There were some pretty good one hit wonders in country music during the 1980s. They sizzled, then diminished somewhat. For whatever reason or combination of reasons, they never got to the top of the charts again, despite plenty of genuine talent and sincere hard work. In some cases, they simply exited the country genre to a large degree. Nevertheless looking back at their country chart toppers is fun. So let's stroll down music's Memory Lane of the 1980s and revisit these one hit wonders that defined the "Dynasty" decade. They include vocalists Ray Charles, Debby Boone, and Ed Bruce.
Videos by Wide Open Country
'Seven Spanish Angels' By Ray Charles
Wait, what?! The great and legendary Ray Charles (1930-2004) classified as a one hit wonder? No, it surely can't be true! Well, there is a bit of necessary explanation here. According to American Songwriter, Charles only dabbled a little in the country music space. This 1984 duet with icon and "outlaw" Willie Nelson "was a huge hit...but Charles didn't explore country music all that much beyond a few more songs in 1984 and 1986." He is very effective as a country singer. This song comes across beautifully, aided by Nelson.
'Are You On The Road To Lovin' Me Again' By Debby Boone
Boone, the daughter of the renowned singer and actor Pat Boone, made a huge, phenomenal splash with her monster hit, "You Light Up My Life." That triumph came in 1977, so she had loads of momentum going into the 1980s. Per the outlet, the song 'Are You On The Road To Lovin' Me Again' was "...released in 1980, [and] the track is a great one-hit wonder and showed how versatile Boone was when it came to switching up genres." She eventually changed lanes successfully yet again and zeroed in on Christian music instead, doing well with that too. Now 68 years old, Boone's likable, wholesome persona and widely respected family pedigree went a long way to bolstering her popularity.
'You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had' By Ed Bruce
Ironically, it's another country song that Bruce (1939-2021) was connected with that boosted his reputation skyward in the genre. "Bruce wrote his most impactful song in the seventies. He took 'Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys' to the top fifteen in 1975...." per countryuniverse.net. Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings eventually teamed up and transformed that tune a major, beloved classic. However, it was this particular song that put Bruce on top of the chart in 1982 for one week.
