“Surfin’ Bird” could have been one of the most annoying and forgettable novelty tunes in the history of rock ‘n’ roll music. Instead, it became the No. 1 hit in Minnesota in early 1964, and made it to ...

Traditionally, one-hit wonders stand out. That’s what helped them wiggle into the public consciousness and then rise up the popular music charts. Maybe they’re supremely catchy. Perhaps they’re about ...