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Novelty Songs: Joke Songs That Became Real Hits

Some of the biggest hits started as a joke: a song dashed off in five minutes, a parody nobody expected to release, a silly tune that somehow reached the top of the charts. These episodes tell the stories of the novelty songs that surprised everyone — including the people who made them.

5 Novelty & Joke Songs Episodes

Silly One-Hit Wonders That Became Global Anthems

23:56Oldies Music · One-Hit Wonders

Silly One-Hit Wonders That Became Global Anthems

Songs Written as a Joke That Became Huge Hits

22:42Oldies Music · Novelty & Joke Songs

Songs Written as a Joke That Became Huge Hits

Songs Written in 5 Minutes That Became Hits

20:06Oldies Music · Novelty & Joke Songs

Songs Written in 5 Minutes That Became Hits

Novelty Songs That Became Global Hits

19:19Oldies Music · Novelty & Joke Songs

Novelty Songs That Became Global Hits

60s Joke Songs That Became Global Hits

19:57Oldies Music · 1960s · Novelty & Joke Songs

60s Joke Songs That Became Global Hits

More Oldies Music Topics

One-Hit Wonders Sad Songs That Make Us Cry Banned & Controversial Songs Classic Movie Songs Greatest Hits by Year Stories Behind the Songs Classic Rock & Roll

See all oldies music stories →

Novelty & Joke Songs by Decade

1950sRock 'n' roll is born 1960sThe decade that changed everything 1970sThe soundtrack of growing up 1980s+Sitcoms, synths & more

Free printable gift

Free Oldies Music Checklist: 365 Songs You Grew Up With

One song for every day of the year, 1955–1979, in large print. Check off the ones you remember — then see your score.