After receiving some nice comments on social media for my last column on “one-hit wonders,” I decided to follow it up with Part 2. This installment features more songs you might recall by artists you likely never heard from again.
“Nice to Be with You,” by Gallery
My wife Vicki and I heard this song on the radio after my last column on “one-hit wonders.” She said this is one you need to include in the next article. I bet you cannot name one other song by Gallery, and neither could we. Released in 1972 on Gallery’s album of the same name, “Nice to Be with You” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Easy Listening chart. The song had a feel-good vibe and the laid-back spirit of the era, making it Gallery’s standout hit and a defining track of early ’70s pop.
“Billy Don’t Be a Hero,” by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods
Released in 1974, “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” became a massive hit for Bo Donaldson and his band, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was featured on their album “Billy Don’t Be A Hero.” It was an anti-war theme with a catchy pop-rock melody near the end of the Vietnam War. The song tells the story of a young man who bravely volunteers for military service despite the pleas of his loved one, only to lose his life in battle.
“Chevy Van,” by Sammy Johns
Did any of you hitchhike back in the day? It was a safer way to travel back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. We just wanted to get where we were going, and we were too young to drive or did not have a car. The tune was released in 1973 and re-released in 1975. “Chevy Van” became a soft rock hit for singer-songwriter Sammy Johns, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Midnight At The Oasis,” by Maria Muldaur
Released in 1973 on the album Maria Muldaur, the song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Muldaur’s sultry vocals helped make the song a timeless hit, and it was later featured on the movie “The Ice Storm.”
“Kung Fu Fighting,” Carl Douglas
“Kung Fu Fighting” was sung by Carl Douglas and released in 1974. It became a surprise worldwide hit. The song was written by Douglas and was included on his album “Kung Fu Fighting.” It obviously took advantage of the martial arts craze during that era and the many movies (think Bruce Lee) that came about from that type of fighting. I know I certainly got into the craze and even took a karate class at the local community college while still in high school.
“Magnet and Steel,” by Walter Egan
Walter Egan released “Magnet and Steel” in 1978 on his album “Not Shy,” with the song co-written by Egan. According to my research, it was inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. The track became Egan’s biggest hit, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“The Night Chicago Died,” by Paper Lace
This song was released in 1974 on the album “Paper Lace and Other Bits of Material.” It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains the band’s most famous track. Paper Lace, a British band, was popular in Europe, but I cannot recall another song they had in the U.S.
“Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes),” Edison Lighthouse
Released in 1970, this song was featured on the album “Already.” It reached No. 1 in England and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Edison Lighthouse, a studio-based group, quickly faded from the spotlight after this one hit.
“Seasons in the Sun,” Terry Jacks
Released in 1974 on the album “Seasons in the Sun,” this sad song track became Jacks’ signature hit. Jacks’ version topped the charts in the U.S., Canada and several other countries, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Hooked on a Feeling,” by Blue Swede
Released in 1974 on the album “Hooked on a Feeling,” Blue Swede’s version of the song became iconic for its distinct “ooga-chaka” chant, a twist on B.J. Thomas’s original 1968 version. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Blue Swede the first Swedish band to top the U.S. charts.
And finally, here is another song Vicki and I heard and listened to on the car radio: “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” by Looking Glass. We really like this “oldie.”
Released in 1972, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” was featured on Looking Glass’s self-titled debut album. The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This catchy tune tells the story of a barmaid named Brandy and her unrequited love for a sailor who remains devoted to the sea. I doubt you can name another song by Looking Glass.
I hope this brought back a few fond memories for you music lovers from my generation.
Be watching for part 3. Until next time.
(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)