10 One-Hit Wonders with Tragic Backstories

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at artists known for one song whose life stories ended on a down note.

Tommy Page

Before turning 20, Tommy Page had a number one hit with “I’ll Be Your Everything,” which members of New Kids on the Block helped him write and produce. Aside from his hit single, Page is probably best known for his appearance on the “Full House” episode “Crushed,” where he was the object of Stephanie’s affection. After his career as a performing artist ended, Page went back to NYU and graduated from its Stern School of Business. When he returned to the music industry as a record executive, his tenure was instrumental in the careers of artists like Green Day, Alanis Morissette, and Michael Buble. Sadly, Page died in 2017, and is believed to have taken his own life.

The Singing Nun

Jeannine Deckers was a Belgian nun and then-member of the Dominican Order when her song, “Dominique,” took off. The cheery tune about the priest named St. Dominic was nominated for several Grammy awards in the mid-1960s, winning one. In 1966, there was even a movie based on Deckers’ life starring Debbie Reynolds as the titular “Singing Nun.” Unfortunately, her success was short-lived. Though still religious, Deckers found herself in disagreement with the convent and the Catholic Church; after parting ways, she tried unsuccessfully to continue her music career, but money troubles got in the way. Deckers and her life partner, Annie Pécher, took their own lives in 1985. Though The Singing Nun is gone, “Dominque” lives on in movies and TV shows.

Jennifer Paige

A light pop track from the late 1990s, “Crush” by Jennifer Paige isn’t a song that you would associate with tragedy. However, a decade after the song came out, Jennifer Paige faced a host of tragic setbacks. In 2008, her parents both died about 2 weeks apart, and in 2010, their home was washed away in a flood right before Paige was set to sell it. In 2015, she was diagnosed with skin cancer, though she ultimately recovered. Paige has admitted that these tragedies kept her spirits down, but her music and her fans were able to help her power through.

Ray Smith

Fans of the “Fallout” video game series might recognise the Ray Smith song “Right Behind You”. However, the song that Smith received success on the charts with was the early 1960s hit, “Rockin’ Little Angel.” Despite the rockabilly track selling more than 1 million copies and peaking at #22 on the Hot 100, Smith wasn’t able to replicate another hit. After some shows and bouncing from record label to record label, he and his family moved to Burlington, Ontario, Canada, where he eventually returned to playing country music. In 1979, Smith took his life at the age of 45.

Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock

If you’re a fan of old school hip hop, then you’ve certainly heard “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock. The song, which peaked at number three on the US Dance Club Songs chart, was a top 40 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100, helped its eponymous album reach platinum status. “It Takes Two” is such a classic that it’s been used in samples by artists such as Snoop Dogg, and in video games such as “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.” The duo from Harlem had been friends since the 4th grade and had moderate success in the 80s and early 90s. However, diabetes complications would lead to DJ E-Z Rock’s death in 2014 at age 46.

Scatman John

John Paul Larkin had a rough childhood, in which he struggled with stuttering. Though he was able to cope by playing the piano, Larkin also struggled with substances and alcohol. After relocating to Europe, the American released an album where he fused jazz with europop, and the 1994 single “Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba Dop-Bop)” really took off. Its popularity, including multiple number ones in Europe, led him to take on the “Scatman” persona to help him shed his insecurities related to his speech difficulties. Following his newfound success, the 53-year-old Larkin encouraged young people to accept themselves, no matter their shortcomings. Scatman John continued to make music for a few more years, but unfortunately died of lung cancer in 1999.

Blind Melon

This 90s band had some critical and commercial success thanks to their performance of their song, “No Rain.” Though it has a cheery, folksy, melody, the alt rock track was actually based on bassist Nathan Towne’s girlfriend’s depression. The music video for the top 20 Billboard Hot 100 hit was directed by industry veteran Samuel Bayer and is best remembered for the young woman in the bee costume. However, just after Blind Melon released their second album, lead singer Shannon Hoon died from an overdose of illegal substances. The band struggled to replace him and broke up in 1999, only to reform, break up and get back together again throughout the 21st century.

OMC

Short for Otara Millionaires Club, this group from New Zealand is best known for “How Bizarre,” now a major source of 90s nostalgia. Following the chart-topping track, OMC managed to find continued success in their native New Zealand for a short time thanks to other singles off of their one album. However, in 1998, frontman Pauly Fuemana and OMC partner Alan Jansson went to court over royalty disputes, but they got back together in 2005 to record more music. Sadly though, Fuemana died of progressive demyelinating neuropathy in 2010 at the age of 40.

Del Shannon

This artist is best known for the hit song “Runaway.” Shortly after the rock and roll tune’s 1961 release, it was the number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 for a month straight, and it was selected as one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. While Shannon continued to have a bit of success during the next few years, his music career hit a bit of a rough patch in the ‘70s due to his alcohol use disorder. In 1990, mounting pressures and possible mental health issues led Shannon to take his own life. 9 years later, he was honored with a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Minnie Riperton

The mother of “SNL” cast member Maya Rudolph, Minnie Riperton was a talented singer who had a five octave range. Her vocal range was on full display for the 1974 song “Lovin’ You.” The Billboard Hot 100 chart topper was a soul and pop number written by Riperton and her husband Richard Rudolph. Unfortunately, Riperton was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1976 and became an outspoken advocate, spreading awareness. She was later honored by president Jimmy Carter with the American Cancer Society’s Courage Award. She did not disclose her terminal status publicly, and continued to make music, putting on a brave face. Three years later, she would die at the age of 31.

Which one hit wonder do you think deserved more hits? Let us know in the comments.