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 Music from 1981 Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
 Music from 1981 Quizzes, Trivia

Music from 1981 Trivia

Music from 1981 Trivia Quizzes

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14 quizzes and 155 trivia questions.
1.
  My Favourite 45s of the Year: 1981   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
1981 was an eventful year for me as I got my Ph.D. and went to the US for the first time (Minneapolis for a month and a weekend in New York); if somebody had offered me a job there I would have stayed! These are my top ten singles of the year.
Average, 10 Qns, Southendboy, Nov 09 23
Average
Southendboy gold member
Nov 09 23
300 plays
2.
  BRI's Top Ten Hits of 1981   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The BRI (Bathroom Readers' Institute), in consultation with DJ Bob Shannon of WCBS-FM has published lists of the top ten hits for various years. If I give you some lyrics, can you identify the songs on their list for 1981?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, skunkee, Apr 27 17
Very Easy
skunkee gold member
9628 plays
3.
  Top Pop Songs of 1981   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Please take this fun quiz about some of the top 100 songs from the U.S. Billboard Hits charts of 1981. Good luck!
Average, 10 Qns, mrgrouchy, Nov 12 23
Average
mrgrouchy
Nov 12 23
7047 plays
4.
  Hits of 1981   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In this quiz I will be covering some of the hits of 1981. I will give you a song and you tell me who sang it. Good luck!
Easier, 10 Qns, Velvet_Rain, Nov 11 15
Easier
Velvet_Rain
10525 plays
5.
  Billboard Number One Hits of 1981   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Chart information for this quiz is from "Billboard Book of Number One hits".
Average, 10 Qns, shanteyman, Jun 30 23
Average
shanteyman
Jun 30 23
5391 plays
6.
  Match Song to Artist - US Top 15 of 1981    
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
Here are the US Top 15 songs in order for 1981 according to Billboard Magazine. Match the song and artist.
Very Easy, 15 Qns, jcmttt, Nov 02 21
Very Easy
jcmttt gold member
Nov 02 21
1044 plays
7.
  Top of the UK Pops: 1981   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
Match the 15 top-selling singles of the year in the UK in 1981 to the artist who sang them.
Easier, 15 Qns, darksplash, Feb 14 21
Easier
darksplash
Feb 14 21
471 plays
8.
  The Right Music (1981)   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Pick the right song title answer about these USA Billboard Top Hits of 1981!
Easier, 10 Qns, MyGirl2000, Dec 02 12
Easier
MyGirl2000
1290 plays
9.
  1981 Song Titles In Other Words   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
It's 1981. Your favorite song titles have been replaced by words of similar meaning. Decipher the title and match it with the recording artist that made it big.
Average, 10 Qns, bottle_rocket, Mar 09 20
Average
bottle_rocket gold member
Mar 09 20
4586 plays
10.
  #1 Albums of 1981   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
1981 saw exactly ten albums reach number one on the Billboard charts. Try to answer the following ten questions to see what you remember from 1981.
Tough, 10 Qns, ralzzz, Jul 27 10
Tough
ralzzz gold member
4018 plays
trivia question Quick Question
"Physical" was a number one hit for which female singer?

From Quiz "Hits of 1981"




11.
  Music From the 80s - 1981   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This is the second installment of a series of quizzes about 80s music and this one has a bit of a New Romantic theme. All correct answers were UK chart entries in 1981 according to "The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles and Albums".
Tough, 15 Qns, lizzbett, Apr 19 08
Tough
lizzbett
1728 plays
12.
  Songs From KROQ'S 1981 Countdown    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here is another quiz of mine from L.A. radio stations KROQ's year end countdown. It is from 1981 and instead of the top ten, I am veering from that format this time. Hope you like the change!
Average, 10 Qns, Alepcot, May 09 13
Average
Alepcot
608 plays
13.
  Song Lyrics from 1981    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
You supply the artist based on the line from a 1981 top forty hit.
Tough, 10 Qns, tracyb555, Sep 21 05
Tough
tracyb555
3881 plays
14.
  Who Sings What In 1981    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Hits from 1981. Each question gives you a title. Do you know the right artist?
Tough, 10 Qns, Vermic, Nov 22 10
Tough
Vermic
5370 plays

Music from 1981 Trivia Questions

1. The first song on my list came in at number nine on KROQ'S countdown. The song is entitled "We Want the Airwaves" from this New York City punk band with members calling themselves Joey, Dee Dee, Marky, and Johnny. What's the group's name?

