"I Don't Wanna Be The Richest Man On The Cemetery" by Mouth & MacNeal

Mouth and MacNeal were a pop duo from The Netherlands that scored a top 10 hit in 1972 that few people remember called "How Do You Do?" It strains the memory even farther to recall their other charting single, "Hey, You Love," which peaked at #87 later that year.

"I Don't Wanna Be The Richest Man On The Cemetery" is a wonderful piece of bubble gum pop in the grand style you'd expect from those happy folks in The Netherlands.

"Silver Paper" by Mountain

Mountain was a short-lived hard rock band from the early 70s led by the throaty vocalist Leslie West. Their biggest hit arrived in 1970 when "Mississippi Queen" reached #21. The only other chart appearance the band achieved was the next year when "The Animal Trainer And The Toad" hit #76.

"Silver Paper" is a groovy jam from their 1970 album entitled, "Climbing!" Open your heart and let the sun shine in...

"Honaloochie Boogie" by Mott the Hoople

Mott the Hoople was an English rock band that broke onto the American charts in 1972 with their classic, "All The Young Dudes." The tune, written by David Bowie, reached #37 and is now in the R&R Hall of Fame. Their name is taken from a 1966 comic novel by Willard Manus, whose protagonist (Norman Mott) is an independent rebel.

The band poked their head onto the bottom of the chart twice more, when "One Of The Boys" and "The Golden Age Of Rock 'N' Roll" both peaked at #96.

When they weren't doing covers, the songwriting was primarily driven by singer Ian Hunter and guitarist Mick Ralphs. The pair wrote some intriguing and influential material, but most of it failed to connect with popular radio. Hunter left in 1976 and moved onto an equally inconsistent solo career, while Ralphs found fame and fortune as a member of Bad Company. You can hear some of his Hoople riffs and songs (including "Ready For Love") in the Bad Company catalogue.

If the boys wrote more tunes like the catchy "Honaloochie Boogie" from 1973, they might have stood a better chance of becoming a more permanent fixture on US radio. The tune features Andy Mackay of Roxy Music on saxophone (he also played sax on their other classic tune, "All The Way From Memphis").

"Good Guys Only Win In The Movies" by Mel and Tim

Pop and soul duo Mel and Tim (Mel Hardin and Tim McPherson) had a handful of minor hits in the early 70s, beginning with their most famous, "Backfield In Motion," which went to #10. Their version of "Starting All Over Again" went to #19 in 1972. 

"Good Guys Only Win In The Movies" (written by Gene Chandler) was their only other chart appearance, reaching #45 in 1970. I've always loved their version and was surprised it didn't set radio on fire.

"Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield

The former leader of The Impressions throughout the 50s and 60s, Curtis Mayfield embarked on a solo career through the 70s. While his early tunes failed to get much attention, he broke big time with songs from the movie Superfly. "Freddie's Dead (Theme From "Superfly")" hit #4 in 1972 followed by "Superfly," which hit #8. Mayfield would see the top 40 twice more with "Future Shock" (#39) and "Kung Fu" (#40).

"Move On Up" is one of his early classics that never charted, but should have.

Mayfield maintained a presence on the R&B charts, even after being paralyzed from the chest down after a stage accident in 1990. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 57.

"Let It Go, Let It Flow" by Dave Mason

Dave Mason is a singer and songwriter from England originally known for his work in the band Traffic. He struck out on a moderately successful solo career in the 70s. His best known hit was "We Just Disagree," which peaked at #12 in 1977. Mason's only other appearance in the top 40 arrived in 1978 when his version of the Carole King hit "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" peaked at #39.

While reaching a respectable #45 in 1978, I always thought "Let It Go, Let It Flow" was a winner that deserved better.

Mason resurfaced in 1993 as a short-lived member of Fleetwood Mac.

"The Ballad Of Cherry Flavor" by The Marmalade

The Marmalade were an underrated Scottish band known as one-hit wonders in the US. Their only top 40 hit stateside was in 1970 when "Reflections Of My Life" reached #10. The song is a holdover from the late 60s with its sweet melody and gentle horns. The Marmalade made plenty more like this, but many don't know the other sides of this talented band. As they moved into the 70s, they forged ahead with a grittier classic rock sound (check out "Radancer").

"The Ballad Of Cherry Flavor" showcases their folky acoustic side so much that it could be mistaken for a Bob Dylan song.

"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley

Never been a big reggae fan, and rarely do such acts crossover to the Top 100 chart. But there are some artists who simply transcend their musical genre and create art that virtually everyone enjoys and appreciates. Bob Marley had this magical touch in abundance.

Despite his legendary stature, Marley only had a single chart appearance in 1976 when "Roots, Rock, Reggae" managed to crawl its way to #51. He has a remarkable catalogue of songs that nearly everyone knows, but none of them landed on the charts.

Which makes it really difficult to pick one to highlight. After long deliberations, I settled on "Three Little Birds." Released in 1977, it is among six songs Marley has secured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a favorite go-to song when I need to chill.

