Music from 1968 Trivia

1. "Hurdy Gurdy Man" was a hit for which folk singer?

From Quiz Hits of 1968 - Part 2

Answer: Donovan

"Hurdy Gurdy Man" (1968) was written and recorded by Donovan. It went to number four in the UK and number five in the US. Artists who have covered this song include Eartha Kitt, Wild Colonials and L.A. Guns. A hurdy gurdy is a musical instrument that looks similar to an organ grinder. It is played by pressing buttons and turning a crank.

From Quiz Remembering 1968

Answer: (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay

Otis Redding died on December 10 1967, when the plane carrying him and his band crashed in Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released in January of 1968 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 16, 1968, spending four weeks at the top spot. The song was co-written by Redding and Guitarist Steve Cropper, who was a member of the band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Redding also penned the Aretha Franklin hit "Respect", which she took to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967.

From Quiz That Was The Year That Was: Pop Music 1968

Answer: Paul Mauriat

"Love Is Blue" was written by André Popp/Pierre Cour. It was number one for five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 for Paul Mauriat and His Orchestra in 1968. It peaked at number 12 on the UK singles chart the same year. Paul Mauriat was born in Marseilles, France, in 1925. He started his own dance band during WWII and in the '50s was the musical director for both Maurice Chevalier and Charles Aznavour. His first international hit was " Chariot", written Paul Mauriat/Franck Pourcel/Jacques Plante/Raymond Lefèvre. In English it became "I Will Follow Him" which was a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for Little Peggy March in 1963.

From Quiz My Birthday Top Ten - 1968

Answer: The Equals

"Baby Come Back" was originally released in 1966, shortly after Eddie Grant formed the band. It did not chart in the UK, but did well in Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands, so it was re-released in 1968 and stormed to the top of the chart.

From Quiz One-Word US Top Forty Hits from 1968.

Answer: Revolution

With the exception of "Taxman" the Beatles generally refrained from expressing political views in their songwriting. In 1968 there was a lot of unrest around the globe and John Lennon believed it was time to make a statement about what was happening. Several versions of "Revolution" were considered and recorded. Nicky Hopkins played the electric piano on the version that was released with "Hey Jude". "Because" was not released as a single from the group's 1969 "Abbey Road" album. "Something" was the flip side of "Come Together" in 1969. "Rain" was released in 1966.

From Quiz Whose Line Was It Anyway? US Number One Hits 1968

Answer: Judy

"Judy In Disguise" by John Fred and His Playboy Band was a number one hit for two weeks on the US pop chart in 1968. It reached number three on the UK chart in 1968. The group's only previous US hit was "Shirley" in 1959 which reached number 82 on the US pop chart. It was recorded by the Welsh '80s Rock'n'Roller Shakin' Stevens who took it to number six on the UK chart in 1982. Shaky, who had one US hit with "I Cry Just A Little Bit" in 1984, was the biggest UK singles chart performer of the '80s.

From Quiz Pop Music Hits of 1968

Answer: Black

"In the white room with black curtains near the station..." These were the opening lyrics to a 1968 hit single by Cream, featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. "White Room" was released in October 1968 and reached the number six position in the U.S. Billboard charts.

From Quiz MacArthur Park... the icing, the cake, and all!

Answer: Jim Webb

Jim Webb's list of hits is very long and includes "By the Time I get to Phoenix", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston", and "Up, Up, and Away (In My Beautiful Balloon)". He is a National Academy of Popular Music Songwriter's Hall of Fame inductee (1986) Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame inductee(1990), Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee (1999), and received the National Academy of Songwriters Lifetime Achievement Award (1993). I saw him receive his honorary PhD in Music at Oklahoma City University in 2007.

From Quiz Whose Line Was It Anyway? UK Number One Hits 1968

Answer: The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones had a gas with "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in 1968. The Stones seventh UK number one and a number three hit on the US chart. The Small Faces had a UK number two in 1968 with "Lazy Sunday". It never charted in the US. Marmalade had a UK number six in 1968 with "Lovin' Things" It never charted in the US. Manfred Mann had a UK number one in 1968 with a Bob Dylan song "Mighty Quinn". It reached number ten on the US chart.

From Quiz Billboard Number 1 Songs of 1968

Answer: John Fred and His Playboy Band

John Fred and The Playboys had been around since the mid-fifties. John Fred heard "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" while in a dressing room and thought the lyrics were "Judy in disguise with diamonds". Though he was incorrect he was inspired to write a song. The band wanted a more traditional rock arrangement, but in the end John Fred recorded it the way he envisioned it. Gary Lewis and The Playboys had already had a hit with "This Diamond Ring" so he changed the name of the band from The Playboys to His Playboy Band, even though he had been using the name Playboys for years. The Cowsills did "The Rain, The Park and Other Things" in 1967 and The New Vaudeville Band charted a number one with "Winchester Cathedral" in 1966.

