Larry Graham, One in a Million You | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 12^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful , we highlight “One in a Million You” performed by Larry Graham.

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy ! On 1 Hit WONDERful , we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  To be fair, it is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, it’s that ONE hit that earned them recognition. So, in the 12^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful , we dive into “One in a Million You”,  the one hit wonder by Larry Graham.

“But one day, the sun came a-shinin’ through / The rain had stopped and the skies were blue.” Larry Graham (b. 1946) is renowned for playing bass in Sly & The Family Stone as well as fronting Graham Central Station.  The baritone is also renowned for one big, beloved solo hit, “One in a Million You”.  “One in a Million You” is the opening track and crème de la crème of Graham’s 1980 album, fittingly titled, One in a Million You. This R&B gem experienced pop success, reaching no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.  On the R&B songs chart, it peaked at no. 1. Graham received his sole Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male for this gem at the 23^rd Annual Grammy Awards (he ultimately lost to George Benson).    

“One in a Million You” is all about that extra special person.  Written by Sam Dees, the lyrics are utterly sublime, beginning with epic opening lines, “Love had played its games on me so long / I started to believe I’d never find anyone.” That sentiment is so relatable.  Likewise, in the second verse, Graham admits, “I was a lonely man with empty arms to fill.” What happened, though? “Then, I found a piece of happiness to call my own / And life is worth livin’ again / For to love you, is to live.” Yes, yes, yes ! The chorus is where the singer’s bread is truly buttered.  The expressiveness with which he sings amplifies the level of authenticity, particular as the record progresses. 

“A one in a million chance of a lifetime 

And life showed compassion 

And sent to me a stroke of love called ‘You’ 

A one in a million you.” 

Well-performed, well-written, and well-produced, “One in a Million You” is an R&B classic for the ages.  Yes, it was the only pop hit for Graham as a solo artist, but, it cemented his legacy, PERIOD.

Appears in :

• 12 Songs Focused on a Million (2021)

Larry Graham • One in a Million You • Warner • 1980 

Larry Graham, One in a Million You: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 12 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Warner; Julia Larsen, Kurchakto, RDNE Stock project, Victor Terrell from Pexels; Andrew Martin from Pixabay]