QUIZ: Test Your Musical Memory With These One-Hit Wonders From The 70s
The ’70s were filled with a vibrant mix of musical genres, and amidst the chart-topping hits and legendary artists, there were those hidden gems that captured the hearts of listeners with just one unforgettable song. From disco anthems to soulful ballads and rock classics, these one-hit wonders left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the decade.
Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through the ’70s and test your knowledge of these fleeting yet beloved hits. Get ready to tap into your musical memory and see if you can recall the artists and songs that defined the era of the 1970s one-hit wonders.
Which artist had a one-hit wonder with the song “Play That Funky Music”?
A. Wild Cherry
B. Kool & The Gang
C. Earth, Wind & Fire
D. The Commodores
Answer: Wild Cherry
Wild Cherry rocked the charts in 1976 with their funky hit “Play That Funky Music.” This infectious disco-infused rock tune became an instant classic, known for its catchy guitar riff and irresistible groove.
Which of these songs is by Looking Glass?
A. “Mississippi Queen”
B. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”
C. “The Rapper”
D. “My Baby Loves Lovin'”
Answer: “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”
Looking Glass reached the pinnacle of success in 1972 with their hit “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” This soft rock gem, characterized by its memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics, remains a beloved classic of the era.
This artist was known for “Escape (The Piña Colada Song).”
A. Andrew Gold
B. Christopher Cross
C. Rupert Holmes
D. Tony Orlando
Answer: Rupert Holmes
Rupert Holmes captivated audiences in 1979 with his whimsical hit “Escape (The Piña Colada Song).” This catchy pop tune, with its witty lyrics and memorable chorus, became an iconic sing-along anthem of the ’70s.
Lipps Inc. became a one-hit wonder for this song.
A. “Montego Bay”
B. “Are You Ready?”
C. “In the Summertime”
D. “Funkytown”
Answer: “Funkytown”
Lipps Inc. dominated the disco scene with their hit “Funkytown.” This pulsating dance track, filled with infectious grooves and a catchy chorus, became an enduring favorite on dance floors around the world.
Which artist had a one-hit wonder with the song “Rock the Boat”?
A. The Hues Corporation
B. Sister Sledge
C. The Emotions
D. Labelle
Answer: The Hues Corporation
The Hues Corporation made waves in 1974 with their disco hit “Rock the Boat.” This upbeat and energetic tune, featuring soulful harmonies and an irresistible rhythm, remains a beloved classic of the era.
Name the song by Terry Jacks.
A. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”
B. “Seasons in the Sun”
C. “Ride Captain Ride”
D. “Spirit in the Sky”
Answer: “Seasons in the Sun”
Terry Jacks touched hearts in 1974 with his poignant hit “Seasons in the Sun.” This emotional ballad, known for its bittersweet lyrics and heartfelt vocals, became a chart-topping sensation and remains an enduring classic.
Which band is known for “Afternoon Delight”?
A. Seals & Crofts
B. Player
C. Starland Vocal Band
D. England Dan & John Ford Coley
Answer: Starland Vocal Band
Starland Vocal Band captured the essence of summertime in 1976 with their hit “Afternoon Delight.” This breezy pop tune, filled with tight harmonies and a sunny melody, became an anthem of carefree afternoons.
Van McCoy became a sensation in 1975 for this song.
A. “Vehicle”
B. “Mr. Big Stuff”
C. “Dancing in the Moonlight”
D. “The Hustle”
Answer: “The Hustle”
Van McCoy disco-fied the charts in 1975 with his instrumental hit “The Hustle.” This lively and infectious track, featuring an irresistible groove and memorable horn section, became synonymous with the disco dance craze.
Who is remembered for singing “You Light Up My Life”?
A. Debby Boone
B. Helen Reddy
C. Melissa Manchester
D. Maureen McGovern
Answer: Debby Boone
Debby Boone soared to success in 1977 with her heartfelt hit “You Light Up My Life.” This romantic ballad, known for its tender lyrics and Boone’s captivating vocals, became an instant classic of the era.
Name the song made famous by Mungo Jerry.
A. “Chevy Van”
B. “In the Summertime”
C. “Stuck in the Middle With You”
D. “Kung-Fu Fighting”
Answer: “In the Summertime”
Mungo Jerry became a summer anthem in 1970 with their hit “In the Summertime.” This laid-back and catchy tune, characterized by its infectious rhythm and carefree vibe, perfectly captured the spirit of the season.
Does he look familiar?
A. Curtis Mayfield
B. Isaac Hayes
C. Carl Douglas
D. Barry White
Answer: Carl Douglas
Carl Douglas delivered a knockout hit in 1974 with “Kung Fu Fighting.” This infectious disco tune, featuring catchy melodies and martial arts-inspired lyrics, became an instant sensation, leaving a lasting impact on the ’70s music scene.
Name the hit tune by Norman Greenbaum.
A. “Turn the Beat Around”
B. “Black Betty”
C. “I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round)”
D. “Spirit in the Sky”
Answer: “Spirit in the Sky”
Norman Greenbaum soared to fame in 1970 with his infectious hit “Spirit in the Sky.” Fusing rock and gospel influences, this uplifting and spiritually-charged song became an iconic anthem, earning its place among ’70s classics.
