4 One-Hit Wonders That Boomers Still Love Decades Later

Every generation has its one-hit wonders that transport listeners back to a simpler time, but one can’t deny that boomers have some of the very best standalone songs that became massive hits. Let’s look at a few examples, shall we? Sing along if you must, we won’t judge you!

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1. “Spirit In The Sky” by Norman Greenbaum

This classic 1969 song is a definitive late-1960s bop that has aged fairly well through the years. It’s got all the elements of a solid psychedelic rock song: Memorable lyrics (“Gotta have a friend in Jesus”), incredible instrumentation, and a melody that few could forget.

Greenbaum had a lot of talent, so it’s surprising that “Spirit In The Sky” was his only hit single. It topped the charts internationally, reaching no. 3 in the US. Greenbaum never enjoyed another Top 20 track again.

2. “In The Summertime” by Mungo Jerry

This one’s a real classic. “In The Summertime” by Mungo Jerry kicked off the 1970s in the best way, and it’s one of the most memorable summertime one-hit wonders that boomers still love today. That melody is such a jam, and those lyrics are perfectly laid back and easygoing.

Sadly for this rock band, Mungo Jerry never had as big of a hit again. “In The Summertime” was the band’s only US charting hit, though they did enjoy a few hits in the UK, Australia, and throughout Europe.

3. “My Sharona” by The Knack

“My Sharona” by The Knack was released in 1979 and became a huge international hit that year. We certainly get why. This earworm song is both rebellious and catchy, making it a definitive song of its era.

This hit from The Knack hit no. 1 in the US upon its release, but the band struggled to deliver another chart-topping hit. Though “Good Girl Don’t” did make it to no. 11 in the US, the band never had another Top 10 hit again.

4. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry

This is one of those one-hit wonders for boomers that you really can’t get out of your head once it’s in there. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry was released in 1976 and is a funky, delightful little dance track that has all the best elements of both rock and funk. 

“Play That Funky Music” made it to no. 1 in the US. Sadly for this iconic band, they never hit the Top 40 again.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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