The Surprising Hits Hidden on B-Sides

How some of music's biggest songs were originally relegated to the back of 45s

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:00am

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In the early days of rock and roll, record labels would often relegate lesser-known songs to the B-side of 45rpm singles, with the A-side being the main promoted track. However, in many cases, these B-side songs ended up becoming bigger hits than the A-sides, defying expectations. The article explores several examples of B-side songs that became surprise hits, from "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers to "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor.

Why it matters

This story highlights an interesting quirk of the music industry's past, where the conventional wisdom about A-sides and B-sides was sometimes upended. It provides insight into the unpredictable nature of hit songs and the importance of giving lesser-known material a chance to shine, even if it's relegated to the "B-side" at first.

The details

In the early days of rock and roll, record labels would typically designate one side of a 45rpm single as the "A-side" - the main promoted track intended for radio play. The other side was considered the "B-side" and was often an afterthought, an extra song or instrumental that was just filler material. However, in many cases, these B-side songs ended up becoming bigger hits than the A-sides, defying the industry's expectations. Examples include "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, and "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice.

  • In the early 1950s, when rock and roll and 45s became popular
  • In January 1958, The Champs released 'Tequila' as a B-side

The players

The Righteous Brothers

An American musical duo known for their blue-eyed soul sound in the 1960s.

Gloria Gaynor

An American singer best known for her disco hit "I Will Survive".

Vanilla Ice

An American rapper best known for his 1990 hit "Ice Ice Baby".

Whitney Houston

An American singer and actress who had a highly successful music career in the 1980s and 1990s.

Dolly Parton

An American singer-songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, often referred to as the "Queen of Country Music".

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What they’re saying

“You're Going to Miss Me When I'm Gone.”

— Brooks and Dunn, Country Music Duo (Stauntonstartimes.com)

The takeaway

This story serves as a reminder that the music industry's conventional wisdom about A-sides and B-sides can sometimes be upended, and that lesser-known material deserves a chance to shine. It highlights the unpredictable nature of hit songs and the importance of giving all music a fair opportunity to find an audience.