3 Classic Two-Hit Wonder Bands From the 1960s Golden Era

Perhaps more than any decade in popular music history, the 1960s were filled with stars. From The Beatles to The Rolling Stones to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Doors, Bob Dylan and myriad others, the era had marquee names galore, all of which boasted hit song after hit song. A greatest hits from the 1960s would play for a week straight, if not longer.

But nestled in between those famous monikers would be some lesser known groups, which released some hit songs on their own. Indeed, there were some bands that dropped chart-topping songs, even if they weren’t household names like Hendrix and McCartney. Here below, we wanted to explore three such acts. Indeed, these are three classic two-hit wonder bands from the 1960s golden era.

[RELATED: 3 Two-Hit Wonder, Foreign-Born Bands that Ruled the 1970s]

The Highwaymen: “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore” (U.S. No. 1) (1964) and “Cotton Fields” (U.S. No. 13) from Standing Room Only! (1962)

Not the be confused with the country supergroup with Johnny Cash and other big names, the 1960s Highwaymen were a folk group from the Northeast. Famous for somber renditions of classics like the gospel song “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore” and Lead Belly’s “Cotton Fields,” the group offered blissful harmonies and a sense of sonic togetherness that was appealing in the Flower Power decade. The result was a No. 1 hit in the United States and a No. 13 offering, too. Not too shabby for a bunch of chaps who met in college.

The Bobby Fuller Four: “I Fought the Law” (U.S. No. 9) and “Love’s Made a Fool of You” (U.S. No. 26) from I Fought the Law (1966)

The El Paso, Texas-born band known as The Bobby Fuller Four made their bones thanks to two covers of Buddy Holly songs in the 1960s. Indeed, both of the band’s hits from the middle of the decade were originally penned by the 1950s music star who died way too young in a plane crash. But a handful of years later, Holly’s tunes lived on thanks to The Bobby Fuller Four, which recorded renditions of “I Fought the Law” and “Love’s Made a Fool of You.”

The Left Banke: “Walk Away Renée” (U.S. No. 5) and “Pretty Ballerina” (U.S. No. 15) (Singles, 1966)

These two songs from the New York City-born baroque pop band were released together as a joint single in 1966. Known for their lush production, which included intricate string arrangements and vocal harmonies, the group was one-part classical music and one-part jukebox folk outfit. But they were also ahead of their time and benefited from their vision with two Top-20 hits in the United States. Check them out here below.

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