Over 2000 One Hit Wonder Songs!!
Last Update 04/03/16
Novelty One Hit Wonders
- Artist
- Cledus Maggard & the Citizen's Band
- Year
- 1976
- Song
- The White Knight
- Chart
- 19
In 1970s, an advertising executive named Jay Huguely got an idea of recording novelty songs under the name Cledus Maggard & the Citizen's Band. His debut singles "The White Knight", a song about a truck driver who became a victim of Georgia highway patrolman's speed trap, became an unexpected hit in 1976. Two albums soon followed, but none could became another hit and Huguely quietly vanished from music world.
- Artist
- Henhouse Five Plus Too
- Year
- 1977
- Song
- In The Mood
- Chart
- 40
Henhouse Five Plus Too was actually a pseudonym of the country/novelty expert Ray Stevens for his 1977 records. His novelty version of Glenn Miller's "In The Mood", composed entirely with chicken chirp, became an unexpected Top40 hit. This fictional chicken group never released another records ever again.
- Artist
- Meri Wilson
- Year
- 1977
- Song
- Telephone Man
- Chart
- 18
Meri Wilson was a pop singer who gained a brief public attension during the 1970s. Her debut "Telephone Man", was a funny story about a woman and the telephone technician she called. This novelty singles became a popular record and climbed to Top20 on Billboard chart in 1977. Unfortunately, her follow-up works were flops and she eventually retired from the music world.
- Artist
- Barnes & Barnes
- Year
- 1978
- Song
- Fish Heads
- Chart
The L.A. music duo Robert Haimer and Billy Mumy, better known as twin brother Art & Artie Barnes, were famous for their novelty works, especially the 1978's "Fish Heads". This utterly nonsensical song became one of the most requested song in the history of the Dr. Demento Show. So far, none of their other works come close to the popularity of that one song.
- Artist
- Jilted John
- Year
- 1978
- Song
- Jilted John
- Chart
- UK 4
Jilted John was an alter ego of a British comedian Graham David Fellows. He was known for his debut singles "Jilted John". The novelty pop record with punk-influence became a national chart in 1978. However, his next two singles could not catch public attention, and he stopped being Jilted John soon after.
- Artist
- Steve Martin & the Toot Uncommons
- Year
- 1978
- Song
- King Tut
- Chart
- 17
Steve Martin was said to be the most successful stand-up comedian of the seventies, who frequently appeared on "Saturday Night Live". His popularity leaded to the release of his comedy albums in the late 70s. One of his singles "King Tut" became his lone top40 hit in 1978. And by the end of the 1970s, he turned to pursue a movie career.
- Artist
- Randy Newman
- Year
- 1978
- Song
- Short People
- Chart
- 2
Randy Newman was an American singer/songwriter since the late 1960s. His songs have been covered and made into hits by many artists. He got a break in1977 with the novelty tune "Short People". This irony, sarcastic song almost topped the chart in 1978. He tried to carry on this success with more comedy records, but could only scored one minor hit.
- Artist
- The Dickies
- Year
- 1979
- Song
- Banana Splits (Tra La La Song)
- Chart
- UK 7
This L.A. punk band was one of the most definitive punk group in US - not to mention the oldest. Since 1977, they have continued to release their new materials to the world. They hit it big in 1979 with the cover of children TV show's theme "Banana Splits (Tra La La Song)". The song became a Top10 hit in UK and was featured in 2010 film Kick-Ass. It was their only big success so far.
- Artist
- Captain Beaky and His Band
- Year
- 1980
- Song
- Captain Beaky
- Chart
- UK 2
Captain Beaky was originally a collection of children poems by Jeremy Lloyd, before it was made into music albums by various British celebrities. The lead song "Captain Beaky" by Keith Michell became a surprise no.2 hit in 1980. It was the only hit from Captain Beaky and His Band album series.
- Artist
- St Winifred's School Choir
- Year
- 1980
- Song
- There's No One Quite Like Grandma
- Chart
- UK 1
This children choir from St. Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School in Stockport, England, gain an sudden national fame by the end of 1980. Their memorable "There's No One Quite Like Grama", became a smash no.1 hit during Christmas of 1980. The song was penned by Gordon Lorenz for the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). It was their only chart success ever since the choir began recording in 1972.
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