Open Thread Update: Your Favorite One Hit Wonders
The One Hit Wonder thread has sparked a delightful exploration of memorable songs from artists who may have faded from the spotlight. Many music lovers shared their favorites, but one ultimate one hit wonder seemed to be overlooked.
A special shout-out goes to Reader Mike K., who has proven to be the music historian of our group. His impressive list includes classics like Wildflower by Skylark, Midnight At The Oasis by Maria Muldaur, and Moonlight Feels Right by Starbuck. He also mentioned Ride Captain Ride by Blues Image, Those Were The Days by Mary Hopkin, and I’ve Never Been To Me by Charlene. Mike’s choice of For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield stirred some lively debate in the comments.
One Hit Wonder or Not?
There was plenty of healthy discussion about what truly defines a one hit wonder. Gail and Joe engaged in a spirited debate over Eric Burdon’s Spill the Wine, while Gail found common ground with Kate W. and Eliot regarding In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry. The question arose: was The Marshall Tucker Band a one hit wonder?
Disco
Disco, often described as the ‘cotton candy’ of music, produced a plethora of one hit wonders. Tracks like Ring My Bell by Anita Ward, Turn the Beat Around by Vickie Sue Robinson, and Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas are just a few examples. I was particularly pleased to see Dan Hartman mentioned; he was a talented musician and producer whose contributions to music were significant, even if his time was cut short.
Speaking of those we’ve lost, let’s give a heartfelt goodbye to the Spaceman, also known as Space Ace, Ace Frehley.
The Ones That Kept Popping Up
While many one-offs appeared in the comments, a few songs garnered multiple mentions: Brandy by Looking Glass, Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder, Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky, and, of course, Afternoon Delight by Starland Vocal Band.
Who knew it was about having sex in the afternoon? Still, if I hear it at the supermarket or a discount store, I smile and sing. Loved their harmony.
-Michele S.
Thanks to Larry G., we also have a contender for the ultimate one hit wonder:
Lots of good ones already listed. Wanna add “Lies” by The Knickerbockers. Loved that tune in the mid-60s… it had so much energy, and their harmonies reminded me of The Beatles. I was in a Beatles tribute band at the time (The Malibu’s) from Hudson County, NJ. Keep on rockin’!
Interestingly, John Lennon once remarked about this song, “I don’t remember recording that.”
*YOUR TURN
What about Come on Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Raiders? And how could we overlook the ultimate one hit wonder, Los Del Rio’s Macarena, which spent an astonishing 68 weeks on Billboard’s charts and remains a wedding staple?
Thanks for participating, and keep those suggestions coming!
Original Column:
I’m still pondering some of the choices for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, especially regarding the artists who were overlooked. If you have thoughts to share, feel free to voice them in the comments.
Let’s Hear It For…Who?
On a different note, let’s celebrate musicians who grasped the brass ring, only to lose it. I’m referring to the one-hit wonders—the bands and artists who soared briefly into fame. There’s even a notable list here. Some of these songs became iconic, even featured in world-famous commercials.
While I might disagree with some entries on that list—Roxy Music had a hit with “Love is the Drug,” but “Mother of Pearl” and “Do the Strand” were equally fantastic. And yes, “Turning Japanese” by the Vapors is a classic, even if it was their only hit. Then there’s “My Sharona.”
One of my personal favorites is a lovely pop song recorded by King Harvest and later covered by Toploader. It’s a fun party anthem, characterized by its artistry and musicality. I’d love to share it with you now.
YOUR TURN
What are your favorite one hit wonders, or songs that deserved more recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Want to discuss more about music and entertainment? Check out our Senior Planet Community group, or visit our dedicated music page here!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung treasures for Straus Newspapers. She frequently writes about Old School New York City and performs at open mic readings throughout the city. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
The One Hit Wonder thread has sparked a delightful exploration of memorable songs from artists who may have faded from the spotlight. Many music lovers shared their favorites, but one ultimate one hit wonder seemed to be overlooked.
A special shout-out goes to Reader Mike K., who has proven to be the music historian of our group. His impressive list includes classics like Wildflower by Skylark, Midnight At The Oasis by Maria Muldaur, and Moonlight Feels Right by Starbuck. He also mentioned Ride Captain Ride by Blues Image, Those Were The Days by Mary Hopkin, and I’ve Never Been To Me by Charlene. Mike’s choice of For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield stirred some lively debate in the comments.
One Hit Wonder or Not?
There was plenty of healthy discussion about what truly defines a one hit wonder. Gail and Joe engaged in a spirited debate over Eric Burdon’s Spill the Wine, while Gail found common ground with Kate W. and Eliot regarding In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry. The question arose: was The Marshall Tucker Band a one hit wonder?
Disco
Disco, often described as the ‘cotton candy’ of music, produced a plethora of one hit wonders. Tracks like Ring My Bell by Anita Ward, Turn the Beat Around by Vickie Sue Robinson, and Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas are just a few examples. I was particularly pleased to see Dan Hartman mentioned; he was a talented musician and producer whose contributions to music were significant, even if his time was cut short.
Speaking of those we’ve lost, let’s give a heartfelt goodbye to the Spaceman, also known as Space Ace, Ace Frehley.
The Ones That Kept Popping Up
While many one-offs appeared in the comments, a few songs garnered multiple mentions: Brandy by Looking Glass, Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder, Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky, and, of course, Afternoon Delight by Starland Vocal Band.
Who knew it was about having sex in the afternoon? Still, if I hear it at the supermarket or a discount store, I smile and sing. Loved their harmony.
-Michele S.
Thanks to Larry G., we also have a contender for the ultimate one hit wonder:
Lots of good ones already listed. Wanna add “Lies” by The Knickerbockers. Loved that tune in the mid-60s… it had so much energy, and their harmonies reminded me of The Beatles. I was in a Beatles tribute band at the time (The Malibu’s) from Hudson County, NJ. Keep on rockin’!
Interestingly, John Lennon once remarked about this song, “I don’t remember recording that.”
*YOUR TURN
What about Come on Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Raiders? And how could we overlook the ultimate one hit wonder, Los Del Rio’s Macarena, which spent an astonishing 68 weeks on Billboard’s charts and remains a wedding staple?
Thanks for participating, and keep those suggestions coming!
Original Column:
I’m still pondering some of the choices for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, especially regarding the artists who were overlooked. If you have thoughts to share, feel free to voice them in the comments.
Let’s Hear It For…Who?
On a different note, let’s celebrate musicians who grasped the brass ring, only to lose it. I’m referring to the one-hit wonders—the bands and artists who soared briefly into fame. There’s even a notable list here. Some of these songs became iconic, even featured in world-famous commercials.
While I might disagree with some entries on that list—Roxy Music had a hit with “Love is the Drug,” but “Mother of Pearl” and “Do the Strand” were equally fantastic. And yes, “Turning Japanese” by the Vapors is a classic, even if it was their only hit. Then there’s “My Sharona.”
One of my personal favorites is a lovely pop song recorded by King Harvest and later covered by Toploader. It’s a fun party anthem, characterized by its artistry and musicality. I’d love to share it with you now.
YOUR TURN
What are your favorite one hit wonders, or songs that deserved more recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Want to discuss more about music and entertainment? Check out our Senior Planet Community group, or visit our dedicated music page here!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung treasures for Straus Newspapers. She frequently writes about Old School New York City and performs at open mic readings throughout the city. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