From Quiz Hits of 1968

Answer: John Fred & His Playboy Band

Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)" by John Fred and the Playboys is a parody of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by the Beatles. It was a number one hit in the US and went to number three in the UK.

From Quiz 1968 - Just Dropped In

Answer: MacArthur Park

"MacArthur Park" was recorded by actor Richard Harris who had just risen from obscurity with his starring role in the movie and stage play productions of "Camelot". Jimmy Webb wrote the song as a seven minute "coda" to a twenty-two minute "cantata". It was originally offered to The Association and although their manager loved it, the group did not want to commit the whole side of an album to this project. I think The Association made a BIG mistake! With their harmonies, it probably would have been an even bigger success. Donna Summer who, unlike Harris, could sing, covered the song in a disco version in 1978 and had a three week #1 smash hit with it. Incidentally, it's speculated that the lyrics refer to a love that fell apart despite all the "ingredients" for success being there. The song has many fans, of course, but it certainly has appeared on more "worst song of all-time" lists than "best song of all-time" lists.

From Quiz 1968 - Those Were The Days!

Answer: Jumpin' Jack Flash

What was "Jumpin' Jack Flash" about? Speculation is that it's about drugs but that could be said about virtually any song during this period unless the lyrics were crystal clear otherwise. The song has been featured in a number of movies, most notably in 1986 when Whoopi Goldberg starred in a movie with the same title. It's also been used in "Mean Streets" and "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas". It was a #3 Billboard hit... but a #1 hit for two weeks somewhere else!

From Quiz BRI's Top Ten Hits of 1968

Answer: Woman, Woman

Gary Puckett and the Union Gap had a very good year in '68, with 6 consecutive gold records. "Woman, Woman", written by Jim Glaser and Jimmy Payne, was the first of these, even though it was released in December of 1967.

From Quiz What's The Missing Word? - 1968

Answer: hands

Merilee Rush and the Turnabouts had a #7 hit in '68. Juice Newton took it to #4 in 1981. Chip Taylor wrote "Wild Thing" as well as "Angel Of The Morning". He is also Angelina Jolie's uncle.

From Quiz Where Were You In 1968?

Answer: Tommy James and the Shondells

The title came from a sign Mutual Of New York - MONY.

From Quiz Who Sings What In 1968

Answer: Tom Jones

From Quiz 1968 Top 40 hits

Answer: Aretha Franklin

From Quiz Hits of 1968 - Part 2

Answer: Simon & Garfunkel

"Scarborough Fair" (1968) is a traditional ballad originating from England. Simon & Garfunkel's version got to number nine in the UK and eleven in the US. It can be found on their 1966 album "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme". Artists who have also recorded this song include Justin Hayward, Sarah Brightman and Andy Williams.

From Quiz Remembering 1968

Answer: Harper Valley PTA

"Harper Valley PTA", written by country star Tom T. Hall, was a break-out hit for Riley, spending one week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and three weeks at number one on the U.S. Hot Country Singles chart. The song made Riley the first female artist to top both charts with the same song. The single, which has sold over six million copies, also inspired a 1978 motion picture and a short-lived TV series, both starring Barbara Eden.

From Quiz That Was The Year That Was: Pop Music 1968

Answer: Mighty Quinn

"Mighty Quinn" was written by Bob Dylan. It was number one for two weeks on the UK singles chart for Manfred Mann in 1968. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 the same year. Mike D'Abo took over as lead singer for Manfred Mann when Paul Jones left in 1966. "Mighty Quinn" was the only UK number one hit for Manfred Mann with Mike D'Abo as lead singer. "Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)" was recorded by Bob Dylan during "The Basement Tapes" sessions in 1967. Although "The Basement Tapes" were recorded in and around Woodstock, New York, in 1967 they were not officially released until 1975.

From Quiz My Birthday Top Ten - 1968

Answer: The Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp

Hickory Holler's Tramp, the singer's mother, was deserted by her husband and turned to prostitution to support her fourteen children.

From Quiz One-Word US Top Forty Hits from 1968.

Answer: Gene and Debbe

The 1968 album "Hear and Now" was the only album released by Gene and Debbe and contained their only million selling single, "Playboy". Their only other successful single was "Go With Me". In the early sixties Gene Thomas had minor success with "Baby's Gone" and "Sometimes". When further recording success eluded him he aspired to be a songwriter until meeting Debbe Neville (aka Nevills). The pair began recording in a style emulating The Everly Brothers after they signed with Hickory Records. After the success of "Playboy" the duo failed to chart any further Top Forty singles. "Lover's Holiday" by Peggy Scott and Jo Jo Benson made it to Number 31. Billy Vera and Judy Clay had 1968 Top Forty success with "Country Girl-City Man". "Lo Mucho Que Te Quiero (The More I Love You)" was a 1968 US Top Twenty single by Rene and Rene.

