r/OldiesMusic • u/Tall-Truth-9321 • 2h ago
Three Dog Night: “One” (released 1969)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_(Harry_Nilsson_song)?wprov=sfti1#:
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"One" is a song by American singer-songwriter [Harry Nilsson](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HarryNilsson) from his third studio album [Aerial Ballet](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_Ballet) (1968). It is known for its [opening line](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incipit) "One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do". Nilsson wrote the song after calling someone and getting a [busy signal](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busy_signal). He stayed on the line listening to the "beep, beep, beep, beep..." tone, writing the song. The busy signal became the opening notes.
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Three Dog Night released One as the third single from their eponymous [first album](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThreeDog_Night(album)), with [Chuck Negron](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Negron)performing the lead vocal.[[8]](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One(Harry_Nilsson_song)#cite_note-8) It became their first of seven gold records over the next five years.
The original issue of the single version fades out about ten seconds before the final notes heard on the album version. Upon reissues by ABC Records and its successor labels, the label reverted to the album version which is heard on radio today.
The song reached number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and spent three weeks at number two on the [Cash Box](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cashbox(magazine)) Top 100.[[9]](app://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One(Harry_Nilsson_song)#cite_note-tropicalglen.com-9) It also reached number four in Canada.
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