From Quiz
Songs From KROQ'S 1981 Countdown

Answer: The Ramones

While the members of the group adopted the surname "Ramone", none of them actually had that name. Joey's real name was Jeffry Hyman, Dee Dee's real name was Douglas Colvin, and Johnny's real name was John Cummings. Marc Bell joined the Ramones in 1978 and went by the stage name "Marky Ramone" The song "We Want the Airwaves" is from the Ramones' sixth album entitled "Pleasant Dreams". It was neither a commercial nor critical success as some felt the Ramones were continuing to "sell-out" from their original punk sound. Unfortunately, by 2004, Joey, Dee Dee, and Johnny had all passed away, a sad note to this influential band.

2. Track Listing number one is a song sung by American singer-songwriter Kim Carnes and it is about a seductive woman. What is the right song title for this track?

From Quiz The Right Music (1981)

Answer: Bette Davis Eyes

The song, "Bette Davis Eyes" was written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon in the year of 1974. The tune did not become a major success until Kim Carnes sang it in the year 1981.

3. According to the title of a 1981 hit song by Eddie Rabbitt, what kind of "night" does the singer love?

From Quiz Top Pop Songs of 1981

Answer: Rainy

Eddie Rabbitt, born in Brooklyn, New York, achieved success in both pop and country music during the 1980s. His song "I Love a Rainy Night" was a crossover number one hit in the U.S. Billboard singles charts in both country and pop music. The lyrics to the song's second verse say, "I love the rainy night / It's such a beautiful sight / I love to feel the rain on my face..."

4. "Love Action" was a top ten hit in 1981 for which band?

From Quiz Music From the 80s - 1981

Answer: The Human League

The Human League formed in Sheffield in the late 70s and were originally an all male band, some of whom went on to become Heaven 17. The remaining members, augmented by the addition of two girl singers/dancers, allegedly picked up in a disco, went on to be a highly successful second version of The Human League. Released in August 1981, "Love Action" spent 13 weeks on the UK singles chart and peaked at number ten. "Love Action" is from the album "Dare" which spent 72 weeks on the chart, and made it to number one. I can remember buying "Dare" in Woolworth's on New Years Eve 1981.

5. Blondie scored a number one song on January 31, 1981, with a song that wasn't composed by a band member. Which number one song kicked off 1981 for Blondie?

From Quiz Billboard Number One Hits of 1981

Answer: The Tide is High

"The Tide is High" was a song included on a compilation demo given to the band while they were in London. The song was written by John Holt, the singer for the Jamaican band Paragon. Chris Stein and Deborah Harry thought it would be a great song for their next album. The band tried to keep the same Caribbean feel as the Paragons' version when they recorded it for their "Autoamerican" album. They hired percussionists, strings and horns on the production to capture the West Indies feel. The band returned to former producer Mark Chapman to produce "Autoamerican" after working with Georgio Maroder on their previous project. "The Tide is High" was their third number one hit and they would score another number one in March, 1981, with the Chris Stein-Deborah Harry composition "Rapture". "Atomic" only reached number 39. "Call Me" was co-written by Deborah Harry and was a 1980 number one for the band. "One Way or Another" reached number 24 in 1979.

6. Who had a hit with "Bette Davis Eyes"?

From Quiz Hits of 1981

Answer: Kim Carnes

"Bette Davis Eyes" was written in 1974 by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon. Kim Carnes' version was very successful reaching number one in the US and Australia and number ten in the UK.

7. What artist could have alternatively titled his song "I Adore A Wet Evening"?

From Quiz 1981 Song Titles In Other Words

Answer: Eddie Rabbitt

On February 28th, 1981, Eddie Rabbitt went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with "I Love A Rainy Night" and ruled the American airwaves for two weeks.

8. What REO Speedwagon album was released late in 1980 and spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard charts in 1981?

From Quiz #1 Albums of 1981

Answer: Hi Infidelity

The platinum album "Hi Infidelity" entered the charts on February 21, 1981. The album included the hits "Keep on Loving You", "Take it on the Run", and "Don't Let Him Go".

9. They don't write 'em like that anymore. They just don't write 'em like that anymore.

From Quiz Song Lyrics from 1981

Answer: The Greg Kihn Band

from 'The Breakup Song'

10. Who had a hit in 1981 with the song: "He's Just A Runaway"?

From Quiz Who Sings What In 1981

Answer: Sister Sledge

11. Track Listing number two is a song sung by Australian pop-rock singer Rick Springfield about a young man's thoughts about a friend's girlfriend. What is the right song title for this track?

