Most Popular One-Hit Wonder Songs From 1973 That Went Crazy

In 1973, the United States marked the end of its involvement in the Vietnam War, while the passing of former President Lyndon B. Johnson and the legalization of abortion through the Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court also defined the year. Amidst an oil crisis and economic recessions, Motorola engineer Martin Cooper made history with the first cell phone call using his groundbreaking device.

The highest-grossing movies of the year included The Exorcist, The Sting, and American Graffiti. Meanwhile, the Billboard charts were dominated by memorable singles, with Tony Orlando and Dawn’s “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” and Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly with His Song” topping the Year-End Hot 100.

1973 was also a year of remarkable one-hit wonders spanning soul, funk, folk rock, and progressive rock. Over 30 artists achieved their only Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 that year, each leaving a lasting imprint on music history. Here, we explore six standout tracks that defined the musical landscape of ’73:

King Harvest – “Dancing in the Moonlight”
Sherman Kelly penned this uplifting, pop-rock, harmony-laden single during his recovery from a gang assault in St. Croix, USVI. This track hit the number 13 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 on February 24. Imagining a world of peace and joy, Kelly crafted King Harvest’s lone Top 40 hit, “Dancing in the Moonlight.” The song became a staple on classic rock radio and featured prominently in films and TV shows. Despite disbanding in 1976 after releasing only two albums, King Harvest reunited for their 40th anniversary in 2012.

Vicki Lawrence – “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”
Actress Vicki Lawrence, known for her role on The Carol Burnett Show, unexpectedly topped the charts with the Southern Gothic murder ballad “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” Originally written by Bobby Russell, the country-pop song’s success catapulted Lawrence into the spotlight, landing the first spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 on April 7. Despite subsequent singles like “He Did With Me,” which peaked at #75, Lawrence found enduring fame as Thelma Harper in Mama’s Family and continues to tour with her show Vicki Lawrence and Mama – A Two Woman Show.

Focus – “Hocus Pocus”
Dutch prog-rockers Focus unleashed the frenetic “Hocus Pocus,” featuring Zeppelin-esque riffs, thunderous drums, flute solos, and even yodeling. Thijs van Leer’s classically trained prowess on flute captivated audiences, making the nearly seven-minute song a standout hit. Co-written by Jan Akkerman, this single reached number 9 on the Hot 100’s list on June 2. The Focus’ energetic performance on The Midnight Special also cemented their place in rock history, showcasing their unique blend of virtuosity and showmanship.

Dr. John – “Right Place, Wrong Time”
Dr. John, the legendary New Orleans musician, collaborated with The Meters on “Right Place, Wrong Time,” a funky amalgamation of New Orleans R&B, jazz, and blues. Penned by Mac Rebennack, the song became number 9 on June 30 on Billboard Hot 100. Despite a storied career spanning six decades, this single remains Dr. John’s sole Top 40 hit. The song’s infectious groove and Dr. John’s distinctive style captured the essence of his musical journey, earning enduring acclaim and influence.

Stories – “Brother Louie”
Originally a hit for British funk band Hot Chocolate and written by Errol Brown and Tony Wilson, “Brother Louie” took on new life with Stories’ rendition, topping the charts with its lush strings and funky instrumentation. The song’s adaptation and removal of racial slurs resonated with audiences, embodying the spirit of ’73 with its vibrant guitar riffs and soulful vocals. The song went to the top spot on August 25 on Hot 100’s list.

Ann Peebles – “I Can’t Stand the Rain”
Inspired by a rainy night in Memphis, Ann Peebles crafted the soulful lament “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” produced by Willie Mitchell of Al Green fame. The song’s electric timbale riff, mimicking raindrops, became iconic in Peebles’ repertoire and later gained renewed popularity through covers by artists like Eruption and Missy Elliott. This song was co-written with Don Bryant, and Bernard “Bernie” Miller and took the 38th spot on Hot 100 on December 22.

Each of these tracks from 1973 encapsulates a moment in musical history, showcasing the diverse talents and lasting impact of one-hit wonders on the cultural tapestry of their time.