1960s Music Trivia

1. Which band sings the song "Penny Lane"?

From Quiz Songs From the 1960s

Answer: The Beatles

The Beatles were a British rock band that was established in 1960 and was active until 1970. Some albums by The Beatles include "Abbey Road", "Rubber Soul", "Revolver", and "Let It Be". "Penny Lane" ranked number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 weekly charts in 1967. "Penny Lane" was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

From Quiz Between Rock 'n' Roll and Beatlemania

Answer: Nine

"Nine Tines Out Of Ten" written by Waldense Hall/Otis Blackwell peaked at number three on the UK singles chart for Cliff Richard and The Shadows in 1960. It did not chart in the USA. Cliff Richard and The Shadows had a lot of hits on the UK singles chart in the period 1960 - 1964, together and individually. Cliff Richard is still performing and releasing records as this quiz is being written (2019). He is the only singer to have had UK number one hits in five consecutive decades, 1950's (2), 1960's (7), 1970's (1), 1980's (2) and 1990's (2).

From Quiz Boomers Ascending Two

Answer: Georgia on My Mind

The song became a state song in 1979. Oddly enough it was Maine that adopted it and after a protracted court battle with Georgia a settlement was reached. Georgia agreed to cede the rights to the song. In return Maine gave the rights to the Whoopie Pies and Lobstah to Georgia. Facts in this quiz are courtesy of Wakopedia. Switching tracks, "As Long as He Needs Me" was from the musical "Oliver". The role of Nancy in the original London production who sang it was a Georgia too. Sweet.

From Quiz My Boomerang Just Came Back (& hit me in the face)

Answer: British comedian Charlie Drake

This very interesting, and in some ways controversial, song was a hit on both sides of the pond, and in Australia, despite questionable and possibly racially insensitive lyrics. It details an aboriginal tribe member who is ostracized for incompetence in the basic art of boomerang tossing. The controversy centered around the general idea and a particular line. "I've waved the thing all over the place, tracked it 'til I was black in the face..." Despite the immediate popularity of the song and brisk sales in record shops, the BBC initially refused to play it until it was re-recorded with BLUE IN THE FACE instead of BLACK IN THE FACE in the offending line. At any rate, it rose to number 14 on the British charts in October of 1961.

From Quiz Billboard Hot 100 Hit Songs 1967 - 1969

Answer: Ted Nugent And The Amboy Dukes

The answer is "Ted Nugent And The Amboy Dukes". It was none other than the Motor City Madman himself and his band, The Amboy Dukes. The song was on jukeboxes everywhere and peaked at number 16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1968. Ted was only 19 years old when "Journey To The Center Of The Mind" was released, but his tremendous ability to play the guitar was already quite obvious. This type of song was not the kind Ted wanted to release because of the obvious drug connection. It seems hard to believe, but he claims he had no idea of its actual meaning. He allegedly thought the song was about looking inside of yourself. Ted has always been anti-alcohol and anti-drug, and has always been very outspoken about it. Ted and band were invited to play at the original Woodstock festival in 1969. They said no because Ted didn't like hippies or promoters. He figured that he'd never get paid either. As far as the wrong answers go, The Electric Prunes were known for their song "I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night", Steppenwolf was known for "Magic Carpet Ride" and "Born To Be Wild" and Frijid Pink was known for their rendition of "House Of The Rising Sun". In January 2014, Ted got himself into a little trouble because of how outspoken he is. In an interview, he referred to President Obama as a "subhuman mongrel". Needless to say, he did apologize.

From Quiz 1960s Music: Hits on Either Side of "The Pond"

Answer: The Tornados

The Tornados were an instrumental group from London and they achieved this feat in December 1962 with "Telstar". It also reached number one the UK Singles Chart. In 1963 the group had four other hits that made it into the UK Singles charts but no other achievements in the USA. The Beatles reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in February 1964 with "I Want to Hold Your Hand" plus another five in that same year. The Animals reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in September 1964 with "The House of the Rising Sun". Manfred Mann also reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 with "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" in October 1964.

From Quiz 1960s Music: Male Solo Artists

Answer: Bobby Vee

"Take Good Care of My Baby" was written by husband and wife team Gerry Goffin and Carole King and made popular by Bobby Vee. The Beatles, Dion, Gary Lewis and The Playboys and Bobby Vinton have also recorded the song. The song has a similar musical structure to the song by Neil Sedaka "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" which was also written by Goffin and King. Bobby Vee, born in Fargo, North Dakota, had 38 US Billboard Hot 100 hits with ten in the Top 20. These included "Run to Him" (number two), "Come Back When You Grow Up" (number three), "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" (number three) and "Rubber Ball" (number six). Bobby Darin (1936-1973) had many hits including "Beyond the Sea", "Dream Lover", "Splish Splash"; his biggest hit was "Mack the Knife" which was at number one for nine weeks in 1959.

From Quiz 1960s Music: Male Groups

Answer: I'm a Believer

Composed by Neil Diamond, "I'm a Believer" stayed there for seven weeks and it hit number one in the UK for four weeks during January and February 1967. "Last Train to Clarksville" topped the Billboard Hot 100 on November 5, 1966. "Daydream Believer" topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 1967 and it was their last number one hit in the USA. "Pleasant Valley Sunday" topped at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The Monkees consisted of Davy Jones (1945-2012) who was born in Manchester and had played the role of the Artful Dodger in the original London and Broadway productions of "Oliver!" as a 15 year old. Michael Nesmith (b. 1942) is an American musician, songwriter, actor, producer and philanthropist. Peter Tork (b. 1942) is an American musician and actor who was the keyboardist and bass guitarist of the group. Micky Dolenz (b. 1945) is an American actor, musician, television director, radio personality and was the drummer of the group.

