NATIONAL ONE-HIT WONDER DAY | September 25
On September 25th, National One-Hit Wonder Day brings back memories while turning up the volume. We honor all the musical artists and chart-topping songs that make them memorable.
#OneHitWonderDay
These songs make us sing whether we should or not. We know all the words even though we don’t know why. They’re the songs groups of friends will burst out in chorus together and make memories, too. Movie soundtracks love them. Wedding dances love them. We all love them!
The real kicker is, the artists or groups only made us swoon once. After that, they faded away. Some continued with moderate success. Others, however, were never heard of again, musically.
Listed below are just a few of the well-known one-hit wonders from days gone by.
- 1955 – “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)” by The Penguins
- 1963 – “Six Days on the Road” by Dave Dudley
- 1968 – “Tip Toe Thru The Tulips” by Tiny Tim
- 1969 – “Smile a Little Smile for Me” by The Flying Machine
- 1970 – “One Tin Soldier” by The Original Caste
- 1970 – “The House of the Rising Sun” by Frijid Pink
- 1972 – “Hot Rod Lincoln” by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen
- 1983 – “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Taco
- 1988 – “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
Do any of these bring back memories?
HOW TO OBSERVE ONE HIT WONDER DAY
How many one-hit wonders can you name? Do you know the title and the artist? While you’re exploring your playlists, check out these 10 One Hit Wonders that Stand the Test of Time. Use #OneHitWonderDay to share on social media.
ONE-HIT WONDER DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues searching for the source of this musical holiday.
One-Hit Wonder FAQ
Q. Are one-hit wonders limited to music?
A. No. The term “one-hit wonder” applies to nearly every area of achievement. A one-hit wonder may be an athlete who has a singularly stellar season but never repeats it. The term may also apply to movies, books, and products. The actors and directors of film may be deemed one-hit wonders if they only produce one successful hit movie or television show. The same applies to writers. Businesses that make it big off of one inspiring product sometimes never produce another successful item or fail to build their business into long-term success.
Q. Is there such a thing as a two-hit wonder?
A. Sure, but they don’t seem to get as much credit as their cousin with one hit. Some even took a decade or more to create that successful second hit. Does that make them a one-time one-hit wonder?