To the new readers: My Friday Substack usually goes into Rock and Roll music as it was, not how it is now. I have a soft limit of 1965-1966. Since I can barely remember where I put my car keys on a day to day basis, this is as far back as my musical memory goes. Obviously, there was a lot of great Rock and Roll before that but I generally write about songs that are a little more complex and I tend to revere songs that break out of boundaries. I know Rock was breaking boundaries before 1965 but to me, it was more about laying a solid foundation for what was to come.
One thing about Rock music and probably every type of music, is the possibility that one song will break through and be a hit. Sure, record companies knew that pretty much any song released by The Beatles or The Beach Boys was going to sell well, but it is the release of throwaway records that end up being smash hits that i am talking about today.
There are thousands of these records out there for sure but I am going to select one hit wonders that were actually pretty good. No “Worst That could Happen” by The Brooklyn Bridge here. Again, this list is not complete but just a few songs to bring back some positive memories and say “Whatever Happened To…”
Let’s start with Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye”. Not sure why I liked this song but I think it is a quick tempo ditty with a strong lead vocal by Gary DiCarlo. Funny thing about this band, they were all studio musicians who recorded this song without actually being a formal group. They ended up going legit and never produced anything worth listening to.
Easily one of the best one hit wonders ever, “Summertime Blues” by Blue Cheer was recorded and made famous by The Who on Live at Leeds. Tough to make a decision between the two versions but think about this, when have you ever heard a better pairing of group and cover version? Great song no matter who you listen to.
In-A-Godda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly. If I have to explain this choice, you should stop reading.
“Friday on My Mind” by The Easybeats. This band, from Australia, actually made it’s name in England and technically, this song was considered the first hit Australian Rock and Roll song. Listening to the original version and then listening to David Bowie’s version is a revelation. It just seems like Bowie understood the vibe and he created a whole persona based on it.
I would do a disservice if I didn’t include the epitome of one hit wonders, “Spirit In The Sky” by Norman Greenbaum. Another song if I have to explain it to you, your already lost. If you were to line up the first two notes of all the records ever recorded, this would be the song that has the most recognizable opening in all of Rock and Roll.
I am going to include three songs that for some reason stick in my head together. “Vehicle” by Ides of March, “The Rapper” by The Jaggerz and “Ride Captain Ride” by Blues Image. Thematically they have nothing in common and I am not sure why I would group them together. They were all on the charts at the same time I guess but who knows.
To throw everyone off I will throw in a song that started my love for Rap and Hip Hop, “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang. I am kidding but I always liked this song and I know it really doesn’t fit the mood I was laying down in this column but this group truly had only one hit.
Steeler’s Wheel’s “Stuck in The Middle With You” fits the one hit wonder mold and what makes it even more interesting is that one of the leaders of the band, Gerry Rafferty, was a one hit wonder solo artist with “Baker Street” as well.
If you want to bounce off the walls and have your neighbors call the cops play “Black Betty” by Ram Jam at 100dcb. These guys probably went deaf after performing this song 100 times in 1978.
I have mentioned this song numerous times and it fits into this article equally as well, “Green Tambourine” by The Lemon Pipers was one of the few one hit wonder psychedelic songs released in the 60’s.
Obviously, there are many more decent one hit wonders and I would love to hear what everyone has to say so just email me and let me know.
I was going to include Louie Louie but it was released in 1963 so it was outside my designated time frame. Even though it is a true classic.
You sure couldn't go wrong with Ride Captain Ride. Ones that stick in my mind and I hum, off key of course, The Walkers Bros The sun ain't gonna shine anymore, The Stone Poneys Different Drum, and the Kingsmen Louie Louie. PS Catherine bringing up Norman Greenbaum, fantastic;)