I don’t think anyone would suggest that a hit song cannot make a career. It can and does. A performer who merits that title can make a very good living on tours is they have had a smash hit.
I spent a lot of time and money in Nashville recording studios trying to launch the career of someone who did not have a hit.
Sure.
I take OHW at face value; only one hit in the top 25 or top 100.
Folk, jazz, classical; lots of musicians can become almost legends without one.
A lot of so-called OHW artists mentioned have quite a few top 25 or 100 appearances.
Glenn Yarbrough had maybe 2-3 top 100s, but a very nice career. Not sure I’d consider him a OHW.
Zagar and Evans, on the other hand...