Which artist had a one-hit wonder with the song “American Pie”?
A. Don McLean
B. Neil Diamond
C. Jim Croce
D. Cat Stevens
Answer: Don McLean
Don McLean captivated audiences in 1971 with his epic hit “American Pie.” This sprawling folk-rock masterpiece, delving into themes of American culture and music, remains an enduring symbol of the ’70s singer-songwriter era.
Remember this Edison Lighthouse hit?
A. “Ring My Bell”
B. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”
C. “Video Killed the Radio Star”
D. “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”
Answer: “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”
Edison Lighthouse brightened the charts in 1970 with their pop hit “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes).” This upbeat and melodic tune, filled with catchy hooks and a sing-along chorus, captured the hearts of listeners.
Which female singer is known for “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”
A. Olivia Newton-John
B. Carole King
C. Vicki Lawrence
D. Helen Reddy
Answer: Vicki Lawrence
Vicki Lawrence made her mark in 1973 with “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” This storytelling country-pop hit, filled with mystery and drama, showcased Lawrence’s vocal talent and storytelling prowess.
Do you know this popular song by The Knack?
A. “Money”
B. “Dancin'”
C. “Hallelujah”
D. “My Sharona”
Answer: “My Sharona”
The Knack rocked the charts in 1979 with their power-pop hit “My Sharona.” This infectious and high-energy tune, known for its catchy guitar riffs and energetic vocals, became an iconic anthem of the late ’70s.
Her biggest hit was “Lovin’ You.”
A. Minnie Riperton
B. Chaka Khan
C. Natalie Cole
D. Anita Baker
Answer: Minnie Riperton
Minnie Riperton enchanted listeners in 1975 with her soaring hit “Lovin’ You.” This beautiful and ethereal love ballad, featuring Riperton’s extraordinary vocal range, remains a timeless and captivating piece of ’70s music.
Which of these songs is by The Stylistics?
A. “Oh, Honey”
B. “Betcha by Golly, Wow”
C. “Driver’s Seat”
D. “Stay With Me”
Answer: “Betcha by Golly, Wow”
The Stylistics made a soulful impression in 1972 with their hit “Betcha by Golly, Wow.” This smooth and romantic ballad, characterized by its silky harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, became a signature song for the group.
Who sings “Convoy”?
A. Jerry Reed
B. Eddie Rabbitt
C. C.W. McCall
D. Dave Dudley
Answer: C.W. McCall
C.W. McCall rolled down the highways of success in 1975 with his trucker anthem “Convoy.” This catchy and humorous tune, narrating a tale of truckers and their adventures, became a cross-country favorite.
Billy Paul is best known for this hit single.
A. “It Must Be Love”
B. “Crazy Love”
C. “King Tut”
D. “Me and Mrs. Jones”
Answer: “Me and Mrs. Jones”
Billy Paul mesmerized audiences in 1972 with his soulful hit “Me and Mrs. Jones.” This passionate and emotionally-charged song exploring a forbidden love affair showcased Paul’s powerful vocals and storytelling ability.
Who had a one-hit wonder with the song “Ring My Bell”?
A. Anita Ward
B. Gloria Gaynor
C. Donna Summer
D. Vicki Sue Robinson
Answer: Anita Ward
Anita Ward set dance floors ablaze in 1979 with her disco hit “Ring My Bell.” This infectious and groovy tune, featuring Ward’s sultry vocals and a catchy rhythm, became a disco-era favorite.
Do you remember this classic song by Gloria Gaynor?
A. “Baby Come Back”
B. “I Will Survive”
C. “Sometimes When We Touch”
D. “Runaway Love”
Answer: “I Will Survive”
Gloria Gaynor became an anthem of strength in 1978 with her empowering hit “I Will Survive.” This disco classic, known for its powerful vocals and empowering lyrics, remains a timeless anthem of resilience.
Labelle became famous for this song.
A. "New York Groove"
B. "Soul Man"
C. "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood"
D. "Lady Marmalade"
Answer: "Lady Marmalade"
Labelle sizzled with their hit “Lady Marmalade” in 1974. This sultry and funky tune, known for its seductive vocals and groovy rhythm, became a disco-era classic and a staple of the ’70s music scene.
"Don’t Give Up On Us" was made popular by this male singer.
A. David Soul
B. Barry Manilow
C. Andy Gibb
D. Alan O’Day
Answer: David Soul
David Soul melted hearts in 1977 with his romantic hit “Don’t Give Up on Us.” This soulful ballad, known for its heartfelt lyrics and Soul’s tender vocals, became a beloved love song of the era.
Billy Swan became a fan-favorite for this hit.
A. “Don’t Leave Me This Way”
B. “I Can Help”
C. “Magic Fly”
D. “Brick House”
Answer: “I Can Help”
Billy Swan offered a helping hand in 1974 with his hit “I Can Help.” This country-infused rock tune, filled with catchy hooks and Swan’s distinctive vocals, resonated with audiences and became a ’70s favorite.
