11 Pop Artists Of The 1970s Who Landed A Single Smash Then Slipped Away
Remember when a song would explode onto the radio, get stuck in everyone’s head for months, then vanish along with the artist who sang it?
The 1970s had more of these musical shooting stars than any other decade.
These performers climbed to the top of the charts with one unforgettable tune, then mysteriously disappeared from the spotlight forever.
1. Norman Greenbaum – Spirit in the Sky
Picture a guitar riff so powerful it could shake the heavens themselves.
Greenbaum created this gospel-rock masterpiece in 1969, and it dominated airwaves well into the seventies.
Though he wasn’t particularly religious, the song’s spiritual vibe connected with millions of listeners worldwide.
After this massive hit, Greenbaum recorded other tracks but never came close to matching this lightning-in-a-bottle moment.
Today, Spirit in the Sky remains a classic rock staple that newer generations keep discovering.
2. Carl Douglas – Kung Fu Fighting
When martial arts movies exploded in popularity, Douglas delivered the perfect soundtrack.
Kung Fu Fighting sold over 11 million copies worldwide and topped charts across multiple continents in 1974.
The song was actually recorded as a B-side in just ten minutes!
Nobody expected it to become a global phenomenon that defined an entire cultural moment.
Douglas tried releasing follow-up singles, but lightning refused to strike twice for this disco-funk sensation.
3. Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime
Few songs capture carefree summer vibes quite like this jug-band-inspired classic.
Released in 1970, it became one of the best-selling singles ever, moving over 30 million copies globally.
Ray Dorset wrote the tune when he was just eighteen years old, years before recording it.
The bouncy rhythm and sing-along chorus made it impossible to forget.
Though Mungo Jerry released other music, nothing else came remotely close to this summertime anthem’s massive success.
4. Paper Lace – The Night Chicago Died
This British band told a dramatic story about a fictional shootout in Chicago.
Ironically, the event they sang about never actually happened, but listeners didn’t care one bit.
The Night Chicago Died reached number one in America during 1974, outselling countless other hits.
Paper Lace tried following up with similar storytelling songs, yet none captured audiences the same way.
Their moment in the spotlight burned bright but faded faster than anyone expected.
5. Terry Jacks – Seasons in the Sun
Grab some tissues before listening to this emotional farewell ballad.
Jacks adapted a French song into English, creating a melancholic masterpiece that sold over 10 million copies.
The 1974 hit topped charts worldwide, touching hearts with its themes of saying goodbye.
After this success, Jacks stepped away from music entirely, choosing environmental activism and documentary filmmaking instead.
His decision surprised fans, but he found fulfillment beyond the recording studio.
6. Dobie Gray – Drift Away
Music lovers everywhere found their anthem in this soulful celebration of rhythm and blues.
Gray’s smooth vocals perfectly conveyed how music helps us escape life’s troubles.
Drift Away climbed into the top five during 1973, becoming a radio staple that still gets airplay today.
The song’s timeless message about music’s healing power resonates across generations.
Though Gray continued performing, he never again reached these commercial heights despite his undeniable talent.
7. Elvin Bishop – Fooled Around and Fell in Love
Sometimes the best love songs admit the unexpected nature of romance.
Bishop’s 1976 hit featured vocalist Mickey Thomas delivering one of the decade’s smoothest performances.
The song reached number three on the charts, blending rock and soul into something genuinely special.
Interestingly, Thomas later found greater fame as Journey’s lead singer.
Bishop continued his blues-rock career but never scored another mainstream hit quite like this romantic confession.
8. Starland Vocal Band – Afternoon Delight
Sunshine, harmony, and surprisingly cheeky lyrics combined in this 1976 chart-topper.
Afternoon Delight won a Grammy Award despite some radio stations initially banning it for suggestive content.
The song’s smooth vocal harmonies and upbeat melody made it a summer favorite.
Husband-and-wife duo Bill and Taffy Danoff wrote the tune, inspired by a restaurant menu item.
Starland Vocal Band even got their own variety show, but it flopped quickly.
9. The Buggles – Video Killed the Radio Star
Prophetic lyrics warned about technology changing the music industry forever.
The Buggles released this synth-pop masterpiece in 1979, and it became the first video ever played on MTV.
That historical significance cemented its place in pop culture beyond just chart success.
The song topped charts in sixteen countries, proving its universal appeal and catchy electronic production.
Trevor Horn later became a legendary producer, but The Buggles themselves quickly dissolved.
10. Sniff ‘n’ the Tears – Driver’s Seat
Mystery and intrigue surround this British band’s unexpected American success.
Driver’s Seat climbed the charts in 1979, featuring a moody atmosphere and hypnotic guitar work.
The song initially flopped in Britain but caught fire in the United States years after its original release.
Its distinctive sound stood apart from typical radio hits, offering something darker and more atmospheric.
Sniff ‘n’ the Tears continued making music but never again cracked mainstream consciousness.
11. Sweet – Love Is Like Oxygen
British glam rockers Sweet shifted their sound toward progressive rock with this 1978 ballad.
Love Is Like Oxygen showcased their musical versatility beyond their earlier glittery hits.
The song’s sweeping arrangement and philosophical lyrics marked a departure from their previous party anthems.
It reached the top ten in multiple countries, proving Sweet could evolve beyond glam rock stereotypes.
Tragically, this became their final major hit before internal conflicts and tragedy struck the band.
