A one-hit wonder is defined as a band or artist that has one song that makes a big splash commercially and then nothing. In some cases, one-hit wonders are famous and respected artists – even Rock ‘n Roll legends such as Lou Reed. Others, however, are truly a footnote in pop music history that never to be heard from again. Enjoy the list below of some of the biggest one-hit wonders of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart of the 70’s. Where applicable, the list also shows the chart position in the UK.
Lou Reed – “Walk on the Wild Side” (1972) from Transformer
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #16
UK Singles Peak Position: #10
Also Known For: Although “Walk on the Wild Side” is Reed’s only Top 40 hit, he is one of the most influential artists in rock history. Prior to his solo work, he was a founding member of the legendary band The Velvet Underground. Although the band never achieved commercial success during their existence, they are well known as an influence on nearly every alternative/indie rock band. Reed has twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of the Velvet Underground.
Stories – “Brother Louie” (1973) from About Us
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #1
UK Singles Peak Position: Did Not Chart
Also Known For: The band was co-founded by Michael Brown who had previously been lead vocalist for the Left Banke and their smash hit “Walk Away Renee” (Number 5 Billboard Single) from 1966.
Dr. John – “Right Place, Wrong Time” (1973) from In the Right Place
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #9
UK Singles Peak Position: Did Not Chart
Also Known For: Dr. John is a music legend appearing on albums by everyone from Aretha Franklin and Ringo Starr to The Rolling Stones and Bob Seger. He has won six Grammy Awards and was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Ace – “How Long” (1975) from Five-A-Side
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #3
UK Singles Peak Position: #20
Also Known For: Following their brief career, lead singer Paul Carrack would achieve international fame as lead singer for Squeeze, Mike & the Mechanics as well as his successful solo career.
Also Known For: In addition to being a hit on the pop charts, “Third Rate Romance” went to #14 on the US Country charts. The song was a Number One hit in Canada as well. Their other single from Stacked Deck – “Amazing Grace (Used to Be Her Favorite Song” – was a Top 10 Country Hit in the US and Canada. “The End is Not in Sight (The Cowboy Tune”) won a Grammy in 1976 for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Group.
Nazareth – “Love Hurts” (1976) from Hair of the Dog
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #8
UK Singles Peak Position: #41
Also Known For: Nazareth’s song “Hair of the Dog” is a classic rock radio staple and the album of the same title was a big hit in the US – peaking at #17 on the Billboard album charts and selling more than 1 million copies. They’ve released 25 albums over their career and continue to record and tour.
Elvin Bishop – “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” (1976) from Struttin’ My Stuff
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #3
UK Singles Peak Position:#34
Also Known For: Elvin Bishop was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Elvin was also inducted in to the Blues Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2016. His song, “Drunken-Hearted Boy” was recorded by the Allman Brothers Band on The Fillmore Concerts – the expanded version of At Fillmore East. Mickey Thomas, later of Jefferson Starship/Starship fame, sang lead vocals on “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.”
Thin Lizzy – “The Boys Are Back in Town” (1976) from Jailbreak
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #12
UK Singles Peak Position: #8
Also Known For: Although not a huge commercial success outside of the UK, Thin Lizzy are one of the most influential hard rocks bands from the 70’s. Their live album Live and Dangerous is widely considered one of the best live rock albums of all-time. The band was also home to some well known guitarists including Gary Moore, Brian Robertson (also of Motorhead fame) and John Sykes (Whitesnake, Blue Murder and Tigers of Pan Tang). Thin Lizzy influenced many of the popular British heavy metal acts of the 1980s including Def Leppard and Iron Maiden.
Randy Newman – “Short People” (1977) from Little Criminals
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #2
UK Singles Peak Position: Did Not Chart
Also Known For: Newman has been nominated for 22 Academy Awards (winning twice) for his work on film scores. He was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Also well known for songs “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “I Love L.A.” – neither of which cracked the Top 40.
Patti Smith – “Because the Night” (1978) from Easter
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #13
UK Singles Peak Position: #5
Also Known For: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, Patti’s debut album, Horses, is considered by most critics to be one of the greatest albums of all time.
Chris Rea – “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” (1978) from Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?
Billboard 100 Peak Position: #12
UK Singles Peak Position: #30
Also Known For: Although this was Rea’s only Top 40 hit in the US, he’s been very successful in the UK with 13 Top 40 hits and 8 albums that have reached the Top 10 on UK Album charts including Auberge and The Road to Hell. Chris Rea also released one of the most famous Christmas songs in the UK – “Driving Home for Christmas.”
