One-Hit Wonders Every 70s Kid Remembers

The 1970s was a decade of musical experimentation and growth, with the rise of rock, disco, funk, and soul. The decade also saw the emergence of many one-hit wonders, with artists who had a massive hit song but never quite replicated their success. Here are some of the most memorable one-hit wonders from the 1970s that every 70s kid remembers.

1. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry (1976): This funky disco hit, with its catchy guitar riff and infectious chorus, became an instant classic and a staple at dance parties. Although Wild Cherry released other songs, none of them came close to the success of “Play That Funky Music.”
2. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass (1972): With its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” became a huge hit in the early 70s. The song tells the story of a barmaid named Brandy who falls in love with a sailor, but he must leave her behind to return to the sea.
3. “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation (1974): “Rock the Boat” was a disco hit with a laid-back vibe and catchy chorus that urged people to get up and dance. Although The Hues Corporation released other songs, none of them quite matched the success of “Rock the Boat.”
4. “Convoy” by C.W. McCall (1975): “Convoy” was a novelty song about a group of truckers who form a convoy to evade the police. The song’s catchy chorus and references to trucker lingo made it a hit with listeners, but C.W. McCall was never able to replicate its success.
5. “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band (1976): This soft rock hit became a cultural phenomenon in the mid-70s, with its suggestive lyrics and catchy chorus. Although Starland Vocal Band continued to release music, none of their subsequent songs matched the success of “Afternoon Delight.”
6. “The Hustle” by Van McCoy (1975): “The Hustle” was a disco instrumental with a catchy beat and easy-to-follow dance steps. The song became a dance craze, and although Van McCoy released other disco hits, none of them matched the success of “The Hustle.”
7. “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes (1979): With its catchy melody and playful lyrics, “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” became a massive hit in the late 70s. The song tells the story of a man who responds to a personal ad, only to discover that the woman who placed the ad is his current partner.
8. “Don’t Give Up on Us” by David Soul (1976): David Soul, best known for his role in the television show “Starsky and Hutch,” had a hit with “Don’t Give Up on Us,” a soft rock ballad with a catchy chorus. Although Soul continued to release music, he never matched the success of this song.
9. “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas (1974): “Kung Fu Fighting” was a disco hit with a martial arts theme that became an instant classic. The song’s catchy melody and lyrics made it a hit with audiences, but Carl Douglas was never able to replicate its success.
10. “Float On” by The Floaters (1977): This soulful ballad, with its spoken-word introduction and catchy chorus, became a massive hit in the late 70s. The song tells the story of a man who meets a woman on a cruise ship, and the two fall in love.
11. “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks (1974): This sentimental ballad, with its melancholy lyrics and catchy melody, became a massive hit in the mid-70s. The song tells the story of a man saying goodbye to his loved ones before he dies.
12. “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum (1970): “Spirit in the Sky” was a psychedelic rock song that became an instant classic. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat melody made it a hit with audiences, but Norman Greenbaum was never able to replicate its success.
13. “The Streak” by Ray Stevens (1974): “The Streak” was a novelty song about streaking, a popular fad in the 70s. The song’s humorous lyrics and catchy melody made it a hit with listeners, but Ray Stevens was never able to replicate its success.
14. “Disco Duck” by Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots (1976): “Disco Duck” was a novelty disco song about a duck who loves to dance. The song’s catchy chorus and humorous lyrics made it a hit with audiences, but Rick Dees was never able to replicate its success.
15. “Pop Muzik” by M (1979): “Pop Muzik” was a new wave dance hit with a catchy synth riff and infectious chorus. The song became a massive hit in the late 70s, but M was never able to replicate its success.
16. “Vehicle” by The Ides of March (1970): “Vehicle” was a rock song with a brass section that became an instant classic. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat melody made it a hit with audiences, but The Ides of March were never able to replicate its success.
17. “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry (1970): This catchy summer anthem, with its upbeat melody and memorable lyrics, became a hit in the early 70s. Although Mungo Jerry released other songs, none of them came close to the success of “In the Summertime.”
18. “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” by MFSB featuring The Three Degrees (1974): “TSOP” was a disco instrumental with a catchy melody and a lush orchestral arrangement. The song became the theme for the television show “Soul Train,” and although MFSB released other disco hits, none of them matched the success of “TSOP.”
19. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” by Edison Lighthouse (1970): This upbeat pop song, with its catchy melody and cheerful lyrics, became a hit in the early 70s. Although Edison Lighthouse released other songs, none of them came close to the success of “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes).”
20. “Everybody’s Talkin'” by Nilsson (1970): “Everybody’s Talkin'” was a folk-pop song with a haunting melody and poignant lyrics. The song became a hit after it was featured in the movie “Midnight Cowboy,” but Nilsson was never able to replicate its success.

Moreover, other notable one-hit wonders from the 1970s include “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace, “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry, “Torn Between Two Lovers” by Mary MacGregor, “Pop Muzik” by M, “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” by Edison Lighthouse, “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum, “Playground in My Mind” by Clint Holmes, and “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell. These songs were all hugely popular during their time and remain beloved by many music fans today.