Turn on any oldies station that plays popular music from the 1960s, and you’re bound to hear hit after hit, which will bring you back to your youth. There were many major musicians during that time, including the Beatles, Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, and the Rolling Stones, just to name a few. However, there were also some lesser-known artists that made a big impact, and we’re going to talk about their contributions by discussing the one-hit wonders from the ’60s that are still considered great today.
The one-hit wonders on this list are so noteworthy that many of them are still making an impact on pop culture today. For instance, The Tokens’ 1961 hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was made famous again for being in Disney’s “The Lion King.” Another great one-hit wonder is the song “Born to be Wild,” which has been featured in more than 40 movies and TV shows since it was released in 1968. And who could forget the catchy ballad “Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen, released in 1963, or the sad song “Teen Angel” by Mark Dinning? There are a lot of gems to love, and we’re sure you’ll remember them fondly.
To find and determine the best one-hit wonders from the ’60s, 24/7 Tempo went back in time and reviewed the music charts from back then. We also reviewed online sources, including Nostalgia Central, Spotify, and Rolling Stone, among others. We’re sure this list will have you going back to your old records so that you can enjoy these hits again. Since you’re a fan of this decade, you should also check out our list of the most likable TV characters of the ’60s.
‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’
- Artist: The Tokens
- Year released: 1961
Undoubtedly, one of the best one-hit wonders from the ’60s is this gem from The Tokens. Younger readers may remember this song from the movie “The Lion King” and the song was certainly revived when that movie came out in 1994. However, the song was a hit way before that, and while not everyone enjoys this one, those who do simply can’t get enough. The Tokens released other music, including the song “La Bamba” (a Ritchie Valens hit), but while that song had a minor impact, it didn’t make the Billboard Top 50, and the rest is history.
‘In The Year 2525’
- Artist: Zager and Evans
- Year released: 1969
This hit made a big splash on the charts because it was a new kind of music that most people weren’t used to hearing. It was dual voices singing over elegant guitar strumming, trumpets, and a steady, marching drum beat. The lyrics also caught people’s attention. We’re always wondering what the future will be like, and this song talks about how in 4545, you won’t need your eyes or teeth, and in 5555, machines will do everything for us. Like many other songs on this list, this one has been found in pop culture and was parodied in the cartoon “Futurama.”
‘Louie Louie’
- Artist: The Kingsmen
- Year released: 1963
The original “Louie Louie” song was written by Richard Berry and released in 1955, but it was The Kingsmen who recorded a cover and made the song a hit. A recipe for a hit song is one that includes repeated words because it’s easy to sing. The Kingsmen were a garage band from Portland, Oregon, but they made it big with this song and even landed in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This song continues to be a hit because it’s recognizable even without the words. That’s why it’s a standard song played by marching bands around the country.
‘Eve of Destruction’
- Artist: Barry McGuire
- Year released: 1965
The 1960s saw the first major boom of antiwar songs that reached mainstream success. This was likely due to the fact that color TVs were becoming popular, and audiences could see the true carnage of the Vietnam War and other conflicts. The song “Eve of Destruction” makes us ponder the horrors of war while we listen to a memorable beat. This anthem continues to be one that’s thought of when we think about the government drafting soldiers and the conflicts that the United States gets into around the world so we can continue our freedoms.
‘Born to be Wild’
- Artist: Steppenwolf
- Year released: 1968
Another of the best one-hit wonders from the ’60s is “Born to be Wild,” which is still immensely popular to this day. This song was a hit in the ’60s and the ’70s, and everyone played it at their parties. The song has had a resurgence in the last few decades, and it’s been featured in over 40 movies (“Borat” and “Problem Child”) and TV shows (“Married with Children.”) Basically, anytime a character is out of control, they play this song. Interestingly, Steppenwolf remained a band until 2018, but this ’60s song was still their only real hit.
‘If You Wanna Be Happy’
UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Jimmy Soul Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
- Artist: Jimmy Soul
- Year released: 1963
This song, from Trinidad band Jimmy Soul, is very catchy, though it doesn’t have the nicest message. The lyrics mention that if you want to be happy for the rest of your life, you should marry someone ugly who won’t run off on you. It’s possible that fans of the song didn’t really understand the words. They likely enjoyed it because it has a simple harmony and it’s easy to dance to. The song has lasted the test of time, and you’ll still hear this one playing on the oldies station.
