While one-hit wonders were hardly a new phenomenon by the 1980s, a few factors of the swiftly changing music landscape of that decade made them more prevalent than before.
With the birth of MTV came a greater emphasis on a musical act’s image and flashy novelty, which meant that bands and artists who exploded onto the scene often found themselves leaving it just as abruptly. Tastes also became international, which meant that fluke hits from other countries became more commonplace. Yet, while these acts may not have been in the spotlight for long, they made an unforgettable impression while they were.
Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
Although Bobby McFerrin had proven himself as a master jazz vocalist whose impressive pentatonic stylings allowed him to conduct a capella performances that made him sound like he was working with a full band, he didn’t become known to the masses until 1988.
That came off the strength of his humorous but legitimately relaxing award-winning hit “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” which was further boosted by an iconic music video featuring Robin Williams and master clown Bill Irwin. Although he was briefly a superstar, he continued following his own muse throughout his career.