"Heart Of Steel" by Barry Manilow

Brooklyn native Barry Alan Pincus (aka Manilow) was a student of the prestigious Julliard School and his talents were quickly put to use. He got his start as the accompanist for the great Bette Midler and was a sought after composer of commercial jingles (he gets the praise or blame for McDonald's long-running "You deserve a break today" ad).

Manilow's first chart hit arrived in 1974 when "Mandy" soared to #1 - not a bad way to start your career. He would reach the top twice more with "I Write The Songs" and "Looks Like We Made It." Manilow did so well in the 70s with his grandiose pop and syrupy ballads that he became the 23rd most successful artist of the decade.

The 80s were not as kind. With changing musical trends, Manilow struggled to stay contemporary. He adapted his sound to incorporate more synths and even dabbled in jazz. His last top 40 hit was in 1983 when "Read 'Em And Weep" reached #18.

"Here Comes The Night" was Manilow's 1982 album that spawned the hits "Memory" (#39) and "Some Kind Of Friend" (#26). He was running on fumes at this point, but "Heart of Steel" seemed to have all the ingredients to put some zest back in Manilow's step, but it fell through the cracks.

"Sleeping Single In A Double Bed" by Barbara Mandrell

Barbara Mandrell is no stranger to the country music scene. She churned out 55 appearances on the country charts in the 70s and 80s, and was inducted into the C&W Hall of Fame in 2009. Crossover success seemed eminent when she and her sisters scored a variety show for television in the early 80s; however, her only top 40 hit remained 1979's "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right," which got to a modest #31.

I honestly don't know why she couldn't interest top 40 radio with her pop friendly songs like the ear worm "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed." This had hit written all over it, but it bubbled under in 1978.

"Gimme Three Steps" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

My introduction to Lynyrd Skynyrd was in middle school when a math teacher pointed to another student's notebook that had the band's name written on it. My teacher told him how to spell "Leonard" correctly, which brought on a bunch of laughter.

The legendary Southern rock band is indeed named after a Leonard, and a teacher at that! Lynyrd Skynyrd was named after their gym teacher, Leonard Skinner.

Despite the fact that just about everyone has heard of the band and many of their classic tunes, they've never had a huge chart presence. Their only top 10 hit was "Sweet Home Alabama," a snarky counter to Neil Young songs that were critical of the South. "Sweet Home Alabama" found its home at #8 in 1974. The closest the band would come again to the top 10 was with 1977's "What's Your Name," which claimed #13. Their epic ballad, "Free Bird," only flew to #19.

Many of you may be surprised to learn that several well-known Lynyrd Skynyrd songs did not chart, including "That Smell," "Simple Man," and "Gimme Three Steps." 

"High Steppin Hip Dressin-Fella (You Got It Together)" by Love Unlimited

Love Unlimited is best known for their one big hit, 1972's "Walkin' In The Rain With The One I Love," which went to #14. The song features the silky smooth voice of Barry White talking on the phone. White was married to one of the sisters in the group, Glodean James. He also produced, managed, and wrote their material.

"High Steppin Hip Dressin-Fella (You Got It Together)" is not a song of theirs that charted, but it should have! Feisty and funky, it is hard to believe this one didn't have a home in the top 40.

"Rainbow Man" by Looking Glass

Looking Glass was a pop rock band with a hint of soul hailing from New Jersey. They scored a #1 smash in 1972 with "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)," a song youngsters will recognize from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. They set a high bar that they were never able to reach again. Largely known today as a one-hit wonder, many people have forgotten their only other charting single, "Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne," which peaked at #33 in 1973.

In-between those songs, "Rainbow Man" is a gem that fell through the cracks. This tune should have given Looking Glass a second top 10 in my opinion. The song came from their sophomore (and final) album, "Subway Serenade." They disbanded shortly thereafter.

"A Simple Man" by Lobo

70s soft rockers Lobo had more chart success than most people probably remember. They started big with a #5 classic in 1971 called "Me And You And A Dog Named Boo" from their debut record. Their sophomore record got off to a sleepy start when "A Simple Man" stalled at #56 - it totally deserved better! This song should have been huge!

No worries, because the band sprang back with their next single, "I'd Love You To Want Me." This song went to #2 for 2 weeks and was followed by another hit, the #8 ballad "Don't Expect Me To Be Your Friend." Lobo would go on to score 5 more top 40 hits before their last chart appearance in 1979 when "Holdin' On For Dear Love" reached #75.

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon

Yes, I know it ain't Christmastime. But it is virtually impossible to find a John Lennon song that hasn't done well on the music charts. The genius of John Lennon goes back to his tenure in the legendary Beatles, but his solo work took on a somewhat different direction.

A man all about peace and justice, many will be surprised to hear that "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" never made a chart appearance, despite its omnipresence on every radio station each December. Many other artists have covered this terrific song, but only one group managed to get the song on the charts: The Fray took it to #50 in 2006.