From Quiz The Right Music (1981)

Answer: Jessie's Girl

The song, "Jessie's Girl" is on the "Working Class Dog" 1981 album. The song was rerecorded by Rick Springfield into an acoustic version on the "Karma" album in the year of 1999. This track is used on the USA movies, "Boogie Nights" and "13 going on 30".

12. In 1981, the super band Foreigner had a top five U.S. hit with the song "Urgent." Which "All Star" saxophonist played a fiery solo in the middle section of the tune?

From Quiz Top Pop Songs of 1981

Answer: Junior Walker

The Foreigner song "Urgent" reached the number four spot on the U.S. Billboard singles charts in September 1981. This tune features the searing vocals of lead singer Lou Gramm as well as a terrific solo on the sax by Junior Walker of Motown fame. Walker and his All Stars had a top ten U.S. hit in 1966 with a song called "Shotgun."

13. Which new romantic band enjoyed their first British hit with "Planet Earth" in 1981?

From Quiz Music From the 80s - 1981

Answer: Duran Duran

Duran Duran formed in Birmingham, England in 1978 and their name is based on that of a character from the film "Barbarella" (1968). Released in February 1981, "Planet Earth" was Duran Duran's first UK single release, spending 11 weeks on the chart and reaching a highest position of number 12. I liked this record as soon as I heard it and remained a "Durannie" for many years.

14. "Celebration" topped the charts on February 7, 1981. Which band recorded the song?

From Quiz Billboard Number One Hits of 1981

Answer: Kool and the Gang

The Jersey-based Kool and the Gang had been around for 17 years when "Celebration" broke them nationally. In an interview with "Rolling Stone", Robert "Kool" Bell related that he started performing as a teen in a band he called The Jazziacs. By 1969 the name of the band changed to Kool and the Gang when they recorded for DeLite records. Their first single was an instrumental aptly called "Kool and the Gang". When disco became popular the band changed direction. They recorded the "Ladies Night" LP which had two 1980 hits for the boys, the number eight "Ladies night" and number five "Too Hot". "Celebration" proved to be their first number one and coincided with the release of the hostages from Iran. It was also the theme of the 1981 Super Bowl and Walter Mondale's presidential campaign. Foreigner had a top five in November with "Waiting for a Girl Like You". SOS Band had a top five in 1980 with "Take Your Time" and Spinners also had a 1980 top five with "Cupid/I've Loved You For A Long Time".

15. "Kids in America" was a hit for which British singer?

From Quiz Hits of 1981

Answer: Kim Wilde

"Kids in America" was written by Kim's father and brother, Marty and Ricky Wilde. It was her debut single and reached number two in the UK, Australia and Sweden. It didn't fair as well in the US peaking at number 25.

16. "Margo Channing's Peepers" could be the title of whose 1981 hit song?

From Quiz 1981 Song Titles In Other Words

Answer: Kim Carnes

"Bette Davis Eyes" was a huge hit during the late spring/early summer of 1981 when it spent nine weeks at number one on the American charts. Margot Channing was actress Bette Davis' role in the 1950 film "All About Eve".

17. What was the #9 hit for the year 1981? "I love to hear the thunder, Watch the lightning, When it lights up the sky, You know it makes me feel good."

From Quiz BRI's Top Ten Hits of 1981

Answer: I Love a Rainy Night

Eddie Rabbitt has been very successful in the music industry, both as a writer and a performer. He has racked up 16 number one hits to his credit, as well as having written songs like "Kentucky Rain" for Elvis Presley.

18. Do you remember the Styx album that reached number one in 1981?

From Quiz #1 Albums of 1981

Answer: Paradise Theater

"Paradise Theater" entered the charts on April 4, 1981 and remained there for three weeks. The album had four top 40 singles, including "The Best of Times" and "Too Much Time on My Hands".

19. Temptation, frustration So bad it makes him cry

From Quiz Song Lyrics from 1981

Answer: The Police

from 'DOn't Stand So Close To Me'

20. Who had a hit in 1981 with the song: "Mexico"?

From Quiz Who Sings What In 1981

Answer: Les Humphries Singers

21. Track Listing number three is a 1981 song by the Australian soft-rock Air Supply band and it is about loving a special someone. What is the right song title for this track?

