3 One-Hit Wonders That Predate the Billboard Hot 100

In 1958, the world of music changed forever. That change came as a result of the creation of the most notable chart in the world, the Billboard Hot 100. Prior to the Billboard Hot 100, the main charts in the music industry were the Best Sellers in Stores chart, Most Played by Jockeys chart, Most Played in Jukeboxes chart, and the Top 100. That being said, one-hit wonders existed way before the creation of the Billboard Hot 100.

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Given Billboard’s domination of the music chart scene, the masses almost always associate one-hit wonders with the infamous chart. However, that is not the case for the one-hit wonders that came before 1958. So, here are three one-hit wonders that predate the Billboard Hot 100!

“Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston And His Delta Cats

Originally released in 1951, “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston And His Delta Cats was one of the most popular songs of the pre-Billboard Hot 100 era. Following its release, the single peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Best Sellers chart and the Most Played Juke Box R&B Records chart.

Despite being an integral part of the creation of mainstream rock ‘n’ roll, Jackie Brenston And His Delta Cats never garnered much chart success after the release of “Rocket 88”. Though, they were the talk of the town before the Billboard Hot 100 ever existed.

“Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream)” by The Chords

When one thinks of 1950s Doo-Wop music, it’s hard not to think of the hit “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream)” by The Chords. Released in 1954, “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream)” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard R&B charts and at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 100.

In addition to its chart success, the blockbuster hit movie, Cars, featured the single in its hit soundtrack. So, even without the Hot 100, The Chords have been able to cement themselves in music history.

“Earth Angel” by The Penguins

You may not know of The Penguins, but you certainly know their song “Earth Angel”. More often than not, films about or set in the 1950s feature the single on their soundtrack. Regardless, this 1954 single peaked at No. 1 on the R&B chart and No. 8 on the pop chart.

The Penguins did not have a lot of commercial success after the track. However, “Earth Angel” was the first song from an independent record label to chart on the pop chart. While they might not have become a smashing success, they were pillars that supported the creation of mainstream music.

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