3 One-Hit Wonders From the 1950s That Make You Want More

What’s the expression? If you don’t know history, you’re bound to repeat it? Yes, that makes sense. In today’s world of social media and non-stop news, it’s important to sometimes shirk all the information in your face and take a deep dive into the past. What was the culture like then? What were the topics of conversation? How did the music sound?

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That’s exactly what we wanted to do here. We wanted to explore three songs from the past—specifically, three one-hit wonders from the 1950s—to see what they had to say and to find out more about the time period from which they came. Not only that, but they’re songs that make us want to know more about that decade, too!

“Earth Angel” by The Penguins (Single, 1954)

It’s incredible to think that a decade like the 1950s produced such blissful music like this song. Released in 1954 by The Penguins, this must be the tune you hear as you float on up to heaven for the first time. It truly sounds as if you’re in the clouds, surrounded by loved ones. Why don’t artists make music like this anymore? Does it not sell? Indeed, we want to know more.

“Say Man” by Bo Diddley (Single, 1959)

This is cheating a little bit, because Bo Diddley is one of the greatest musical artists of all time. This song just happens to be his sole track to hit the Billboard Top 40, clocking in at No. 20. Diddley, who is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, released this humorous, toe-tapping number in 1959 and it features two guys cracking jokes back and forth over a shoulder-swaying beat. If this is the first Bo Diddley track you’re hearing, it will surely make you want to dig in more.

“Lollipop” by Ronald & Ruby (Single, 1958)

Another charming, transcendent, blissful song from the 1950s that seems impossible to recreate today, this track just sounds like walking down the street with your friends as you’re about to embark on some adventure. It sounds like youth in the summer. Who doesn’t want to go back to that feeling? All you have to do is put this 1958 song from Ronald & Ruby on and let it wash over you like late morning sun. Makes you want to find out more about the duo, too. What other gems have they recorded?

Photo by Bob King/Redferns