These one-hit wonders outlived their artists’ careers by decades, and they’re still quite loved today. However, the bands and musicians that produced them have since wrapped up their time in the music industry. Let’s take a look!
1. “Black Betty” by Ram Jam
Back in 1977, rock band Ram Jam took an African-American traditional (likely originally put together by the iconic Lead Belly) and became massive international stars. Ram Jam’s version of “Black Betty” is a Southern rock classic, and also a tune that is held near and dear to sports culture today.
Ram Jam, surprisingly, only lasted less than a year after “Black Betty” hit the airwaves and made it to no. 18 on the US Pop charts. In fact, the American boogie rock outfit was only together for two years total before breaking up.
2. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes
If you were conscious in the 1990s, you definitely know of this entry on our list of one-hit wonders that outlived their artists. “What’s Up?” was a mega alt-rock hit in 1993 for 4 Non Blondes, and it quickly shot to no. 14 on the US Hot 100 and ranked even higher in other countries.
While Linda Perry went on to become a bit of a superstar songwriter and producer, the whole of 4 Non Blondes broke up in 1994. They’ve reunited a few times through the years, but “What’s Up?” has definitely lived past the band’s prime.
3. “I Know What Boys Like” by The Waitresses
Remember this new wave hit from 1980? “I Know What Boys Like” by The Waitresses made it far on several US-based Billboard charts, as well as the Australian charts. It’s still a delightful and well-loved song today. Sadly, The Waitresses didn’t last as long. They broke up in 1983 after a messy lineup change.
4. “Funkytown” by Lipps, Inc.
When one thinks of disco-funk music, one thinks of “Funkytown” by Lipps, Inc. This iconic 1980 song was released when the era of disco was more or less done for, but it was just too good for mainstream listeners to pass up. “Funkytown” made it to no. 1 on the Hot 100 chart, along with a dozen or so other no. 1 spots on various charts.
Lipps, Inc. didn’t last for much longer after “Funkytown” became a huge hit. They disbanded in 1985.
5. “Hot, Hot, Hot” by Buster Poindexter
This song is one of those one-hit wonders that outlived their artists’ careers and also happened to be a cover song. “Hot, Hot, Hot” was originally written and recorded by Arrow in 1982, and it was quite successful. When Buster Poindexter took on the tune in 1987, his version climbed to no. 11 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and charted high on a few others.
Buster Poindexter (a.k.a. David Roger Johansen) went on to enjoy a lush and successful career in his various bands, though he stopped producing Buster Poindexter works after the 1997 album Buster’s Spanish Rocketship. Johansen passed away in February of 2025.
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