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There are two types of musical artists: The fly by night 2 hit wonders, and the ones who stick around for 20+ years always making new stuff. Which of these types do you think history will remember more fondly, and why?
I thought they were called one hit wonders. But more power to them if they get two out of a tough field to be in. Entertainment. I think it's obvious that an artist with staying power with multiple hit's is a natural to have an appreciating public. Even if some of them are personally, jerks. Like Jerry Lee Lewis, or Miles Davis. Those one or two hit wonders have their modest contribution's to be admired, but more likely than not. Have to be looked up to know who did it.
Well, we are likely to remember a one-hit wonder who released two or three singles then disappeared for a shorter time, compared to someone who's lasted in the industry for 20+ years. Being consistent in music isn't easy and it takes a dedicated artist, good management and a supportive record label, among other things, to remain relevant.
When you think about it, it goes both ways. There are extremely famous one hit wonders that everyone and their dog knows (Kung Fu Fighting or Macarana for example) but most of them fade from memory. There are also bands that have been making music for decades but remain relatively unknown outside of their hardcore fan base. As for who is looked at more "fondly" I would have to say it depends on how respected the artists work is, one hit wonder or not.
Perhaps two classifications. Artists and their music. How many people have Carl Douglas doing Kung Fu Fighting on the tip of their tongue, as apposed to Frank Sinatra doing N.Y, N.Y.. Historically, the two artists are given a bit different merit. Whom ever is remembered more fondly can be strictly personal or significant by the historian. I still get a "kick" out of Carl's Kung Fu Fighting, but realize Frank's N.Y, N.Y gets higher accolades.
That's because time has made Kung Fu Fighting a novelty song. Like that old Rick Dees song Disco Duck. More times than not, that's how we see the songs that were the only hit for a singer. A novelty.
The folks who did the Macarana had been in the music business a long time and they knew they would never get another monster song like that. So they settled in and enjoyed the ride while it lasted. They also knew how lucky they were to have one huge hit.
The smarter one's in that boat invest their royalties. It is conceivable that you can live off one big hit for quite a few decades if you do things right.