Ah, the ’70s! A time of bell-bottoms, disco balls, and some unforgettable tunes that still make you tap your feet today. You know the ones—those catchy songs that hit the charts like meteors but left their artists in the dust, never to be heard from again. They’ve become what we lovingly call “one-hit wonders.” But what happens to these artists after their 15 minutes of fame? Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and catch up with a few of these musical luminaries.
Starland Vocal Band: “Afternoon Delight”
If you were anywhere near a radio in 1976, you likely heard “Afternoon Delight.” The Starland Vocal Band’s smooth harmonies and cheeky lyrics made it a summer anthem. But after that, things got a little… quiet. The group released several albums, but nothing really caught fire like that initial hit. They eventually disbanded in the early ’80s, but members still stayed in the music scene. John Carter, one of the band members, even had a stint as a producer and songwriter, working behind the scenes for other artists. Who knew “Afternoon Delight” would lead to so much creative afterlife?
Joey Scarbury: “Theme from The Greatest American Hero”
“Believe it or not, I’m walking on air…” If those lyrics just popped into your head, you’re not alone. Joey Scarbury’s 1981 hit became the theme song for the TV show “The Greatest American Hero,” and it’s been stuck in our brains ever since. But after his moment in the spotlight, Scarbury had a pretty low-key career. He continued to write and perform, even appearing on shows like “The Midnight Special.” Nowadays, he’s still at it, performing at various events. It’s like he’s the superhero of the one-hit wonder world, keeping his legacy alive one gig at a time!
Paper Lace: “The Night Chicago Died”
Now, let’s talk about Paper Lace. They made waves in 1974 with “The Night Chicago Died,” a catchy tune about love and crime in the Windy City. The song was a chart-topper, but after that, they struggled to replicate the success. They tried their luck in the U.S. and the U.K., but nothing really worked out. Eventually, they disbanded in the late ’70s. Fast forward to today, and you can find them occasionally reuniting for nostalgic tours. It’s like a blast from the past for those who want to relive the magic of the ’70s!
Looking Glass: “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”
Ah, Brandy—a name synonymous with nautical-themed love stories! Looking Glass gave us that classic tune in 1972, and it’s still a favorite at parties. But after “Brandy,” the band struggled to find another hit. They released a few more songs, but none reached the heights of their debut. Eventually, they split up, and members went on to pursue different musical adventures. Fast forward to the 21st century, and the song has enjoyed a resurgence, thanks to its inclusion in movies and TV shows. Just think of it as a fine wine; it just gets better with age!
Walter Murphy: “A Fifth of Beethoven”
Ever heard disco and classical music blend so perfectly? Walter Murphy did it with “A Fifth of Beethoven” in 1976, and it was a funky hit! But after that, Murphy didn’t quite manage to replicate the magic. He continued to work in music, especially in orchestration and arranging, even contributing to the “Family Guy” theme. It’s a bit like he took the road less traveled, but he’s still out there creating, just with a different audience.
David Geddes: “Run Joey Run”
Now, if you’ve ever found yourself belting out “Run Joey Run” in the shower, you’re not alone. David Geddes’s melodramatic ballad from 1975 struck a chord with many. But after that, Geddes seemed to vanish from the mainstream. He kept performing in smaller venues and even dabbled in country music. Today, he’s still active in the music scene, reminding us that sometimes, the best stories are the ones we don’t hear on the radio.
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