One Hit Wonder: Patrick Hernandez (1979)

Born to Be Alive Single: Patrick Hernandez
Born to Be Alive
Single: Patrick Hernandez
Album: Born to Be Alive
Released: November 1978
Genre: Disco
Songwriter: Patrick Hernandez

"Born to Be Alive" by Patrick Hernandez became a global hit in 1979, reaching number one in several countries, including France and Italy. It made the Top Ten in the UK and Top 20 in the US Billboard National Disco Action chart. The album Born to Be Alive sold well and won him a Billboard Award in February 1980. 

But Hernandez's follow-up to the single - "Disco Queen," backed with "Show Me the Way You Kiss," - didn't chart in the US. In 1981, Hernandez released the import 12" single "Goodbye." It was not released in the US, making Hernandez an American one-hit wonder.

Patrick Hernandez
The title track of his debut album became a global hit.
Allmusic biography of Patrick Hernandez

Patrick Pierre Hernandez is a French singer. He performed at dance halls and ballrooms in southern France in the 1960s. In 1978, with disco music everywhere, Hernandez worked up some songs with producer Jean Vanloo.  

Patrick Hernandez
Patrick Hernandez

The first single released from the effort was the disco song "Born to Be Alive." It spread throughout Europe, topping the charts in France. After some remixing, the record was released as a commercial 12" single in the US. It topped Billboard's disco chart and peaked at 16 on the Hot 100. 

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