Which 1986 song was the only major US hit by Falco?

Falco’s 1985 song “Rock Me Amadeus” was his only major US hit.

The Austrian singer, born Johann Hölzel, recorded the song with producers Bolland & Bolland. It combines spoken and sung vocals with electronic production while using Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as its central cultural reference. The lyrics present Mozart as a rebellious, modern-feeling celebrity, connecting the composer’s historical image with contemporary pop style.

The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. It made Falco the first Austrian performer to top that chart. The recording also became a major success across Europe and was released in German with some English phrases, despite its broad international appeal.

Falco had other successful songs in German-speaking markets, including “Der Kommissar” and “Jeanny.” That distinction matters: he was not literally a one-hit wonder worldwide. In the United States, however, “Rock Me Amadeus” was his defining chart success and the only one to reach the top of the Hot 100.