The Day Three Dog Night Turned Down A Song That Later Became A Massive Hit For Another Band

April 1, 2025

In the spring of 1970, Three Dog Night was on top of the world. Their unique blend of rock and pop was winning hearts and topping charts. The band was known for their incredible harmonies and catchy tunes, and one day, they were presented with a song that seemed destined to be another hit. It was called “Joy to the World,” written by Hoyt Axton. The band gathered in the studio, excited to hear what could potentially become a chart-topping sensation. But as they listened, the vibes just didn’t click for them. They turned it down, thinking it was too quirky and not quite in line with their sound.

As the days turned into weeks, “Joy to the World” fell into the hands of another band called Hoyt Axton. With a new interpretation, they brought a fresh energy to the song. It was playful, catchy, and had a sing-along vibe that connected with audiences. When the song was released, it skyrocketed to the top of the charts, and suddenly, everyone was singing, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog.” Meanwhile, Three Dog Night watched from the sidelines as the song they had rejected became a massive hit, a twist of fate that left the band reflecting on their decision.

The news hit the members hard, especially Danny Hutton, the lead vocalist. He sat in his room that night, turning over thoughts of missed chances and the unpredictable nature of the music industry. For a moment, he felt defeated, questioning whether they were making the right choices. It was a hard pill to swallow, watching another band enjoy the success they had turned down. But as the night wore on and the moonlight crept through his window, he remembered why he loved music in the first place. It was about passion, expression, and the thrill of creating something that resonated with people.

Rather than wallow in regret, Hutton and the band decided to channel their energy into new music. They created a series of songs that reflected their experiences, heartbreaks, and triumphs. Inspired by the idea of resilience, they wrote “One” and “Black and White,” ballads that touched on unity and love. These songs brought them new fans and opened doors to collaborations they had never imagined. With each new release, they found themselves reinventing their sound and growing as artists.

Looking back, Hutton realized that turning down “Joy to the World” had been a crucial moment in their journey. While it seemed like a loss at the time, it spurred them to dig deeper and create music that was more authentic to who they were. Three Dog Night continued to thrive, earning their place in rock history. When they performed live, they would often share the story of that fateful day, using it as a reminder that sometimes, what seems like a setback can become the catalyst for growth and inspiration.

Three Dog Night’s experience serves as a lesson for anyone pursuing their passions. In the world of music—and life—setbacks are inevitable. But it’s how we respond to those challenges that truly defines us. Like Hutton and his bandmates, we can choose to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward, turning what could have been a crushed dream into a beautiful symphony of new beginnings.