Rock of America Trivia Quiz

Answer: Don McLean

Don McLean's 1971 epic song "American Pie" was an eight-and-a-half-minute-long tribute to the history of rock and roll. The song referenced various musicians and events that shaped the genre. The lyrics were famously cryptic. McLean himself admitted that some of the lines are intentionally vague. Despite this, "American Pie" became a beloved classic and a staple of American music.

Answer: The Guess Who

The Guess Who's 1970 hit song "American Woman" was actually written as a protest against the Vietnam War. The band's guitarist, Randy Bachman, was playing a riff during a concert in Ontario when the crowd started cheering and he realized he had stumbled upon something special.

The lyrics were later added by lead singer Burton Cummings, who was inspired by the anti-war sentiment of the time. The song became a huge success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970.

Answer: Bob Seger

"American Storm" was the lead single from Bob Seger's 1986 "Like a Rock" album. The theme of the song was the danger of drug use. The song's music video featured Lesley Ann Warren, James Woods, Randy Quaid and Scott Glenn.

Answer: David Bowie

David Bowie's "Young Americans" was the title track from his 1975 album. This song was a departure from his previous glam rock sound. The song was heavily influenced by American soul music. The song featured musicians from the United States, including Luther Vandross on backing vocals.

Bowie's interest in American culture and music continued throughout his career, and he even lived in New York City for a time in the late 70s and early 80s. "Young Americans" remains a beloved classic and a testament to Bowie's versatility as an artist.

Answer: Steve Miller Band

"Living in the U.S.A." was featured on Steve Miller Band 1968 album "Sailor". The song was also the title track to the band's 1990 compilation album. "Living in the U.S.A." was featured in the 1993 cult classic film "Dazed and Confused".

Answer: Grand Funk Railroad

"We're An American Band" by Grand Funk Railroad was released in 1973. The song was written by the band's drummer, Don Brewer, and was inspired by their experiences touring across the United States. The lyrics celebrated the band's rock and roll lifestyle and their love for American women, beer, and music.

Interestingly, the song's famous cowbell intro was actually played by producer Todd Rundgren.

Answer: John Cougar Mellencamp

John Cougar Mellencamp's 1986 song "R.O.C.K. in the USA" was subtitled "A Salute to 60's Rock". The song was recorded for Mellencamp's 1985 album "Scarecrow". The song was inspired by the mix of musical styles heard on AM radio during Mellencamp's youth.

Answer: Supertramp

"Breakfast in America" was the title track for Supertramp's 1979 studio album. This song featured a wide array of unusual instruments such as a clarinet, orchestra cymbals, a harmonium, calliope and a tack piano. The song is about someone who wishes to move to America to become famous.

Answer: Rick Derringer

Rick Derringer recorded the song "Real American" for the WWE's 1985 "The Wrestling Album". The song was originally the entrance theme for the tag team the U.S. Express. It eventually became the WWE entrance theme for Hulk Hogan.

Rick Derringer was a member of the group the McCoys before releasing the 1974 solo hit single "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo". Derringer also recorded the entrance theme for the WWE tag team Demolition.

Answer: Bruce Springsteen

"Born in the U.S.A." was the title track from Bruce Springsteen's 1984 album. The song was a critique of the treatment of Vietnam War veterans upon their return to the United States. The song's lyrics described the struggles of a working-class man who is unable to find a job and is ultimately forced to turn to crime.

President Ronald Reagan attempted to use this song in his 1984 re-election campaign. Bruce Springsteen politely declined Reagan using the song.

Answer: Electric Light Orchestra

"Calling America" was recorded for Electric Light Orchestra's 1986 album "Balance of Power". The song was Electric Light Orchestra's final top forty single in the United States and the United Kingdom. The theme of this song is living in the modern world by using satellite communication. For the song's music video, the band played in front of the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Answer: Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond recorded the song "America" for the soundtrack of the 1980 film "The Jazz Singer". Neil Diamond wrote the as a tribute to immigration to America.

The song was used as Michael Dukakis' 1988 presidential campaign theme. The song was also used in the promotion of the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Answer: Tom Petty

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers recorded the song "American Girl" for his 1976 self-titled album. The song was released in 1977 and became one of Petty's most popular and recognizable songs. "American Girl" has been covered by numerous artists and has appeared in several movies and TV shows.

Answer: Green Day

The song "American Idiot" was the title track for Green Day's 2004 concept album. The album inspired a 2010 Broadway stage musical. The song protested the paranoia of American citizens created from the mass media. The band cited the cable news coverage of the 2004 Iraq war as creating fearful watchers.

Answer: Elvis Presley

"An American Trilogy" was a medley arranged by country composer Mickey Newbury in 1971. The medley comprised parts of the standards "Dixie", "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "All My Trials". Elvis Presley recorded a live version of this medley in 1972.