One-Hit Wonder Dust Off: “26 Cents” by The Wilkinsons

Plenty of great Canadian country artists over the years. You think of Shania Twain, Terri Clark, Emerson Drive, Dean Brody, among others.

Back in 1998, there was one Canadian country family that was making noise with a big hit at US radio.

The Wilkinsons were a family trio from Trenton, Ontario. Comprised of dad Steve Wilkinson, his daughter Amanda and son Tyler, they were signed to Giant Records by 1998.

Their debut single, "26 Cents" was released in June of 1998. It reached number one on the Mediabase country chart by the third week of September. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard chart.

Written by Steve Wilkinson and William Wallace, the song would be the lead single off their album Nothing But Love.

The album's second single, "Fly (The Angel Song)", would reach the top 15 in early 1999. Unfortunately, The Wilkinsons would not get back to the top 25 at US country radio, despite continued success in Canada.

Amanda Wilkinson would sign a record deal with Universal South Records and released a couple singles from 2003-2005. Her and Tyler would form The Small Town Pistols in 2012 and charted multiple times in Canada.

"26 Cents" is one of the songs from my childhood. Whenever I hear it I instantly go back to being a 8-year old. The song is another example of why country music is awesome -- leaving home but not forgetting the family you leave behind.