American singer-songwriter Minnie Riperton was one of a kind, and audiences knew that right away. She had a stunning voice and an unparalleled, five-octave coloratura soprano range that made her sound like an angel. Her biggest hit, the 1975 “Lovin’ You” is an incredibly sweet song where she gave adoring fans a taste of her astounding vocal talent.
Minnie wrote “Lovin’ You” to soothe her daughter when she was a little girl. Her daughter, as it turns out, is ‘Saturday Night Live’s’ brilliant Maya Rudolph. The song, filled with lovely, calming sounds, was a perfect way for Minnie to show off her beautiful voice. Sadly, Minnie passed away from cancer just 4 years after her song became a timeless hit.
"Funky Nassau" by The Beginning of the End
There has never been a one-hit wonder with a more relevant and appropriate name than The Beginning of the End. This band from the Bahamas consisted of three brothers, a bassist and a guitarist, and their 1971 hit single, "Funky Nassau", topped charts across the country.
The song reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, and had people sweating on the dance floor in clubs across the world. The Caribbean groove was impossible not to dance to, and it certainly saw its share of fame, even if it was for a very short time.
"Third Rate Romance" by Amazing Rhythm Aces
The Amazing Rhythm Aces had a pretty cool name, and in 1975, they released a pretty cool country rock song titled "Third Rate Romance". As you probably guessed by the title, the song was about a cheap one-night stand that happens after a man and a woman meet at a restaurant and go straight to business.
This no-frills song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Amazing Rhythm Aces had a brief taste of fame with their one hit single that reminded everyone what true country music was about - straight talk, no bells and whistles.
"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass
The Looking Glass certainly hit the nail in the head when it came to writing a song about a sailor's complete inability to commit to a serious relationship. released in 1972, this wildly famous hit single was thought to have been based in a real-life story, but it was finally revealed that it wasn't.
The single was so popular that it reached the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Cash Box Top 100 chart. Unfortunately, the American pop band was probably as crushed as Brandy was when they realized this would be their only hit single.
"Which Way You Goin', Billy?" by The Poppy Family
Another Canadian band that hit it big back in the 70s was The Poppy Family. Released in 1969 in Canada, their hit single, and incredibly sad song, "Which Way You Goin', Billy?" topped charts in Canada and Ireland. One year later, it reached number 2 on the US Billboard pop chart.
The four-member psychedelic pop group sold millions of records worldwide, proving they were truly talents musicians. Married couple Susan and Terry Jacks were two of the members, and a unique Tabla player and sitar strummer gave The Poppy Family a very special sound. The only member of the band that would produce another hit was Terry Jacks, but that was about it.