From Quiz Whose Line Was It Anyway? US Number One Hits 1968

Answer: Simon & Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel (aka. Tom & Jerry) sang "Mrs Robinson" and had a number one hit for three weeks on the US pop chart in 1968. It reached number four on the UK chart in 1968 but in January 1969 the "Mrs Robinson" E.P. reached number nine on the UK singles chart. In February of that year E.P.s were excluded from the UK singles chart. (E.P. is an extended play 7" single, usually containing 3 or 4 tracks). The Archies (a cartoon group) were voiced by a studio group with lead singer Ron Dante. It was created by publisher/producer/songwriter/manager Don Kirshner who also managed The Monkees. The Archies had a number 22 hit on the US pop chart in 1968 with "Bang-Shang-A-Lang"(I kid you not),it did not chart in the UK. Herman's Hermits who were real if I remember correctly had a number 22 hit on the US pop chart in 1968 with "I Can Take Or Leave Your Loving". It reached number 11 on the UK chart. The Monkees had their last US top ten entry in 1968 with "Valleri" at number three on the US pop chart. It reached number 12 on the UK chart. The Monkees had six top ten singles on the US pop chart and six gold discs in 17 months between 1966 and 1968 and that was it. I bet you've still hummed, sang or whistled one of them in the last decade.

From Quiz Pop Music Hits of 1968

Answer: During a hurricane

Mick Jagger snarled these words, and a 1968 hit song was born: "I was born in a cross-fire hurricane And I howled at my ma in the driving rain But it's all right now; in fact, it's a gas But it's all right; I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash It's a gas, gas, gas..." This song climbed to the number three spot in the U.S. singles charts and was a number one hit in the UK during the summer of 1968.

From Quiz Whose Line Was It Anyway? UK Number One Hits 1968

Answer: Tommy James and The Shondells

"Mony Mony" was by Tommy James and The Shondells. It was their only UK number one. It reached number three on the US chart. Archie Bell and The Drells had a US number one in 1968 with "Tighten Up" which did not chart in the UK. John Fred and His Playboy Band had a UK number three in 1968 with "Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)". It reached number one on the US chart. The Four Tops had a UK number seven hit in 1968 with "If I Were A Carpenter". It reached number 20 on the US chart.

From Quiz Billboard Number 1 Songs of 1968

Answer: Green Tambourine

The song was the first number one hit for the new Buddah label. The Lemon Pipers weren't keen on the song, but they were about to be dropped from the label if they didn't record it. After the song was recorded at Cleveland Recording Studios the label felt that the production still needed some enhancing. Strings were added which made a big difference. Lyricist Shelley Pinz was inspired to write the song after reading a British newspaper article about a one-man-band who put a green tambourine out for donations. The Union Gap had the number four "Woman, Woman" the previous month. "Spooky" was number three the same week for Classics IV and "Bend Me, Shape Me" was number five the same week for American Breed.

From Quiz Hits of 1968

Answer: Bobby Goldsboro

"Honey" was written by Bobby Russell and recorded by Bobby Goldsboro. It was a number one hit in the US and got to number two in the UK. It has since been covered by artists such as Roger Whittaker and Lynn Anderson.

From Quiz 1968 - Hush

Answer: Scarborough Fair

The Byrds made a #1 hit of biblical verses in "Turn, Turn, Turn" and Paul Simon's brilliant use of these lyrics in the movie "The Graduate" transformed this ancient folk song into a #11 hit. In the context of the movie, the lyrics fit beautifully. Benjamin is in love with Elaine but it seems that it will be unrequited. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme were herbs that represented comfort, strength, love and courage in Medieval times and these were the traits required of Benjamin to succeed in winning her over which, of course, he ultimately does. Simon heard the song while on tour in Britain and wisely incorporated his interpretation into the score.

From Quiz 1968 - Just Dropped In

Answer: I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Starting on Dec. 14, 1968, this song would remain at the top of the charts for seven weeks. It is rated the #6 song of the decade and was the biggest Motown song of all time up to that point. The idea for the song was conceived by Barrett Strong who was best known at that time for his hit "Money (That's What I Want)". He took it to Holland-Dozier-Holland but they refused to help him with it as they had a policy never to share writing credits with anyone else. So he turned to Norman Whitfield who did assist him and they became great collaborators creating a number of hits, particularly for The Temptations. Marvin Gaye had the biggest hit with the song although it was a big #2 hit for Gladys Knight and The Pips a year earlier and of course, it was resurrected in 1987 as the theme song for the California Raisins. Tragically, Gaye was killed by his father during a domestic dispute in 1984.

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