10 Musicians Famous For Their One-hit Wonders
1. Bobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin is an American vocalist and conductor who achieved immense fame with his 1988 hit single "Don't Worry, Be Happy." The song's catchy melody and feel-good lyrics made it an instant hit, earning McFerrin a Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Despite his diverse musical talents, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" remains his most recognized and enduring work.
2. Nena
Nena, the stage name of German singer Gabriele Susanne Kerner, gained international fame with the 1983 hit song "99 Luftballons." The song's anti-war message and infectious melody propelled it to the top of the charts, making Nena a household name in the United States. While she continued to produce music in her native Germany, "99 Luftballons" remains her signature one-hit wonder in the English-speaking world.
3. The Knack
The Knack burst onto the music scene in 1979 with their debut single "My Sharona." Led by frontman Doug Fieger, the band's high-energy rock track became an instant sensation and topped the charts. Despite their initial success, The Knack struggled to replicate the same level of fame with subsequent releases, making "My Sharona" their defining one-hit wonder.
4. Deee-Lite
Deee-Lite, an American dance and house music group, scored a massive hit in 1990 with "Groove Is in the Heart." The song's funky beats, colorful music video, and iconic guest appearances by Q-Tip and Bootsy Collins propelled it to the forefront of the dance music scene. While Deee-Lite continued to create music, "Groove Is in the Heart" remains their standout one-hit wonder.
5. Soft Cell
Synth-pop duo Soft Cell, consisting of Marc Almond and David Ball, is best known for their 1981 hit "Tainted Love." This cover of an obscure soul song became a new wave anthem and achieved enduring popularity. While Soft Cell released other music, none matched the iconic status of "Tainted Love."
6. Hanson
Hanson, a trio of brothers (Isaac Hanson, Taylor Hanson, and Zac Hanson) from Oklahoma, became teenage heartthrobs in 1997 with their infectious pop-rock hit "MMMBop." The song's catchy chorus and youthful energy endeared them to fans worldwide. Despite their continued music career, "MMMBop" remains Hanson's most recognizable one-hit wonder.
7. Blind Melon
Blind Melon (Shannon Hoon, Rogers Stevens, Christopher Thorn, Glen Graham, Travis Warren, Nathan Towne) made a memorable mark on the alternative rock scene with their 1993 hit "No Rain." The song's music video, featuring the "Bee Girl," became an iconic image of the '90s. While the band released other music, they were unable to replicate the success of "No Rain," making it their enduring one-hit wonder.
8. Baha Men
Bahamian group Baha Men (Dyson Knight, Rik Carey, Marvin Prosper, Nehemiah Hield, Herschel Small, Jeffrey Chea) achieved international fame with their 2000 hit "Who Let the Dogs Out?" This infectious and catchy party anthem became a staple at sporting events and gatherings. Despite releasing additional music, Baha Men are primarily known for this one-hit wonder.
9. Wheatus
American rock band Wheatus scored a major hit in 2000 with "Teenage Dirtbag." The song's relatable lyrics and memorable melody resonated with young listeners. While Wheatus continued to create music, "Teenage Dirtbag" remains their standout one-hit wonder.
10. Vanilla Ice
Vanilla Ice, born Robert Van Winkle, became a household name in 1990 with his rap-rock hit "Ice Ice Baby." Sampling Queen (by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon) and David Bowie's "Under Pressure," the song topped the charts and introduced rap to a broader audience. Despite his subsequent work, Vanilla Ice is best known for this one-hit wonder that defined an era of music.