas, who was born in Jamaica and raised in England, became the first Jamaican artist to top the charts in the U.K. The success of “Kung Fu Fighting” put him in the spotlight, and for a moment, it seemed like he’d found a winning formula. The song’s success also reflected the global fascination with martial arts, fueled by the popularity of Bruce Lee and kung fu films.
Hoping to continue the momentum, Douglas released “Dance the Kung Fu” as a follow-up single. However, the song didn’t reach the same heights, and his career as a hitmaker was short-lived. Still, “Kung Fu Fighting” remains a beloved disco classic, a song that captures the quirky, carefree vibe of the 1970s.
Starland Vocal Band – “Afternoon Delight”
Starland Vocal Band hit No. 1 in 1976 with “Afternoon Delight,” a catchy tune about romance that took radio by storm. Formed by married songwriters Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, along with Jon Carroll and Margot Chapman, the band quickly captured attention with their harmonies and playful lyrics.
Their success brought unexpected recognition, including two Grammy Awards, one for Best New Artist, where they beat out popular acts like Boston. This led to a short-lived TV variety show, but their follow-up efforts didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences.
By the early 1980s, both the band and personal relationships within it began to dissolve. Carroll and Chapman split, and in 1981, the group officially disbanded. Though brief, their success left “Afternoon Delight” as a beloved ‘70s classic.
The Buggles – “Video Killed the Radio Star”
The Buggles, formed by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, made an unforgettable mark in music history with their 1979 hit “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Though their active years spanned only five years, from 1977 to 1982, the English New Wave duo became one of the most famous one-hit wonders ever. Their catchy, futuristic tune debuted at No. 1 in five countries, including the U.K.
While the song only peaked at No. 40 in the U.S., its impact grew when it debuted as the first music video on MTV in August 1981. The video’s innovative blend of new technology and catchy pop music made it an iconic moment in the history of television and music videos. It marked the beginning of a new era in how music was consumed and shared.
Though The Buggles didn’t replicate the success of “Video Killed the Radio Star” with their other releases, the song remains a defining moment of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Its blend of pop and commentary on the shifting media landscape captured the zeitgeist, and its place in music history is secured.
Norman Greenbaum – “Spirit in the Sky”
Norman Greenbaum’s musical journey began as part of the novelty band Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band, where he experimented with quirky sounds. In the late 1960s, he ventured into folk music, but his breakthrough came when he recorded “Spirit in the Sky.” The song caught the attention of Reprise Records, who sent him to producer Erik Jacobsen, who turned it into a psychedelic rock anthem.
Released in December 1969, “Spirit in the Sky” was an instant hit. By April 1970, it reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over 2 million copies. Its heavy guitar riffs and spiritual lyrics made it an iconic track, still widely recognized today, especially in film and commercials.
Despite the success of “Spirit in the Sky,” Greenbaum never replicated its chart-topping magic. His follow-up single “Canned Ham” peaked at No. 46, but it couldn’t capture the same attention. Greenbaum later credited his love of westerns as the inspiration behind the song’s unique sound and imagery.
Terry Jacks – “Season in the Sun”
Terry Jacks began his musical career with The Chessmen, a Canadian band that gained some regional attention during his teenage years. After moving on to the Poppy Family, a psychedelic pop trio, Jacks found more success, with their hit “Which Way You Goin’ Billy?” reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. However, the Poppy Family disbanded in 1972, prompting Jacks to focus on his solo career.
In 1973, Jacks reworked the song “Seasons in the Sun,” originally intended for The Beach Boys. His version became a massive global hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over 14 million copies worldwide. The song’s blend of melancholy and catchy melody resonated with a wide audience, cementing its place in pop culture.
Though Jacks released four studio albums between 1974 and 1987, none matched the success of “Seasons in the Sun.” Despite a career spanning decades, the song remains his only major hit, overshadowing his other musical endeavors.
Looking Glass – “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”
Looking Glass, formed in 1969 at Rutgers University by guitarist Elliot Lurie and pianist Larry Gonsky, gained instant success with their catchy soft-rock hit “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” The song, telling the story of a bartender who captures the attention of a sailor, became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1972. The band’s self-titled debut album featured the track, marking the peak of their brief career.
Despite the success of “Brandy,” Looking Glass couldn’t replicate their chart-topping achievement. Their follow-up single, “Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne,” peaked at No. 33 in 1973, but they never reached the same level of popularity again. The band’s lineup also saw changes, with bassist Pieter Sweval and drummer Jeff Grob rounding out the group by the time they recorded their first album.
After struggling to maintain momentum, Looking Glass went through more lineup shifts and even name changes before disbanding in 1985. While they never repeated their success, “Brandy” remains a classic ‘70s anthem, still beloved by fans for its nostalgic, breezy sound.
King Harvest – “Dancing in the Moonlight”
King Harvest, formed in Ithaca, New York, in 1969, started with a solid lineup that included Dave “Doc” Robinson on vocals and bass, Ron Altbach on keyboards, Ed Tuleja on guitar, and Rod Novak on saxophone. After the band’s initial split in 1971, they regrouped in Paris and recorded their breakout hit, “Dancing in the Moonlight,” in 1972. Initially, the song struggled to gain traction, but over time, it caught on and started climbing the charts.
