3 Two-Hit Wonders and Their Connection to the Big and Small Screens

When it comes to the average American citizen, so many have dreams of becoming stars. Whether that’s on stage, in the recording studio, on television, or in the movies, we all have hopes that maybe one day we will be discovered for the talented person we really are. But the reality is so few of us actually get that chance.

Videos by American Songwriter

In fact, some of us get the chance on multiple stages. Here below, we wanted to explore three two-hit wonder musical acts that have connections to not just the world of music but to TV and film, too. Indeed, these are three two-hit wonders and their important connections to the big and small screens.

[RELATED: 3 Two-Hit Wonder, Foreign-Born Bands that Ruled the 1970s]

The Rembrandts

While the Los Angeles-born band The Rembrandts had hit songs like “Just the Way It Is, Baby” in 1990 (that song hit No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100) and “I’ll Be There For You” in 1995 (No. 17), the band is known for its connection to the NBC sitcom Friends. It was on that show the group really triumphed thanks to their performance of the theme song. Indeed “I’ll Be There For You” will continue to be heard for decades—for as long as Friends is enjoyed by millions in reruns. In this way, The Rembrandts are inescapable from TV.

Marky Mark

In 1991, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch garnered two hit songs thanks to “Good Vibrantions” (No. 1) and “Wild Side” (No. 10). But while that is some remarkable success, the rapper born Mark Wahlberg is by far today known more for his acting than his music. With starring role in films like Boogie Nights and I Heart Huckabees, he is one of the most successful leading men in movies over the past 30 years. But it all began with a beat in the early 1990s.

Tone Loc

Boasting one of the best voices in rap history, Tone Loc was known for songs like “Funky Cold Medina” (No. 3) and “Wild Thing” (No. 2). Those songs, which rocketed up the charts in the late 1980s, led the artist to an acting career. Comedy fans may remember him playing a police office in the hilarious movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. But no matter where you hear it—be it on the radio or via the silver screen—the man’s deep, gravelly voice is unforgettable.

Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage