One Hit Wonders: The 18 Biggest 1970s Songs and Bands
Groups and artists that danced in the moonlight, but not the next day.
Published 11 months ago in Wow
I'd bet that you know many of these songs, but do you know the artists? And do you know any of their other work?
The 1970s were a definite decade for music, but like in any era, many of its biggest hits were made by artists and groups that never had another.
Here are the biggest one-hit wonders from the 1970s.
1
Dancing in the Moonlight - 1970-1972
Written by Sherman Kelly, originally recorded in 1970 by Kelly's band Boffalongo. It became a hit single when recorded by King Harvest in 1972.
2
Ring My Bell - 1979
"Ring My Bell" is a 1979 disco song written by Frederick Knight. The song was originally written for eleven-year-old Stacy Lattisaw, but was sung by Anita Ward.
3
In the Summertime - 1970
Mungo Jerry are a British rock band formed by Ray Dorset.
4
Spirit in the Sky - 1970
By Norman Joel Greenbaum.
5
I Love the Nightlife - 1978
“I Love the Nightlife” was released as the first single from Alicia Bridges’ debut album.
6
Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) - 1970
This was the debut single by Edison Lighthouse.
7
Mississippi Queen - 1970
By Mountain, headed by Leslie West.
8
The Hustle - 1975
By Van McCoy and the Soul City Symphony.
9
Kung Fu Fighting - 1974
By Jamaican vocalist Carl Douglas, written by Douglas and produced by British-Indian musician Biddu.
10
Afternoon Delight - 1976
The Starland Vocal Band had three other singles chart after “Afternoon Delight,” but less after that.
11
Black Betty - 1977
Performed by Ram Jam, Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter is credited as the author. Some believe the song was adapted from even earlier folk material.
12
"Brother Louie" - 1973
The Stories topped the charts when they covered “Brother Louie.”
13
Don't Give Up On Us - 1977
Written by Tony Macaulay, and recorded by David Soul.
14
“Seasons in the Sun” - 1974
15
Play That Funky Music - 1976
By Rob Parissi and recorded by the band Wild Cherry.
16
"Lovin' You" - 1975
This song with a unique sound was the biggest hit Maya Rudolph’s mother would ever have.
17
"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" - 1972
This single from Looking Glass’s debut album reached number one.
18
"The Rapper" - 1970
The Jaggerz reached number one with their only major hit.