By 1973, “Dancing in the Moonlight” had become a major hit, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s feel-good vibe and catchy rhythm helped it stand out, making it a classic anthem of the era. During this period, King Harvest toured extensively, hoping to capitalize on the song’s success.
Despite the growing popularity of “Dancing in the Moonlight,” King Harvest was unable to build on their momentum. Their follow-up music didn’t resonate as strongly, and by 1976, the band disbanded for good. While they had their moment in the spotlight, their legacy remains tied to that one unforgettable hit.
Ace – “How Long”
Ace, a band formed in Sheffield, England, gained early attention playing in local bars before they struck gold with their hit song “How Long.” Written by the band’s frontman, Paul Carrack, the track appeared on their 1974 debut album Five-a-Side. The song’s unexpected success led to it peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975, catapulting Ace into the spotlight.
Despite this breakthrough, Ace struggled to maintain momentum. They released two more albums, Time for Another in 1975 and No Strings in 1977, but neither matched the success of “How Long.” The band’s inability to replicate their initial hit ultimately led to their breakup in 1977.
While Ace’s time in the limelight was brief, “How Long” remains a classic rock staple. Paul Carrack, however, would go on to have a successful solo career and contribute to bands like Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics, proving that his talents extended far beyond Ace’s one-hit wonder status.
Mungo Jerry – “In the Summertime”
Mungo Jerry, founded by Ray Dorset, first made waves in 1970 at the Hollywood Music Festival, where they became the standout act. Their performance caught the attention of audiences, leading to the release of their debut album later that year. Interestingly, the album didn’t include their breakout hit, “In the Summertime,” which would go on to define their legacy.
Released as a single, “In the Summertime” quickly became a global sensation, peaking at No. 1 in over 15 countries. The song also reached No. 3 in the U.S., making it one of the most memorable summer anthems of the era. Its infectious melody and carefree vibe made it an instant favorite with listeners worldwide.
Despite the massive success of “In the Summertime,” Mungo Jerry struggled to follow up with similar hits. The band continued to release music throughout the 1970s, but they never managed to recreate the magic of their debut single. Ray Dorset remained the driving force behind the band, but their one-hit wonder status became cemented as the years went on.
Pilot – “Magic”
Pilot was formed in 1973 by David Paton, a vocalist and bassist, and Billy Lyall, a pianist. They quickly recruited guitarist Ian Bairnson and drummer Stuart Tosh, creating the lineup that would define the band. The Scottish rock group’s debut album, From the Album of the Same Name, was released in 1974 and featured their most famous track, “Magic.”
The song “Magic” became an instant hit, soaring to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its catchy, smooth melody and enchanting lyrics made it a staple of 1970s radio. Despite its success, Pilot struggled to replicate that level of achievement in the U.S., with their subsequent singles failing to crack the Top 40.
While “Magic” remains their signature song, Pilot’s chart performance in America did not live up to expectations. They released several albums in the 1970s, but none managed to duplicate the commercial success of their debut. The band remained active in Europe, but their one-hit wonder status was solidified in the U.S.
Ram Jam – “Black Betty”
“Black Betty” became a rock hit with its driving beat, intense guitar riffs, and high-energy performance. The song, originally an African American folk tune, was reimagined by Bill Bartlett, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Ram Jam. His version of the song brought it into the rock spotlight.
Released in 1977, “Black Betty” peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, further boosting its popularity. Its catchy rhythm and unforgettable chorus made it a rock anthem.
Despite the success of “Black Betty,” Ram Jam couldn’t match that success with their later music. Their follow-up songs failed to chart as well, and the band never reached the same level of fame again. However, “Black Betty” remains their signature track.
Mountain – “Mississippi Queen”
Mountain was formed in 1969, led by guitarist and vocalist Leslie West. The original lineup also included Felix Pappalardi on bass, Steve Knight on keyboards, and Corky Laing on drums. They released three studio albums from 1970 to 1972, with “Mississippi Queen” being their biggest hit.
“Mississippi Queen” became Mountain’s lone Top 40 hit, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite their short run, the song remains a rock classic. The band’s heavy guitar riffs and West’s powerful vocals made an undeniable impact on the emerging heavy metal scene in the 1970s.
Though Mountain’s original success was brief, they regrouped several times over the years, releasing eight studio albums. Their influence on rock and metal continues to be felt, and “Mississippi Queen” remains their signature track.
Nazareth – “Love Hurts”
Nazareth, a Scottish hard rock band, is often remembered for their one big hit, “Love Hurts.” Despite this, they have a long and successful career, releasing over twenty studio albums. The band built a dedicated following, but their commercial success was mostly defined by this one iconic song.
Released in 1974, “Love Hurts” was featured on their album Hair of the Dog. The song’s popularity helped the album achieve platinum status and reach No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track remains the band’s most well-known song to date.
While Nazareth continued to release music and tour, they never replicated the mainstream success of “Love Hurts.” However, their legacy is marked by their enduring influence on rock, with Hair of the Dog still regarded as a classic.