21-Hit Wonder

Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts

By: Sam Hollander

Narrated by: Sam Hollander

As one of the most renowned songwriters and producers in the game, Sam Hollander has had multi-platinum success writing and producing for the likes of Panic! At The Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer, Katy Perry, Train, One Direction, Blink-182, Daughtry, Ringo Starr, Carole King, Gym Class Heroes, and many others.

But rising up the charts seemed, at many points in his career, highly unlikely. This is his story of failing his way to the top.

Sam Hollander has spent 30 years trudging through the peaks and valleys of a songwriting career. Before he was stacking Billboard hits, he was piling up bad luck, calamitous flops, false starts, and feeling like the world was moving on and up without him while he spun in place. Now he wears his failures like a badge of honor.

In 21-Hit Wonder, he’s collected anecdotes from his weird waltzes around the banquet of pop to help aspiring songwriters and other creatives learn about survival, endurance, scheming, hustle, and the importance of laughing even on the worst days of the journey. Music lovers spanning generations and genres will find stories about many of their heroes and industry icons.

21-Hit Wonder is one part chronicle of a songwriter’s storied career and another part love letter to anyone who has been counted out—from no-hit wonders and one-hit wonders to the novelties and the never-beens—and just needs a bit of inspiration to persevere. Sam’s inspiring story is proof that setbacks are just steps on the road to success.

©2022 Rock Write Inc. (P)2022 BenBella Books, Inc.

An open and honest look at the industry from inside.

This book touched my soul on so many levels. A truly open and honest account of the music industry from the inside up. Sam Hollander may be the greatest fanboy, who ever lived!

GREAT LISTEN! Fun Surprise in the Intro

This is an easy listen with entertaining storytelling! It’s a really fascinating peak inside the music industry. There’s so much information to learn and take away. This book isn’t just for people interested in the music business. It’s an inspiring tale that if you fall down, pick yourself up and keep going. Stay motivated. Stay optimistic. Highly recommend!!!

Entertaining, insightful, and inspiring!

I enjoyed Sam’s story, and there simply aren’t enough books out there that focus on the journey of the writers behind all of the great songs that we love. His overall story of triumph after years of struggle and flashes of success show that achieving instant overnight fame isn’t the only route to the top, it Also shows that you never have to be complacent when you’re successful. This is a story that confronts failure, and let’s you know that failure is okay, and failure isn’t forever. When you’re working without a net, the only way you truly fail is when you quit.

Wow

Amazing stories, amazing author, amazing mission. Don’t sleep on this one. Sam is a one of a kind

The Best of the Best!

This is hands down one of the best non-fiction books I have listened to on audible. Not only is it hilarious but it is also inspiring! What a great journey the writer takes you on. I didn't know much about pop songwriting but you don't have to love this book. I am currently listening to it again with my 15 year old son. It so full of wisdom that I just had to share it with him.