‘Wipe Out’
- Artist: The Surfaris
- Year released: 1963
You’ve likely heard this wild song at some point in your life as it’s included in many famous films, including “The Sandlot,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Toy Story 2,” among others. The song is mostly instrumental, and they shout the words “wipe out” at certain points throughout the song. This song is most famous for its fast drums. The drumming is so fast that drummers use it as a gauge for testing their ability and speed. While the band had a lot of talent, this surfer rock anthem was their only hit.
‘Wild Thing’
- Artist: The Troggs
- Year released: 1966
You’ll likely remember the song “Wild Thing” from the familiar lyrics: “Wild thing. You make my heart sing. You make everything groovy.” The song, from the English group The Troggs, wasn’t a hit immediately. However, it was about a year after the song was released that The Jimi Hendrix Experience performed a cover at a pop festival and the song gained notoriety. The band also had another song, “Love is All Around,” which received some radio play, but they’re mostly only known for this one-hit wonder.
‘Spirit in the Sky’
- Artist: Norman Greenbaum
- Year released: 1969
Another of the best one-hit wonders from the ’60s was “Spirit in the Sky,” which is the only hit from Greenbaum. Still, it’s quite an accomplishment because this remains one of the most-played songs on classic rock radio. It’s about a man talking to God, and he’s grateful to have a relationship with the creator so he can go to Heaven. This song had a resurgence years ago, mostly because it was included in the video game “Rock Band 2.” This rock-gospel song is considered one of the most popular in the world.
‘Teen Angel’
UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Mark Dinning Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
- Artist: Mark Dinning
- Year released: 1960
The song “Teen Angel” is not a happy one. It’s about two teenagers who are deeply in love. However, they park near railroad tracks, and a train comes, and the girlfriend doesn’t make it. The song is from the boyfriend’s point of view. The song is catchy but the lyrics are also meaningful, so it can mean something different to everyone. It can be especially impactful for teens who can’t imagine losing the one they love or parents who would be sad to lose their child. The song is the only hit by musician Mark Dinning.
‘Stay’
- Artist: Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs
- Year released: 1960
Another of the best one-hit wonders from the 60s is also one of the shortest. This song, which clocks in at under 2 minutes, was an instant hit. It’s a very catchy song that Maurice Williams wrote when he was only 15 years old. Part of the idea of such a short song is that it was easy to listen to over and over. This song has stayed in the public’s eye for many years because it has been featured in movies, including “Dirty Dancing,” so it will go down in history as one of the best.
‘Alley-Oop’
CIRCA 1960: The Hollywood Argyles album featuring Gary S. Paxton. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
- Artist: The Hollywood Argyles
- Year released: 1960
One of the most memorable songs on this list is “Alley-Oop,” which is The Hollywood Argyles’ dedication to a popular comic strip of the same name. Alley-Oop is a caveman with a fun personality, and the song is all about him. Though this is their only hit, this song made the band very famous. According to legend, most of the group was drunk when recording the song, which is why the song is a little bonkers at points with loud screams and slurred words. Still, it’s a song to remember and worth another listen.
‘Hey Baby’
UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1970: Photo of Bruce Channel Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
- Artist: Bruce Channel
- Year released: 1961
Easily one of the best one-hit wonders from the ’60s is this jam from Bruce Channel. This song is about asking someone you like out on a date and the excitement that goes along with it. This hit had a bit of a ’50s vibe, but it was ’60s all along. It’s another example of adding repetitive lyrics, a surefire way to create a radio hit. Plus, there’s an incredible harmonica riff in there to love. This song hit the charts and stayed there for several weeks, but it was Channel’s only hit.
‘Mother-in-Law’
- Artist: Ernie K-Doe
- Year released: 1961
Another way an artist can increase their chances of getting a hit song on the radio is by talking about a subject many people can relate to. In the case of “Mother-in-Law,” we have a fun song with a great beat and hilarious lyrics that found itself at the top of the charts. While Ernie K-Doe was a one-hit wonder, he was almost a no-hit wonder because he was reportedly afraid to record the song. We’re glad he did, though, because this one is still in our heads, and we love it.
‘They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!’
- Artist: Napoleon XIV
- Year released: 1966
Our final of the best one-hit wonders from the ’60s is one of the wildest on this list. This wacky entry by Napoleon XIV is about a man who’s going crazy and thinks he’ll be thrown in the looney bin. It’s one you probably wouldn’t hear these days, especially when there’s a lot of concern over mental health. This song was more of a novelty, but people enjoyed it and it made this artist a one-hit wonder.
Still looking to get your ’60s fix? Then check out our list of the most underrated movies of the decade.