From Quiz The Right Music (1981)

Answer: The One That You Love

"The One That You Love" is a popular song written by Graham Russell. The song was recorded on the album "The One That You Love", which was produced by Clive Davis. The duo, Air Supply, was originally formed in Melbourne, Australia in the year of 1975.

22. Which New York City band led by singer Debbie Harry reached the top of the U.S. charts with the song "Rapture" in 1981?

From Quiz Top Pop Songs of 1981

Answer: Blondie

Debbie Harry and Blondie were major players in the New York City pop scene during the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Their song "Rapture" was one of the first top 40 singles to use rap lyrics. Part of the rap portion of the lyrics read, "And you get in your car and you drive real far / And you drive all night and then you see a light / And it comes right down and lands on the ground..." The song was a crossover smash hit, reaching the number spot in both the U.S. Billboard pop and dance categories.

23. From which hit single of 1981 does the lyric come? "No job to be found in this country Can't go on no more The people getting angry"

From Quiz Music From the 80s - 1981

Answer: "Ghost Town" by The Specials

Released on 20 June 1981, "Ghost Town" spent 14 weeks on the UK singles chart, including three weeks at number one. There was some civil unrest in Britain at the time this record came out and the song really does capture the mood of that time. Incorrect answers: "I Want to be Free" by Toyah reached number eight in 1981; "All Stood Still" by Ultravox was also a hit in 1981, and also reached number eight and "Kids In America" by Kim Wilde spent 13 weeks on the chart in 1981 and reached number two.

24. Who enjoyed the rain in his number one song "I Love a Rainy Night" on February 28, 1981?

From Quiz Billboard Number One Hits of 1981

Answer: Eddie Rabbitt

New Jersey boy Eddie Rabbitt scored a country style hit. Eddie was born in New York and raised in New Jersey. His father played the fiddle and accordion and instilled music in young Eddie. After trying to get noticed as a country singer in New jersey without success, Eddie headed to Nashville on a Greyhound and had early success when Elvis recorded his "Kentucky Rain" in 1970. Once the hit established him, several other artists starting singing his compositions after he became a staff writer at Hill and Range publishing. His $37.50 a week job with the publisher became a thing of the past after he wrote the theme for "Every Which Way But Loose" and started having his own hits such as "Suspicions" and "Driving My Life Away" from the movie "Roadie". He followed up with "I Love A Rainy Night" by listening to demos he had done a dozen years earlier. Leo Sayer had a number two hit in December, 1980, with "More than I Can Say". Don McLean hit the number five spot in March, 1981, with a cover of Roy Orbison's "Crying" and Grover Washington's top five song was in May, 1981, with "Just the Two of Us".

25. "All Those Years Ago" was a hit for whom?

From Quiz Hits of 1981

Answer: George Harrison

George Harrison wrote "All Those Years Ago" as a tribute to John Lennon who had been recently murdered. The song featured contributions from all three remaining Beatles. It reached number two in the US and number 13 in the UK.

26. Whose popular song is synonomous with the famous exclaimer of "Off with their heads!"?

From Quiz 1981 Song Titles In Other Words

Answer: Juice Newton

"Queen of Hearts" was both a number two hit for Juice Newton in the late summer of 1981 and the name of a notorious character in Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland".

27. What was the #8 hit for the year 1981? "When I said that I love you, I meant that I love you forever. And I'm gonna keep on lovin' you, 'Cause it's the only thing I wanna do. I don't wanna sleep, I just wanna keep on lovin' you."

From Quiz BRI's Top Ten Hits of 1981

Answer: Keep on Lovin' You

Pulled together in the late sixties and early seventies, REO Speedwagon did not become really established until the album "Hi Infidelity" sold 9 million copies. Written by band member Kevin Cronin, "Keep On Lovin' You" was the biggest hit single from that album.

28. Who released the number one album "Mistaken Identity"?

From Quiz #1 Albums of 1981

Answer: Kim Carnes

Kim Carnes, the LA based singer who sang duets with Kenny Rogers, Barbara Streisand, and James Ingram, released "Mistaken Identity" in 1981. The album reached number one on June 27 and remained there for four weeks. The album's biggest single was "Bette Davis Eyes", which won two Grammys for Song and Record of the Year.

29. Who had a hit in 1981 with the song: "I'm So Glad To Be A Woman"?

From Quiz Who Sings What In 1981

Answer: Love Unlimited

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