Ironically, this beloved pacifist was taken from us too early when he was shot in December, 1980 at the height of a successful comeback.

"Wedlock Is A Padlock" by Laura Lee

Laura Lee is hands-down one of the most underrated soul singers of her time. During the late 60s and early 70s, this gifted vocalist from Chicago was belting out some awesome tunes, many with lyrics to empower women. She only scored a single top 40 hit when "Women's Love Rights" landed at #36 in 1971. How songs like "Wedlock Is A Padlock," "Crumbs Off The Table," and "Rip Off" didn't soar into the top 10, I'll never understand.

"All My Love" by Led Zeppelin

It is virtually impossible to pick the greatest song from Led Zeppelin's uncharted classics, largely because so many of their well-known songs surprisingly never charted, including "Communication Breakdown," "Ramble On," Dazed and Confused," and even their epic ballad, "Stairway To Heaven."

These legendary pioneers of hard rock did score some top 20 hits with "Whole Lotta Love" (#4), "Immigrant Song" (#16), "Black Dog" (#15), and "D'yer Mak'er" (#20). 

While many associate Led Zeppelin with the gritty and blazing guitar of Jimmy Page and the banshee rock vocals of Robert Plant, some seem to forget how diverse the music of Led Zeppelin was. They effortlessly jumped between hard rock, psychedelic rock, the blues, symphonic rock, and acoustic rock. They should have had more chart hits, but their influence on rock and roll still lives on today.

"All My Love" showcases yet another dimension of the band, a rare and tender moment. The heartfelt song is about the death of Plant's son and rips me up every time I hear it. It is also one of the first to feature synthesizers, played by bassist John Paul Jones.

Led Zeppelin faced another tragedy when drummer John Bonham died in 1980, at which point they decided to disband.

"Take It To The Top" by Kool & The Gang

Kool & The Gang is best known for their #1 anthem from 1980, "Celebration," still played at sporting events and parties everywhere. The song was their only chart topper, but the band enjoyed so many other hits in the 80s that they are ranked the 11th most successful group of that decade (and 83rd of all-time).

Kool & The Gang first hit the charts way back in 1969 when their song, "Kool & The Gang" hit #59. Their funky and brassy sound scored bigger successes in 1973 with "Jungle Boogie" (#4) and "Hollywood Swinging" (#6). But who would've thought a disco-embracing band with songs like "Slick Superchick" and "Spirit Of The Boogie" could reinvent their sound to become one of the hottest acts after disco died?

Kool & The Gang scored nine top 10 hits in the 80s, with two of them reaching #2 ("Joanna" and "Cherish"). They also belted out some rockers like "Misled" (#10) and the wonderful "Tonight" (#13). The band's chart run ended in 1987 when "Special Way" stalled at #72.

"Take It To The Top" comes from their knockout 1980 record, "Celebrate!" An inspiring rocker with a Doobie Brothers-like riff that got lost in their avalanche of hits.

"Sweet Life" by Carole King

With a string of soft rock hits in the 70s, Carole King was the piano girl. She topped the charts for 5 weeks in 1971 with "It's Too Late/I Feel The Earth Move" from her landmark album, "Tapestry." She sustained her success through the better part of the decade with "Sweet Seasons" (#9), "Jazzman" (#2), and "Nightingale" (#9).

The 80s started off promising for King, with "One Fine Day" reaching #12, but "One To One" stalled at #45 in 1982, marking her final chart appearance.

Like many artists, King's music evolved to change with the times. But adapting to the 80s styles made her sound almost unrecognizable to fans of her piano-based music from the 70s. But digging through her 80s material, you'll find some true gems like "Sweet Life" from her 1989 album "City Streets."

"Two Cents Worth" by Kansas

Named for the state where the band was formed in the early 70s, Kansas is a strange beast. Starting off as an experimental prog rock band, they had no chart success. But as their songwriting matured and shortened to radio-friendly lengths, they scored some whoppers that led to millions of albums sold.

"Carry On My Wayward Son" secured the band it's first hit in 1976, just missing the top 10 as the song peaked at #11. "Point of Know Return" also performed well, coming in at #28. Then they scored the hit of their career, "Dust In The Wind" - quite possibly the most depressing song to ever hit the top 10 (it peaked at #6 in 1978).

The band never saw the top 10 again and went through a variety of perplexing lineup changes through the 80s. Founding lead singer Steve Walsh left for a while to form the band Streets. He returned in 1986 and made one of the band's most rocking albums, "Power," which yielded "All I Wanted" (#19), and the title track (#84, the band's last chart appearance).

"Two Cents Worth" comes from the band's 1975 record, "Masque." Just before the band hit it big, this funky rock number sounds like something out of Stevie Wonder's catalogue. A great tune whose lyrics are basically Walsh's two cents worth about the craziness in the world. In my mind, this song, plus the Boston-sounding leadoff track, "It Takes A Woman's Love (To Make A Man)," should have put the group on the charts earlier.