Being a backup singer is a wildly underrated gig, and these one-hit wonders from the 1970s are all the proof I need. Just think about it: most people assume being the lead singer, guitarist, or drummer would be the best position in the band. But as someone who has been all three at various points in their career, I can attest that backup singers enjoy contributing all the same integral parts of a track without the intense pressure of being right in the spotlight.
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Whether you’re performing for others or playing to an audience of one in the car, these one-hit wonders offer the perfect opportunity to live out your wildest backup singer dreams (you know, when your arms need a break from all the air-drumming and air-guitar solos).
“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum
The first track on our backup singer list of 1970s one-hit wonders is technically from 1969. But since “Spirit in the Sky” is such a great vocal track (and Norman Greenbaum released it in December of ‘69, so practically 1970), we’ve included it in this collection. It’s hard to beat the call and response of this iconic gospel rock song. Don’t know all the lyrics to Greenbaum’s verses? Just follow the backup singers. Singing along to this song will undoubtedly take you to church, even if you’re just taking your daily morning commute.
“Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” by Rick Derringer
Although Johnny Winter was the first to release a version of “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” in 1970, an even more recognizable version came three years later from Rick Derringer, Winter’s guitarist for Johnny Winter And, and the man who originally wrote the song. With its catchy backup singer features and driving guitar riffs, the one-hit wonder is quintessentially 1970s. The song’s chorus offers the perfect opportunity to sing backup vocals in a rock ‘n’ roll band, regardless of whether you know what “rock and roll hoochie koo” is actually supposed to mean.
“Pop Muzik” by M
Trends come and go, but good pop music is forever. M’s 1979 track, “Pop Muzik,” gained a resurgence in popularity in the mid-2020s after becoming the soundtrack to a viral dance on TikTok and Instagram. Now that this catchy new wave song is all over your social media feeds, it’s time to start learning the backup singer part for all your road trip and house cleaning session needs. Robotic dance moves not entirely necessarily, but highly recommended to add to the overall jive of the track. If you’re in for a real challenge, you can sing backup while doing the viral TikTok dance.
“Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band
Whether you were around to see Starland Vocal Band release “Afternoon Delight” in 1976 or first became acquainted with the track from the 2004 comedy film, Anchorman, there’s no denying that this ‘70s one-hit wonder is rife with backup singer possibilities. It is, after all, by a vocal band. The folk-rock group featured tight vocal harmonies and earworm melodies, and “Afternoon Delight” is a prime example of both. It’s virtually impossible to feel upset while singing this slightly ridiculous, very tongue-in-cheek ‘70s classic. (Trust us: we’re speaking from experience here.)
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass
Closing out our list of great 1970s one-hit wonders for pretending like you’re in the band as a backup singer is Looking Glass’ 1972 hit, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” This soft-rock classic topped the charts in the U.S. and Canada, in addition to successful placements at No. 5 and No. 10 in New Zealand and Australia, respectively. Plus, this song has options: sing along with the background vocalists as they sing about Brandy and what a good wife she would be, or stick with the doo-doo, doo-doo da doo-doo ‘n’ doo-doo’s before the verses. Either way, it’s a good time.
Photo by Scott Moore/Shutterstock
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