3 Absolutely Forgotten 1970s One-Hit Wonders
via Crabby Appleton - Topic / Youtube
When we think of one-hit wonders, we usually remember both the song and the artist—at least for a while. These are the songs that had a moment in the spotlight, climbed the charts, and got stuck in people’s heads. But every now and then, a one-hit wonder burns bright and fast—so fast that the artist disappears from pop culture almost entirely. Let’s take a look at three catchy tracks from 1970 that once made waves but are mostly forgotten today.
“Jennifer Tomkins” by Street People
Back in 1970, a soulful tune called “Jennifer Tomkins” reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was originally recorded in 1969 by Rupert Holmes and Ron Dante, meant to be released under their group, The Cuff Links. But after some behind-the-scenes drama and Dante’s sudden departure, Holmes had to regroup and release it under a new name—Street People. Despite the switch, the song still found success and stuck around on the charts for nearly four months. It’s a catchy gem, but it’s mostly vanished from the collective memory.
“Go Back” by Crabby Appleton
Also peaking at No. 36, “Go Back” was the energetic debut single from Crabby Appleton’s 1970 self-titled album. The song’s lively rhythm and infectious vibe helped the band land gigs opening for huge acts like The Doors, Three Dog Night, Sly And The Family Stone, and even ABBA. Unfortunately, Crabby Appleton never managed another hit. Maybe it was the quirky name, or maybe lightning just didn’t strike twice. Still, “Go Back” remains a fun, feel-good song worth dusting off.
“Games” by Redeye
Redeye, a rock group from Los Angeles, dropped their self-titled album in 1970, along with their best-performing single, “Games.” The harmony-packed track climbed up to No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and had that perfect road trip or movie soundtrack energy. But as quickly as it rose, it faded away. Today, “Games” is a hidden treasure in music history—fun to rediscover but largely forgotten by most fans.
Pop culture can be fickle, but these three tracks prove that even short-lived fame can leave behind some great music.
