One-Hit Wonders Trivia

By Paula Green

Some songs burn bright and fast—topping the charts, taking over the airwaves, and then disappearing almost as quickly as they arrived. Those fleeting hits, known as one-hit wonders, leave behind melodies that instantly transport us back in time. Every September 25, music lovers celebrate National One-Hit Wonder Day, a tradition started in 1990 by music journalist Steve Rosen to honor the artists whose brief fame created unforgettable moments in music history. 

Let’s start local: the tune “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry has Pittsburgh roots. It was written by Rob Parissi after the band's performance at the 2001 Club on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The single hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 18, 1976; it was also No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

Moving on, a few one-hit wonders have weather themes. These include “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls, “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry, “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves, and “No Rain” by Blind Melon.

Of course, it’s also fun to hit the dance floor with these one-hit wonders: Lipps Inc. gave us “Funkytown,” Van McCoy got us grooving with “The Hustle,” Los del Rio introduced us to “The Macarena,” Lou Bega launched “Mambo No. 5,” Men Without Hats established the “Safety Dance,” and Devo busted a move with “Whip It.”

In addition to their radio popularity, some one-hit wonders gained fame through film soundtracks. “Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis is associated with the movie of the same name, which won the 1982 Academy Award for Best Picture.  Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” was featured in Apollo 13, Remember the Titans, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Pilot’s tune “Magic” was in Happy Gilmore and Herbie: Fully Loaded. The Champs’ record “Tequila” resonated in Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, The Sandlot, and Baby Driver. The Tokens’ tune “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was heard in The Lion King. Additionally, Michael Sembello introduced us to “Maniac” via the Pittsburgh-based movie Flashdance.

Finally, here are some other fun one-hit wonders: “Beach Baby” by The First Class, “Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “My Sharona” by The Knack, “99 Luftballons” by Nena, “She Blinded Me with Science” by Thomas Dolby, “Take on Me” by a-ha, and “I Want Candy” by Bow Wow Wow.

We’ve tracked masterful music selections and we must now record your scores on this one-hit wonder quiz. Get set to don your thinking cap because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. In 1981, Soft Cell released this song about a rotten romance.

   
   

2. This Carol Burnett Show actress sang the 1973 hit “That’s The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia.”

   
   

3.  Bobby McFerrin’s one-hit wonder was the first “a cappella” song to hit the top spot on 

     Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1988. 

4. In 1990, this rapper released “Ice, Ice, Baby.” It became a massive success, reaching the

     top charts in several countries.

5.  Which 1982 song by Dexys Midnight Runners reached the number one spot on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Top 100?

   
   

6.  Name the actor who, in 1977, released the hit “Don’t Give Up on Us Baby.”

   
   

7.  In 1974, Carl Douglas had this hit single with a disco song that spoke of kicks that were as fast as lightning.

   
   

8.   Which 2000 song by the Bahamian group, The Baha Men, earned them a 

Grammy in 2001 for Best Dance Recording?

9.   Name the band that spun the tune “I Melt with You.”

   
   

10. Which 1981 song was a hit for American singer and choreographer Toni Basil?

    
    

11. Terry Jacks sung a tune from the perspective of a dying man as he bids adieu.

    
    

12. C.W. McCall released a tune in 1976 that features a conversation between truckers

      as they drive from coast to coast.

13. What is the name of the girl featured in Tommy Tutone’s song “867-5309”?

    
    

14. This female artist sang the tune “You Light Up My Life.”

    
    

15. The Archies came out with this catchy one-hit wonder in 1969.

Answers: 1. Tainted Love 2. Vicki Lawrence 3. Don’t Worry Be Happy 4. Vanilla Ice 5. Come On Eileen 6. David Soul 7. Kung Fu Fighting 8. Who Let the Dogs Out?  9. Modern English 10. Mickey 11. Seasons in the Sun 12. Convoy 13. Jenny 14. Debby Boone 15. Sugar, Sugar

Sources: nationaltoday.com/one-hit-wonder-day/, daysanddates.com/days/national-one-hit-wonder-day-united-states,top40weekly.com/the-top-100-one-hit-wonders/, www.wokewaves.com/posts/one-hit-wonders-1950-2024, www.ranker.com/list/greatest-songs-by-one-hit-wonders/ranker-music, triviabliss.com/one-hit-wonders-trivia-questions/, www.funtrivia.com, ultimateclassicrock.com/one-hit-wonders/, bestlifeonline.com/best-one-hit-wonders/