It’s easy to miss a one‑hit wonder after their song climbs today’s charts, but those catchy tunes often keep generating serious cash long after the artist disappears from the spotlight. These iconic tracks transform into evergreen revenue machines, earning millions in streaming, placement, and nostalgia marketing. Whether it’s a seasonal anthem or a timeless radio staple, understanding why one‑hit wonders still pay off helps explain why those artists can live off one song. Ready to revisit the hits that truly keep on giving? Here are seven one‑hit wonders that still rake in serious royalties year after year.
1. Don McLean – “American Pie”
By JeremyWestby – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Don McLean’s 1971 ballad “American Pie” is more than a pop culture touchstone—it’s a financial juggernaut. McLean still earns an estimated $300,000 annually from this single alone. The song’s cultural resonance, frequent radio play, and placement in films and commercials keep the cash flowing. It proves that one timeless tune can fuel financial security for decades. For McLean, “American Pie” is the ultimate example of a one‑hit wonder with lasting financial impact.
2. Gerry Rafferty – “Baker Street”
The iconic sax riff in “Baker Street” isn’t just memorable—it’s lucrative. Gerry Rafferty continues to receive about $100,000 a year in royalties from this 1978 classic. Its inclusion in movies, TV series, and playlists ensures consistent income streams. Despite limited chart success beyond this song, its enduring popularity shows that a single track can be enough to leave a legacy. Rafferty’s “Baker Street” exemplifies how a brilliant melody can yield recurring revenue long after the spotlight fades.
3. Berton Averre – “My Sharona” (Songwriter)
Berton Averre, co-writer of The Knack’s “My Sharona,” earns between $100,000 and $300,000 annually from royalties. This 1979 hit surged again in the 2000s thanks to films like Reality Bites, Spotify, and numerous covers. His royalty earnings come from various sources—radio spins, streaming, synchronization licensing, and cover uses. It highlights how a songwriter’s cut on a one‑hit wonder can be just as substantial as a performer’s. Averre’s ongoing success proves that writing a hit can be a serious financial win.
4. Slade – “Merry Christmas Everybody”
The U.K.’s iconic holiday anthem by Slade rakes in approximately £1 million (~$1.3 million) each year. First released in 1973, the song re-enters the charts every holiday season, fueled by nostalgia and commercial usage. Its predictable yearly resurgence makes it more lucrative than many current hits. For Noddy Holder and Jim Lea of Slade, this festive one‑hit wonder remains a consistent goldmine. Holiday playlists and TV spots turn it into an annual royalty windfall.
5. The Pogues – “Fairytale of New York”
Considered a modern classic, this seminal Cork-New York duet brings in a steady £400,000 (~$520,000) annually. First released in 1987, it continues to chart every winter across Europe. Its enduring popularity through covers, charity gigs, and cinematic placement keeps royalties coming. As a seasonal one‑hit wonder, it rivals classic Christmas crowd-pleasers year after year. The Pogues’ hit clearly shows that one track can sustain decades-long income.
6. Tag Team – “Whoomp! (There It Is)”
Released in 1993, Tag Team’s “Whoomp! (There It Is)” is a staple at sports arenas, commercials, and viral internet moments. While annual royalty figures don’t make headlines, its multi-platinum certifications and consistent placement signal a strong revenue stream. The song regularly pops up in major broadcasts and playlists, boosting sync and performance income. That longevity makes it a party anthem that works like passive income. It underscores how a viral track can keep its earnings pulse alive for decades.
7. Gary Glitter – “Rock and Roll Part 2”
Despite the scandal, Gary Glitter’s instrumental classic is notorious in U.S. sports arenas, earning about $250,000 a year in royalties. Even after legal offenses, the song persists in media licensing, as it’s repeated in games and broadcasts. His shares may be impacted, but the tune itself still generates revenue. It’s a controversial example of how a one‑hit wonder can maintain profitability apart from personal legacy. The song remains a cash cow, regardless of its creator’s issues.
What Makes These One-Hit Wonders Pack a Punch
So what links these seven songs? They’re catchy, timeless, and embedded in culture—perfect for reuse in movies, ads, and playlists. Whether tied to seasons, sports, or nostalgia, they maintain relevance and generate recurring royalties. Understanding the patterns of one‑hit wonders helps us see how a single brilliant moment can have a compounding financial effect. For creators and fans alike, it’s a reminder: one great song can be more powerful than a whole discography.
Which one‑hit wonder from this list still pops into your head—and did you realize it’s still making money today? Share your favorite nostalgia hit in the comments!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. She frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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