When I wrote my first column about “one-hit wonders,” I began researching online to look up some songs. The first two articles were well received, especially on social media. I had forgotten just how many of these types of songs and artists there were.

So, one more time, here are a few more “one-hit wonders” to jab your memory.

“Whiter Shade of Pale,” Procol Harum

“A Whiter Shade of Pale” is a song by the English rock band Procol Harum, issued as their debut single in May 1967. The single reached No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It was just one of the anthems of the 1967 “Summer of Love,” having sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. The song has been included in music compilations through the years. It has also been used in the soundtracks of several movies, including one of my wife’s favorites – “The Big Chill.”

“Smoke From a Distant Fire,” by the Sanford-Townsend Band

“Smoke from a Distant Fire” is a song by American duo Sanford-Townsend Band. It was released as a single in 1977 from their self-titled album. The song peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, becoming the duo’s only Top 40 hit. I doubt that many outside the “baby boomer” generation have heard of them or the song.

 “Magic,” by Pilot

The Scottish pop-rock band Pilot has only achieved one major hit in their many years as a band, and it was the release of “Magic.” The infused soft-rock song has a timeless sound of that era. “Magic” peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100 and then faded into rock ‘n’ roll obscurity.

“In the Summertime,” by Mungo Jerry

Every DJ played this for the sunbathers and swimmers as the PA system blared it at the public swimming pools. Who would’ve predicted that a British rock band named Mungo Jerry could make one of the most essential summer songs in the history of rock ‘n’ roll? Well, in 1970, they did just that. “In the Summertime” became an instant classic, peaking at No. 3 on the Hot 100 and having that catchy, upbeat sound.

 “96 Tears” by  ? and The Mysterians

Perhaps you have never heard of ? (question mark) and The Mysterians, and you’re probably in the majority there. The Michigan-bred garage rock band made the electric organ sound cooler than anyone else. Their lone hit single, “96 Tears,” hit No. 1 in 1966.

“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” by Elvin Bishop

Singer/songwriter Elvin Bishop had never really burst out of his Southern rock bubble before striking gold with “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” in 1976. Produced by Eagles engineer Bill Szymczyk for Capricorn Records, the song eclipsed at No. 3 on the Hot 100. It became a mainstream crossover benchmark of its era.

 “How Long” by Ace

Though Ace’s 1975 debut single “How Long” has gained more attention after recent TikTok popularity, it found huge success upon its release those years ago. Peaking at No. 3 on the Hot 100 chart.

“Junk Food Junkie,” by Larry Groce

Larry Groce is an American singer-songwriter and radio host. From 1983 until 2021, Groce served as the host and artistic director of Mountain Stage, a two-hour live music radio program produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. He first entered the national spotlight in 1976 when his novelty song “Junk Food Junkie” became a Top 10 hit.

The song tells the story of a man leading a double life. During the day he boasts of his natural diet lifestyle; however, at night, he indulges his secret addiction to junk food.

“Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest

King Harvest’s breakout 1972 hit “Dancing in the Moonlight” was a smooth hit. It features a jazzy piano, good harmonies and a punchy guitar. The song peaked at No. 13.

“Lovin’ You,” by Minner Riperton

Released in early 1975, Minnie Riperton’s lone Top-50 single hit No. 1. The track was produced by Stevie Wonder, but it is Riperton’s angelic, five-octave high vocal range that was fully on display in the song. Riperton co-wrote the song with her husband Richard Rudolph after their daughter Maya was born. Riperton developed breast cancer and died in 1979 after fighting the disease for five years. Her daughter Maya is best known for her comedy skits on Saturday Night Live and now in movies.

Once again, I hope you enjoyed reminiscing about some chart-toppers from the past.

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.)