Why the ’70s Guitar Riff Came Alive: 4 One-Hit Wonders You Still Remember

The 1970s gave rise to an era when the guitar riff reigned supreme — a few unforgettable seconds of sound that could define an entire song. Even for bands that only had a single hit, one well-crafted riff was enough to carve their names into rock history. These fleeting moments of brilliance often outlived the artists themselves, echoing across generations through classic-rock radio and playlists that refuse to fade away.

Some of the most enduring riffs of the decade didn’t come from the biggest acts, but from bands that briefly caught lightning in a bottle. They may have vanished from the charts as quickly as they appeared, yet their music continues to inspire air-guitar solos and nostalgic smiles. Those riffs captured the raw, unpolished energy that made ’70s rock both rebellious and timeless.

Each of these one-hit wonders had something unique — a tone, a groove, or a riff so catchy it refused to die. Their success stories remind us that musical immortality doesn’t always require a long discography; sometimes, one perfect song is enough. These tracks are proof that when a riff hits just right, it can live forever.

“Black Betty” – Ram Jam (Ram Jam, 1977)

“Black Betty” was never meant to be subtle — and that’s exactly why it works. Ram Jam’s 1977 reimagining of Lead Belly’s old folk tune turned a brief, rough-hewn melody into a thunderous rock anthem. With its explosive tempo, chugging guitars, and handclap-driven energy, the song felt like it had been pulled straight out of a Southern bar brawl and dropped into the mainstream.

The riff that opens “Black Betty” is pure adrenaline. It’s punchy, repetitive, and irresistible — the kind of hook that makes listeners reach for the volume knob. Once the mid-song jam section kicks in, the band proves they’re not just a novelty act; they can groove hard and play even harder. Each transition feels like a new jolt of electricity.

Despite their short-lived fame, Ram Jam captured a spirit that few bands of the decade could match — fast, loud, and unapologetically fun. “Black Betty” remains a rock radio staple because it embodies the 1970s’ love for gritty, riff-driven energy. Ram Jam may have been a one-hit wonder, but their single hit like a hammer.

“Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum (Spirit in the Sky, 1970)

“Spirit in the Sky” didn’t sound like anything else on the radio in 1970. Norman Greenbaum’s fuzz-drenched Telecaster riff felt both psychedelic and gospel-inspired — an unlikely pairing that worked perfectly. It was a song that made spirituality sound groovy, carried by one of the most recognizable guitar tones ever recorded.

The magic came from experimentation. Greenbaum famously had a fuzzbox installed inside his guitar, giving it that thick, buzzing tone that made “Spirit in the Sky” instantly distinctive. The result was a riff that floated between worlds — dirty and divine, garage rock and gospel hymn. It’s the rare song where tone became as important as melody.

Though Greenbaum never repeated the hit’s success, he gave rock music one of its most enduring sonic signatures. Decades later, “Spirit in the Sky” continues to appear in films, commercials, and playlists, a reminder that sometimes one riff is all it takes to become immortal.

“All Right Now” – Free (Fire and Water, 1970)

When Free released “All Right Now” in 1970, they weren’t chasing fame — they were chasing a reaction. After a lifeless concert left their audience silent, the band decided they needed a song that would wake the crowd up. Guitarist Paul Kossoff delivered exactly that: a riff so smooth and soulful that it practically swung on its own.

That bluesy groove, drenched in distortion, was the sound of confidence wrapped in raw energy. The riff doesn’t rush; it struts, giving vocalist Paul Rodgers the perfect foundation for his raspy charisma. Every note feels deliberate, a masterclass in how to make simplicity feel massive.

“All Right Now” became Free’s only major hit, but it captured a perfect balance of British rock cool and American blues grit. Even decades later, it’s the kind of song that can transform any moment into an encore. Free may have faded quickly, but this riff still burns bright.

“Mississippi Queen” – Mountain (Climbing!, 1970)

It takes only four notes for “Mississippi Queen” to announce itself — bold, heavy, and unmistakably 1970s. With Leslie West’s massive guitar tone leading the charge, the 1970 single became an instant anthem for the hard-rock scene that would later inspire bands like AC/DC and ZZ Top.

While the cowbell intro gets all the pop-culture attention, it’s that opening riff that truly powers the song. West’s guitar snarls with attitude, turning a simple blues progression into a mountain of sound. It’s the kind of riff that demands air-guitar participation, no matter where you hear it.

Mountain never again reached the same commercial peak, but “Mississippi Queen” secured their place in rock history. It’s raw, loud, and proudly straightforward — proof that sometimes, all you need is one riff to make the earth shake.