1. Ram Jam
When you think of Ram Jam, one song comes to mind instantly: “Black Betty.” This powerhouse track blasted out of radios in 1977 and had everyone stomping their feet. The energy was raw, the guitar riffs were catchy, and the vocal punch made it unforgettable. It seemed like the start of something big for the New York band.
But as quickly as they arrived, Ram Jam faded away. Their follow-up efforts never matched the same spark, and the group dissolved into obscurity. “Black Betty” lived on, though, becoming a staple of sports arenas and movie soundtracks. Even if most people can’t name the band, they know the song by heart.
2. Starbuck
Starbuck had a huge moment in 1976 with their hit “Moonlight Feels Right.” The breezy pop-rock song captured the lighter side of the decade, with its unforgettable marimba solo standing out. It was quirky yet smooth, a perfect slice of ‘70s radio magic.
After that single, though, Starbuck couldn’t keep the momentum going. Their later tracks failed to chart, and the group quietly slipped away from the mainstream. Still, “Moonlight Feels Right” has lived on as a summer anthem for nostalgic listeners. It’s one of those tunes that instantly transports you back to a warm night in the ‘70s.
3. The Knack
The Knack stormed the charts with “My Sharona” in 1979, and for a moment, it felt like they were the future of rock. The song was everywhere, with its punchy guitar hook and sneering vocals that made it irresistible. Fans thought they’d be around forever, riding the wave of new wave rock.
But the pressure of that massive success proved overwhelming. Their follow-up singles couldn’t match the magic, and critics quickly soured on them. By the early ‘80s, The Knack had essentially vanished. Still, “My Sharona” has remained one of the defining songs of the era.
4. The Sweet
The Sweet made waves in 1975 with their over-the-top glam-rock hit “Ballroom Blitz.” The song was loud, theatrical, and full of energy, sounding like a rock concert crammed into three minutes. With its shout-along lyrics and wild style, it became a staple of the decade and remains one of the most recognizable party anthems of the era.
While they had more success overseas, in the U.S. they never managed to duplicate the massive impact of “Ballroom Blitz.” Their later singles didn’t break through in the same way, and eventually the band’s momentum fizzled. Still, that one song cemented their place in rock history. To this day, whenever it comes on, people can’t help but shout “Are you ready, Steve?” right along with it.
5. Paper Lace
Paper Lace shot to fame in 1974 with “The Night Chicago Died.” The dramatic storytelling and sing-along chorus made it a chart-topper, especially in the U.S. It was a fun, almost theatrical track that felt tailor-made for jukeboxes.
Unfortunately, their other singles failed to catch on in the same way. They had another hit in the UK with “Billy Don’t Be a Hero,” but in America, they were mostly remembered for that one big success. Before long, Paper Lace faded into the background. Their story is a reminder of how fleeting pop-rock fame could be in the ‘70s.
6. Norman Greenbaum
Technically from 1969, Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” became one of the defining tracks of the early ‘70s. The fuzzed-out guitar riff and gospel-style backing vocals made it a one-of-a-kind hit. It was spiritual but also very rock ‘n’ roll.
After that, though, Greenbaum struggled to match his own success. His later music didn’t resonate with audiences in the same way, and he faded into obscurity. Yet “Spirit in the Sky” has been reborn countless times, thanks to movies and commercials. The song itself never really went away, even if the man behind it did.
7. Rick Derringer
Rick Derringer tore up the charts in 1974 with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” The song was a gritty, no-nonsense rock track with a killer riff that instantly grabbed attention. It became a staple of FM radio and a favorite for anyone looking for a pure blast of guitar-driven fun.
Despite his talent and collaborations with legends like Edgar Winter and Steely Dan, Derringer never managed another solo hit of the same scale. His career carried on behind the scenes, but most people remember him for that one unforgettable anthem. “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” still gets plenty of play, keeping his name alive long after the rest of his catalog faded from the spotlight.
8. Free
Free gave us one of the most recognizable rock anthems of the ‘70s: “All Right Now.” With Paul Rodgers’ powerful vocals and that infectious guitar riff, the song became a worldwide smash in 1970. It captured the spirit of freedom and youthful rebellion in a way few songs could.
Despite such a big hit, Free struggled with internal tensions and lineup changes. They never managed to replicate the same success, and by 1973, they had dissolved. Rodgers went on to greater fame with Bad Company, but Free as a band became known for that one iconic track.
9. Pilot
Pilot soared briefly to fame in 1975 with their hit “Magic.” The upbeat, glittery rock tune captured the optimism of the mid-‘70s. Its sunny chorus made it a staple for summer playlists.
But like so many others, the band couldn’t follow up with another hit of that magnitude. They released a few more singles, but none had the same sparkle. Pilot eventually broke up, though “Magic” remains a nostalgic favorite. It’s the kind of track that always manages to brighten a room.
10. Mungo Jerry
Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime” became a global hit in 1970. Its carefree vibe, catchy chorus, and jug-band feel made it one of the most beloved summer songs ever recorded. It practically defined what a warm-weather anthem should be.
Afterward, though, the group couldn’t capture the same magic. They released other songs, but none hit the same global success. Still, “In the Summertime” is timeless, popping up every summer like clockwork. Even if Mungo Jerry faded away, the song is forever tied to sunshine and good times.
11. Looking Glass
Looking Glass made their mark with the 1972 smash “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” The smooth vocals and storytelling lyrics about a sailor’s love made it unforgettable. It quickly became one of the most beloved one-hit wonders of the decade.
Unfortunately, the band couldn’t follow it up. Later songs fell flat, and Looking Glass broke up not long after. Still, “Brandy” has never gone away, thanks to radio play and its resurgence in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Sometimes one song is all it takes to secure a place in music history.
12. Wild Cherry
Wild Cherry brought funk-rock to the mainstream with “Play That Funky Music” in 1976. It was impossible not to dance to, and the song quickly dominated the charts. With its blend of rock and funk, it stood out in a crowded musical landscape.
But after that, the band struggled to find their next groove. Their later releases didn’t catch on, and they quietly disbanded. “Play That Funky Music” lived on, though, becoming a wedding and party staple for generations. It remains one of the most fun one-hit wonders ever recorded.
13. The Ides of March
The Ides of March made a huge splash in 1970 with “Vehicle.” With its punchy horns, gritty vocals, and driving beat, it sounded like a cross between rock and soul. The song was everywhere, climbing the charts and becoming one of the decade’s most recognizable singles.
But after “Vehicle,” the band never managed to capture the same level of success. They released more albums, but none produced another hit on that scale. Frontman Jim Peterik later found fame with Survivor and songs like “Eye of the Tiger,” but The Ides of March themselves are remembered almost entirely for “Vehicle.” It’s a track that still packs a punch whenever it comes on the radio.
14. Elvin Bishop
Elvin Bishop found massive success in 1976 with “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.” With Mickey Thomas on vocals, the song became a radio staple and a chart-topper. Its smooth, heartfelt vibe made it one of the great love songs of the decade.
After that, Bishop returned to his blues roots, and his later songs didn’t have the same mainstream impact. While he continued a long career as a respected musician, he never matched that one massive hit. “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” remains his enduring legacy. For many listeners, it’s the only song they know from him, but what a song it is.
