4 One-Hit Wonders That Introduced Iconic Artists to the World

One-hit wonders are often quite memorable, even decades after they hit the airwaves and topped the charts. Just as well, some one-hit wonders introduced artists that gained more infamy than those solitary hits provided. Let’s look at just a few examples of one-hit wonder songs that introduced legendary artists!

1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor

Sinead O’Connor is so beyond the “one-hit wonder” label. She’s known for her activism, controversies, and incredible talents as a musician. The late Irish superstar is known for so much more than the 1990 hit “Nothing Compares 2 U”. However, technically, that song is O’Connor’s only chart-topping hit.

A cover of a Prince song that took on a life of its own, “Nothing Compares 2 U” made it to no. 1 across the board globally in 1990. However, O’Connor never charted nearly as high in the US again, or anywhere else for that matter. 

2. “Cars” by Gary Numan

Gary Numan might not seem like a worthy entry on our list of one-hit wonders that introduced famous artists. There’s no way the 1979 new wave hit “Cars” is his only hit, right?

If you referred to Numan as a one-hit wonder across the pond, you’d be looked at like you were insane. Numan had an enormously successful career in the UK that lasted well into the 2000s. However, “Cars” was technically his only hit to make it to the US Hot 100.

3. “Whip It” by Devo

When one thinks of American new wave, one often thinks of Devo. There was no band quite like this synth-pop group at the time, and there hasn’t been anyone like them since. Their place in pop culture is irrefutable, and they released a ton of excellent music during their heyday.

However, when it comes to the charts, Devo is technically a one-hit wonder. “Whip It” made it to no. 14 on the US Hot 100 back in 1980. However, the group never scored another Top 40 hit on that chart again.

4. “Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton

Out of all the one-hit wonders out there that introduced famous artists to the world, few are as endearing and enduring as Minnie Riperton. This late great singer was known for her stunning five-octave vocal range and her beautiful works in the R&B and soul genres throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

“Lovin’ You” from 1975 was Riperton’s only Top 70 hit on the Hot 100, where it sat at no. 1. It’s wild to think that iconic, stunning songs like “Les Fleurs” didn’t chart at all during Riperton’s career.

Photo by Dick Wallis/Shutterstock

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