An artist’s success can be measured in a variety of ways. Many will look to the Billboard charts, count the number of hits, and declare whether the artist is successful or not. However, that’s not the only metric. Sometimes a singer or songwriter can have very little chart success while still making a huge impact on the genre at large. In fact, many country artists who could be considered one-hit wonders left a lasting mark.
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The list below contains some of the most important “one-hit wonders”—artists who only had a single No. 1 country hit. However, as you’ll see their significance far outweighs their chart success or lack thereof.
Bobby Bare
Country legend Bobby Bare could be considered a one-hit wonder. He snagged his only chart-topper with “Marie Laveau” from his 1974 album Bobby Bare Sings Lullabys, Legends, and Lies.
While he wrote and co-wrote many songs, Bare was also a master of interpreting other songsmiths’ work. He championed up-and-coming singer/songwriters like Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, and Shel Silverstein. Additionally, he was one of the original “Outlaws” of country music.
Ed Bruce
Ed Bruce scored his only No. 1 hit with “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had” from his 1981 album One to One. However, he saw much more success as a songwriter. He penned many enduring songs including “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” “The Man That Turned My Mama On,” “Texas (When I Die),” and “Ever, Never Lovin’ You.”
Flatt & Scruggs
Flatt & Scruggs are bluegrass legends. However, by the numbers, they’re one-hit wonders on the country charts. The iconic duo scored their only No. 1 with “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” in 1963. This is maybe the best evidence for the fact that chart success isn’t equivalent to success or importance. Their only chart-topper was the theme song from the TV show The Beverly Hillbillies but the music world wouldn’t be the same without them.
Flatt & Scruggs were instrumental in boosting the careers of many bluegrass artists. Both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs played in Bill Monroe’s band before branching out as a duo. More importantly, Flatt changed the way generations of artists approach the banjo. His three-finger style of playing—now called Scruggs style—is the go-to for modern banjo players.
Johnny Paycheck
Johnny Paycheck scored his sole No. 1 with his cover of David Allan Coe’s “Take This Job and Shove It” in 1977 from the album of the same name. However, his impact on the country music world can’t be understated.
Early in his career, he sang backup and played bass in George Jones’ band. He was also a major figure in the Outlaw Country movement. Additionally, his lack of hits didn’t stop his output from inspiring generations of artists. Songs like “She’s All I Got,” “Fifteen Beers,” and “A-11” are timeless country songs that are still favorites among fans today despite not reaching the top of the chart.
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