These ’70s Solo Artists Had Just One Hit… But It Was Glorious
via Michele / Youtube
Ask any songwriter and they’ll tell you—writing a song is tough. Writing a hit? Even harder. And pulling it off completely solo? That’s some rare air. But every so often, someone picks up a guitar or steps behind a mic and creates something unforgettable. These three one-hit wonders from the 1970s prove that sometimes one great song is all it takes to leave a lasting mark.
“Mr. Big Stuff” – Jean Knight (1971)
Catchy, bold, and full of sass—Mr. Big Stuff was the kind of tune that instantly turned heads. Jean Knight’s voice oozed confidence as she delivered that unforgettable line, “Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?” The song walked the line between flirtation and empowerment and had just the right amount of attitude. It climbed all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an anthem of the decade. Though Knight never hit the charts like that again, this funky track cemented her place in soul music history.
“City of New Orleans” – Arlo Guthrie (1972)
Folk music ran in Arlo Guthrie’s blood—his dad, Woody Guthrie, helped shape the genre. But Arlo carved out his own path with City of New Orleans, a gentle, acoustic song that painted a picture of America from the window of a train. While it was actually written by Steve Goodman, Arlo’s version struck a chord with listeners, landing at No. 18 on the Hot 100. With lyrics that feel like a postcard from the rails, this was Guthrie’s only Top 40 hit. Still, it showed how one heartfelt performance can turn a simple tune into something timeless.
“Right Place, Wrong Time” – Dr. John (1973)
Dr. John was more than just a musician; he was a legend in New Orleans. His music had a dark, swampy sound and a hallucinogenic feel that made it feel like a voodoo spell. Right Place, Wrong Time, a funky and weirdly fantastic song, was his biggest commercial hit. It reached No. 9 on the charts. What made the song unforgettable was Dr. John’s gruff voice and quirky lyrics. He never had another Top 40 record, but his legacy goes well beyond the charts. He died in 2019, but admirers still remember how special he made every song.
These one-hit wonders may have only made it to the Top 40 once, but they’ve been heard for decades. This shows that one song can sometimes make history.
