3 One-Hit Wonders From the 1970s That I’ve Never Heard Until This Day

There have been so many one-hit wonders through the years that it isn’t exactly shocking that many of them have been forgotten. It’s especially common for those solitary jams from the 1970s and earlier to fade away with time. That’s just the way history goes. However, I found a few one-hit wonders from the 1970s that I’ve never heard until this day, and they’re honestly quite incredible. Let’s give these songs the love they deserve, shall we?

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“As The Years Go By” by Mashmakhan

Mashmakhan was a rock fusion band formed in 1969. The Canadian outfit would come to an end just a couple of years later in 1971. But before they disbanded, this fascinating band delivered the hit song “As The Years Go By” in 1970. 

The track would hit No. 1 in their native country and also make it to the Top 40 in the US. Though their final album would do well in Japan, they struggled to gain more success in North America and split up. In the years since, Mashmakhan gained something of a cult following.

“Somebody’s Been Sleepin” by 100 Proof (Aged In Soul)

I do enjoy some good funk and soul music, so I’m a little surprised that I’ve never heard of 100 Proof (Aged In Soul). This Detroit-formed group came to be in 1969 and managed to release a couple of decently successful singles. However, “Somebody’s Been Sleeping” is by far their biggest hit, released in 1970.

The group maintained a spot on the US R&B charts until their breakup in 1973. However, “Somebody’s Been Sleeping” was their only Top 40 hit on the US Pop Singles chart.

Fun fact: Even though this group broke up in 1973, their band name was reused for a completely different group for a brief moment in 1977, which likely caused a bit of confusion for fans of the original outfit.

“Tennessee Bird Walk” by Jack Blanchard and Misty Morgan

This one-hit wonder song is one I’ve never heard of until this day, and it’s a delightfully little country tune. Written and performed by husband-and-wife duo Jack Blanchard and Misty Morgan, “Tennessee Bird Walk” made waves on the country charts back in early 1970. It topped the Hot Country Singles chart and even made it to No. 23 on the Hot 100 chart.

It’s a little odd to me that this country pair never had as big a hit again. Though, some might argue that they are technically two hit wonders. Their song “Humphrey The Camel” was released shortly after “Tennessee Bird Walk”. That song made it to No. 5 on the Hot Country Singles chart. However, “Tennessee Bird Walk” was their only song to hit the Top 40 on the Hot 100 chart.

Photo of Mashmakhan via Wikimedia Commons