5 ‘One-Hit Wonders’ Who Came Out of Nowhere and Disappeared

There have been numerous bands and solo artists who burst onto the scene, made a huge splash with a single song, and then, almost as if by magic, seemed to vanish into thin air.

1. The Knack – “My Sharona”

When The Knack released “My Sharona” in 1979, it was an instant hit. Climbing to the top of the charts, this song had a catchy beat that no one could resist. The band was formed in Los Angeles and brought a fresh energy that captured the essence of rock and pop fusion perfectly. The song was so popular that it became the number one song of the year, outplaying many other competitors.

Despite their huge success, The Knack struggled to replicate the magic of “My Sharona.” They released a few more albums, but none of the new songs ever reached the same heights. It wasn’t for a lack of talent or effort, but sometimes, the stars align only once. Today, “My Sharona” remains a classic hit, and even though The Knack didn’t stay in the limelight, their hit song ensures they won’t be forgotten.

2. Norman Greenbaum – “Spirit in the Sky”

Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” is a perfect example of how a song can become bigger than the artist. Released in 1969, this track with its distinctive guitar riff and spiritual lyrics became an anthem for the counterculture movement. It beautifully merged rock with a gospel vibe, creating an infectious sound that was both uplifting and groovy.

After “Spirit in the Sky,” Greenbaum continued to make music but never found the same level of success. His unique blend of rock and gospel set the bar high, perhaps too high for him to reach again. The song, however, lives on. It’s been featured in movies, commercials, and various compilations, ensuring that while Greenbaum might have stepped away from the spotlight, his one hit continues to inspire and entertain.

3. Wild Cherry – “Play That Funky Music”

Wild Cherry was a rock band who’d been around for a while before they suddenly shot to fame with “Play That Funky Music” in 1976. The song’s infectious groove and command to “play that funky music, white boy” got people hitting the dance floors across the nation. Originally hailing from Ohio, Wild Cherry managed to perfectly blend rock with a funk sound, which helped carve out their spot on the charts.

After this success, the band found themselves struggling to recreate the phenomenon. They released more music but couldn’t quite strike gold twice, and audience interest waned. Though their time in the limelight was brief, “Play That Funky Music” continues to be a party anthem, making Wild Cherry unforgettable classic rock one-hit wonders.

4. Looking Glass – “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”

Looking Glass managed to capture listeners’ hearts with “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” in 1972. This song spun a tale of a barmaid and her sailor love, set to an infectious melody that made it a radio favorite. The band hailing from New Jersey struck a chord with this narrative-driven tune, which showcased a softer side of rock that listeners adored.

Following their hit, Looking Glass had a tough time finding their way back to the charts. They experimented with different musical styles but nothing stuck with the public quite like “Brandy.” Despite fading from the spotlight, Looking Glass’s one chart-topper continued to endear them to a generation of fans.

5. Ram Jam – “Black Betty”

Ram Jam unleashed “Black Betty,” a reimagining of an old leadbelly tune, onto the airwaves in 1977. The song’s distinctive riff and driving rhythm made it a hard rock favorite and got fans clapping and stomping along. The band might have hailed from New York City, but their Southern rock sound had universal appeal.

The group released more material after this smash hit but none of their following tunes managed to recapture the raw edge and energetic spirit that “Black Betty” had. Although their subsequent work didn’t achieve the same success, Ram Jam secured their place in classic rock’s hall of fame with this one powerful track.