21-Hit Wonder

Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts

By: Sam Hollander

Narrated by: Sam Hollander

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

honest, funny, inspiring.

After a lengthy career, Sam still has the sparkle and wonder of a kid on Christmas morning. But it's Sam's humility that shines the brightest of all the stars mentioned on his journey.

An insightful, inspiring must read (listen)!

As an artist/songwriter who came up in the same early 2000’s era (with the same misfortune of having an album drop right around 9/11) I too often identified with the ups and downs of the fickle (yet enticing) music business that is dissected here. That also means I can hold on to the “high hopes” of making more dreams become reality, the same way Sam did. With this book comes the added bonus of learning directly from Sam, what to focus on and what to avoid, and as I reassess where I’ve been and how far I have yet to go,I remain humble and joyful at the opportunity to continue doing what I love and have always been meant to do. I am eternally grateful for this book at this time in my journey, which has inspired me to keep reaching for what others may call lofty goals, so I too can someday say, “ hey look ma I made it!” ❤️❤️❤️

An amazing listen for any music nerd.

Really cool listen. Fun stories from the studio, how Sam made it into the music business and other stories with everyone from Ringo to Uncle Kracker.

Fun and Inspirational

If you're looking to be inspired and have fun doing it, read this! Finding good music business biographies isn't easy, so this is a real gem

My Hands are Clapping!

What a fun read and a beautiful reminder that to our kids that for every bump in the road, there are smooth corners waiting for you to make that right turn. You know it’s a good read when you can listen to it while doing restorative yoga. Looking forward to the sequel.