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(Editor's note: This article is part one of a two-part series.)
One-hit wonders have dotted the music charts since listings were first compiled. There have been musicians and recording artists who jumped into the spotlight with a giant smash hit, reaching the hit parade's Top 10 or possibly even No. 1 before fading from view. Some achieved fame in other countries or other charts. This list is based on the artist's appearances on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Dates shown indicate year of release. Here are songs 11-20 of memorable one-hit wonders of the 1960s.
20. Telstar (The Tornadoes) (1962)
An instrumental No. 1 named after the communications satellite launched in 1962.
19. Get Together (The Youngbloods) (1967)
Originally released during the Summer of Love in 1967, "Get Together" was re-released in 1969 with its message of love, peace and brotherhood. The second release landed the song in Billboard's Top 5.
18. In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) (Zager and Evans) (1969)
Science fiction meets gloom and doom in this look into mankind's future. The opening, "In the year 2525, if man is still alive, if woman can survive..." gives a hint of the song's direction. Not exactly a great song for a jolly and festive party, but a No. 1 from Zager and Evans.
17. Smile a Little Smile for Me (The Flying Machine) (1969)
Another No. 5. Starts out slow but the lyrics encourage a broken-hearted woman to smile because, "what's the use in crying?"
Oh, c'mon smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie
Where's the use in cryin'?
In a little while you'll see, Rosemarie
You must keep on tryin'
I know that he hurt you bad
I know, darling, don't be sad and
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
16. No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In) (The T-Bones) (1965)
Wondering about the title? The idea originated in an Alka-Seltzer commercial. The instrumental recorded by studio musicians under the name, "The T-Bones," went to No. 3.
15. Rhythm of the Rain (The Cascades) (1962)
Listening to and talking to the rain during a lover's lament, the Cascades reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. After asking the rain for help, the lyrics express a desire to be left alone.
Rain, won't you tell her that I love her so
Please ask the sun to set her heart aglow
Rain in her heart and let the love we knew start to grow
Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Telling me just what a fool I've been
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
And let me be alone again
14. Black Pearl (Sonny Charles and the Checkmates, Ltd.) (1969)
Phil Spector produced and had a hand in writing "Black Pearl." A hit for Sonny Charles and the Checkmates, Ltd., making Billboard's Pop and R&B charts.
Black pearl, precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Black pearl, pretty little girl
You been in the background much too long
13. Have I the Right? (The Honeycombs) (1964)
The British Invasion of 1964 landed several groups from England on the U.S. charts. Some had prolonged careers, others were one and done. The Honeycombs went to No. 5 in the U.S. with "Have I the Right?" The band only lasted a few more years. The Honeycombs were one of few bands at the time that included a female drummer, Honey Lantree.
12. Classical Gas (Mason Williams) (1968)
An instrumental hit that rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Mason Williams was a musician, comedian and comedy writer. His credits include work for the Smothers Brothers.
11. Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love) (The Swingin' Medallions) (1966)
"Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)" cracked the Billboard Top 20, peaking at No. 17. The song was banned by several radio stations for suggestive lyrics.
In part 2, the Top 20 one-hit wonders of the 1960s will continue with songs 1-10.
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Tom Laub is the Lifestyles Editor at the Lewistown Sentinel and can be reached at tlaub@lewistownsentinel.com.