Every holiday season an essential element comes into place, and that is Christmas music. They are played in homes, malls, radio stations, and in music programs. Some Christmas songs have remained yearly favorites, such as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” or Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas. However, there are a few artists who were only recognized for their one-hit Christmas songs, which shaped their careers. Even though their fame was brief, these one-hit-wonder Christmas artists deserved to be recognized.
Bobby Helms, “Jingle Bell Rock” (1957)
“Jingle Bell Rock” became a favorite Christmas song for over 60 years, and it was sung by Bobby Helm. With his silky, twangy vocal performance and appealing guitar riffs, that became the song’s characteristics. Despite having a few singles in his early career, none of them became successful, unlike “Jingle Bell Rock.” Furthermore, even though the song has been covered innumerable times, his original version would be played more during the Christmas season. He became a one-hit wonder of Christmas music because he never managed to duplicate the same success of “Jingle Bell Rock” with his other compositions.
Gene Autry, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1949)
His name is most frequently associated with the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” during the holidays, even though he was a successful country singer and actor. The song narrates the tale of Rudolph, a red-nosed reindeer who helps steer Santa’s sleigh through the misty night. The song became a huge hit, topping the Billboard charts, and became one of the all-time best-selling Christmas singles. He was considered to be one of the greatest one-hit-wonder Christmas artists through this song, even though he had a lengthy and successful career. Furthermore, the song has been embedded in Christmas culture, and it inspired a television special with animation and a variety of merchandise.
Elmo & Patsy, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” (1979)
This song is considered to be hilarious and irreverent because of its quirky lyrics and catchy tune. The song describes how a family responds to the grandmother’s accident with Santa’s sleigh. The song’s funny concept and sing-along potential helped it become viral. Their other songs weren’t as successful as this one, but they still had minor success with their other songs.
This song would still play on Christmas radio stations every year and is usually welcomed with equal parts laughter and moans.
The Waitresses, “Christmas Wrapping” (1982)
This Ohio-based post-punk group was well-known for its oddball and irreverent aesthetic. Their song “Christmas Wrapping” has now become a holiday classic since its release in 1982. The particular fusion of a spoken word opening, a catchy tune, and themes of hope, nostalgia, and loneliness during the Christmas season is what defines the song. It’s not the usual upbeat Christmas tune, and many can relate to its straightforward and somewhat depressing take on the season. Throughout their brief career, their other songs didn’t become popular as “Christmas Wrapping,” but that song defined them. That song also made them a one-hit wonder at Christmas, but it’s still being played in holiday playlists.
José Feliciano, “Feliz Navidad” (1970)
José Feliciano was most known for his one-hit wonder song, “Feliz Navidad,” since its release in 1970. It was praised for its straightforward yet upbeat lyrics in both Spanish and English. His passionate performance and the catchy, lively beat made it a global classic on holiday playlists. Even though he was successful in the Latin music industry, “Feliz Navidad” is the song that best captures his career during the holidays. Because of that, it became one of the most-played Christmas songs globally.
Andy Williams, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (1963)
Even though he had numerous songs in a variety of genres over his career in the music industry, the release of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” in 1963 sticks out as his favorite Christmas song. The way the song was composed and how it was written made it instantly synonymous with the holiday season. After this release, he became successful in many other songs, but none have lasted as long as this one. Furthermore, since this song is so strongly linked with Christmas, it’s hard to imagine Christmas without hearing it.
Wham! “Last Christmas” (1984)
This British duo released “Last Christmas” in 1984, and it became a one-hit wonder on Christmas. It also became a timeless classic holiday song. Even though their career was brief, because of this song, as well as George Michael’s soulful voice and a mix of 1980s pop with a sorrowful yet festive low voice, it became an outstanding hit. They released several other hit songs, but just like everyone else in this article, not one of their songs reached the same popularity as their Christmas singles. Also, even though the group broke up, the song continues to be played each year.
Overall, these artists offered unique and memorable Christmas songs that are still played during the Christmas season. So, have you started listening to your holiday playlist?
If you want more of these “one-hit wonders” at Christmas, you can take a look at Slingo.