3 One-Hit Wonders From Family Bands

There is nothing quite like a family band. In the history of popular music, there have been a number of family-based groups that have showcased the power of familial harmony and created music from these close-knit bonds. While sometimes family bands can lead to internal rifts, more often than not they can lead to blissful riffs. Below, we wanted to examine three family bands that released popular tracks. Three family bands that are today actually considered one-hit wonders. Three family bands that released tunes that raced up the Billboard charts, creating success that the bands never quite matched again. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders from popular family bands.

Videos by American Songwriter

“Steal My Sunshine” by Len from ‘You Can’t Stop The Bum Rush’ (1999)

Marc and Sharon Costanzo of Len were a brother-sister duo that famously fronted the alt-rock band. Though, you wouldn’t guess that this band was a duo. They often employed the help of countless session musicians for their tours and studio work.

“Steal My Sunshine” made it to No. 3 in Canada and No. 9 in the US, but they sadly never charted in the United States again, and didn’t hit the Top 20 anywhere after this track dropped.

“I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred from ‘Up’ (1991)

Right Said Fred released their fabulous self-encouraging track “I’m Too Sexy” in 1991 on their LP Up. And with that came a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. But what fans may not know about the tune is that Right Said Fred is comprised of two brothers Fred and Richard Fairbrass. Formed in 1989, the brotherly duo became household names just two years later with their song that pronounced them too sexy even for the catwalk! Now, that’s sexy!

“Open Up Your Heart (And Let The Sunshine In)” by Cowboy Church Sunday School (Single, 1954)

Written by Stuart Hamblen, who had another one-hit wonder as a solo artist (“This Ole House”), this track from his family band Cowboy Church Sunday School hit No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. An old-school country tune that sounds like the Chipmunks might be performing it, this loving, spiritual track asks you to open up your heart and let the sunshine in. It’s an idea to remember to be your best self, to not let the world get you down. For, as the song says, when you’re unhappy, the devil wears a grin. Not terrible advice!

Photo by David Partridge/Shutterstock