3 One-Hit Wonders From 70s Solo Artists You Forgot You Loved

Ask anyone who has picked up a guitar, a pad of paper, and a pen—it’s hard to write a song. Not only that, it’s even harder to write a hit song. But to do it on your own? Well, that’s a horse of a different color altogether! And yet, it happens. People actually do it; they achieve the near impossible. That’s what we wanted to take a look at here today, to explore three very specific songs. Three one-hit wonders from the 70s by solo artists. By highlighting these tracks, we’ll see what it takes for one person to bring a song to life and see it impact the world in unexpected ways.

Videos by American Songwriter

“Mr. Big Stuff” by Jean Knight from ‘Mr. Big Stuff’ (1971)

One of the catchiest songs of the 70s, this track will have your chest puffed out and your lip curled in confidence. Whether you listen to it from the perspective of the singer speaking her truth or the subject, the swaggering Mr. Big Stuff, it’s a fun number to hear. A flirtatious track from Jean Knight whose voice and style sink into your bones. Released in 1971 on the album of the same name, this song hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and for good, good reason.

“City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie from ‘Hobo’s Lullaby’ (1972)

This song, which hit No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, was released by Arlo Guthrie, who is also the son of famed folk singer Woody. But Arlo had talent in his own right, as shown in this cover of a Steve Goodman tune. On the playful acoustic-driven number, Guthrie sings about the city of New Orleans. A weary traveler, Guthrie also croons about what it’s like to be crossing through the expansive country of America. Known for other songs like “Alice’s Restaurant”, this offering from Guthrie was his sole tune in the Top 40.

“Right Place, Wrong Time” by Dr. John from ‘In The Right Place’ (1973)

Speaking of New Orleans, one of its greatest musical representatives was the keyboard-playing singer known as Dr. John. While he is much more than a one-track pony, John’s sole tune to hit the Top 40 was his fantastic 70s hit, “Right Place, Wrong Time”, which hit No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. With a voice that sounds like an incantation, the psychedelic musician was as much an essential character in the world of art as he was a hit songwriter. The artist, who recently passed away, will be remembered forever.

Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images