For musicians, scoring a No. 1 hit isn’t only a huge accolade, it’s also a rite of passage. It’s a testament to success, a stamp of approval from the masses, and a milestone of one’s career. With all that in mind, No.1 hits are highly coveted and as a result, many musicians chase and chase that dream until it’s finally achieved. However, there have been musicians who have kept chasing that dream for years never to have it come true. And despite this “failure,” they are still some of the biggest generational talents in music.
Yes, No. 1 hits are a huge moment and track some pretty crucial attributes in music. Though, it’s not the only thing important to an artist. Frankly, there are some artists who could care less about scoring a No. 1 hit. That being so, some incredibly famous and successful musicians have never scored a No. 1 and as a consequence people are left scratching their heads. So, here are three world-renowned musicians and bands that have never scored a No. 1 hit song on the Billboard Hot 100.
When one learns that Bruce Springsteen has never scored a No. 1 song they surely stand back and ask themselves, “How?” It is jaw-dropping and utterly surprising, as “The Boss” has been creating music ever since the late ’60s. Furthermore, most of that music has nearly been objectively incredible and generationally influential.
Between songs such as “Born in the U.S.A,” “Dancing in the Dark,” “Born To Run,” and so many more, Springsteen had a plethora of chances to rise to the top of the charts. But no, because as of this day, the only notable chart accolades Springsteen has scored is 12 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. To say the least, Springsteen has been and continues to be robbed. Let’s all band together, listen to his music, and put some respect on “The Boss’” name.
How? Just how does CCR not have a No. 1 hit? To most, the band was undeniably one of the top 10 most popular bands of the ’60s and early ’70s. Furthermore, their music remains relevant to this day, as it appears nearly everywhere, especially in films. Regardless, their most popular songs “Fortunate Son,” “Bad Moon Rising” and “Have You Ever Seen The Rain,” never made it to the top of the charts.
Instead, CCR came close to a No. 1 hit five different times, but could never jump over the final threshold that would put their song from No. 2 to No. 1. A true shame, as CCR is one of the most influential bands not only in music but also in cultural politics and movements. Though, it’s these intangible accolades that seemingly make this a mere bump in the road for the iconic group.
“Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” and so many other of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s songs come to mind as No. 1 hits. Lo behold, none of them ever were. Thus, Lynyrd Skynyrd is the third band on our list to be criminally underrepresented in the No. 1 hits category. It’s blasphemous that one of the founding fathers of Southern Rock never topped the Billboard Hot 100. Frankly, it’s almost unfathomable.
Nevertheless, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s highest ranked song on the chart was “Sweet Home Alabama.” Which only reached the No. 8 spot after its release in 1974. Matter of fact, most of their hit songs didn’t even crack the top 10. There are truly few words to describe this occurrence, and one that comes to mind is “anomaly.”
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