From Quiz 1960s Music: Female Groups

Answer: Where Did Our Love Go

The song "Where Did Our Love Go" was originally intended for the Marvelettes, who rejected the song. The Supremes also did not like the song but were encouraged by their producers to record the song. To their amazement and delight it was successful. It eventually peaking in the UK at #3. "Baby Love", "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "Come See About Me" were all number one hits as was "Back in My Arms Again".

From Quiz Albums of the 1960s

Answer: Bo Diddley

He was born Ellas Otha Bates in 1928 in the city of McComb in southern Mississippi. Hus name was changed as a child to Ellas McDaniel, which is the name under which he wrote and composed most of his songs, but he performed under the name Bo Diddley. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and his 1955 recording of his song "Bo Diddley" was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. He died of heart failure in 2008 at the age of 79.

From Quiz Duets in the 1960s

Answer: A World Without Love

Peter Asher and Gordon Waller had 10 Top 40 hits between 1964 and 1967. "A World Without Love" was their only number one. "Lady Godiva" was a number six hit in 1966. "I Go To Pieces" reached number nine in 1965. And "Woman" charted at Number 14 in 1966.

From Quiz Key 1960s Rock and Roll Groups

Answer: The Drells

Archie Bell and The Drells had three Billboard Top 40 Hits in 1969-1969. Their first, "Tighten Up," hit Number One in 1968. That was followed by "I Can't Stop Dancing" (Number Nine in 1968) and "There's Gonna Be A Showdown" (Number 21 in 1969).

From Quiz The Beatles vs The Four Seasons

Answer: I Saw Her Standing There

"I Saw Her Standing There" written by Lennon/McCartney was the first track by The Beatles on disc one of this 1964 double album "The Beatles vs The Four Seasons". The album was billed as "The International Battle Of The Century". "I Saw Her Standing There" was the first track on The Beatles' first UK album "Please Please Me" which spent 30 weeks at number one on the UK album chart in 1963/64. "I Saw Her Standing There" was released as the B-Side of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" in the U. S. A. and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. The Beatles album in this double set was first released in the U. S. A. on the Vee-Jay record label as "introducing... THE BEATLES" (version two) on the 10 February 1964. It peaked at number two on the Billboard album chart where it remained for nine weeks.

From Quiz The Sixties

Answer: Ringo, I Love You

In 1964, Cher (AKA Bonnie Jo Mason) released "Ringo, I Love You" as her first solo single. Since then, Cher has achieved the distinction of being the only solo female artist to have Top Ten hits in the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s.

From Quiz Sentimental Sixties Songs

Answer: Elvis Presley

"Little Sister" was written by Mort Shuman and Doc Pomus and was released in 1961 on his single "His Latest Flame". I was 6 years old and had just started school and remember my brother hoisting me up onto the dining room table and dancing with me. Sweet memories of my late brother.

From Quiz The Other Side Of Music:The '60s B-sides.

Answer: Dreamin'

Johnny Burnette had a number 11 hit on the US pop chart with "Dreamin'" in 1960. It reached number five on the UK chart the same year. "You're Sixteen" was a number eight hit on the US pop chart in 1960. It reached number three on the UK chart in 1961. "Little Boy Sad" was a number 17 hit on the US pop chart in 1961. It reached number 12 on the UK chart the same year. "Clown Shoes" did not chart in the US but reached number 35 on the UK chart in 1962.

From Quiz Can You Dig the Sixties? Part 4

Answer: I Can See for Miles

The Who exploded into the top ten of the 1967 U.S. Billboard charts with the song "I Can See for Miles." For many American listeners, "I Can See for Miles" was their introduction to Peter Townshend, Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle. In the USA, "I Can See for Miles" was released on Decca Records, and it rose to the number nine spot on the singles charts.

From Quiz 1960s Pop Music Potpourri, Part 3

Answer: The Moody Blues

The Moody Blues achieved success in the USA with a song called "Go Now!" This tune featured guitarist Denny Laine as its lead vocalist. "Go Now!" was issued on London Records in the U.S. and reached the number ten position on the Billboard charts in early 1965. Laine left The Moody Blues circa 1967 in order to form his own group, Electric String Band.

From Quiz Can You Dig the Sixties? Part 2

Answer: You Can't Hurry Love

The Supremes reached the top of the U.S. singles charts in the late summer of 1966 with "You Can't Hurry Love." Issued on the Motown label, this song featured the dynamic vocals of Diana Ross and the lyrics of Holland-Dozier-Holland. Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard sang these words: "You can't hurry love No, you just have to wait She said love don't come easy It's a game of give and take..."

From Quiz Can You Dig the Sixties?

Answer: The Byrds

The Byrds released the song "Eight Miles High" in 1966. The Byrds featured such talented musicians as Gene Clark, David Crosby and Jim McGuinn, and they were based in Los Angeles, California. "Eight Miles High" was released on Columbia Records in the USA. This song was quickly banned on most U.S. radio stations because of its supposed references to narcotics. The other bands listed in this question hailed from Great Britain.

From Quiz More Pop Music Hits: 1960-1963

Answer: Algiers

The Duprees achieved success in August 1962 with a song called "You Belong to Me." In the second verse of this tune, lead vocalist Mike Kelly sang these lyrics: "See the marketplace in old Algiers Send me photographs and souvenirs But remember when a dream appears You belong to me..." In the USA, The Duprees' version of this song rose to the number seven spot on the singles charts.

From Quiz Pop Music Hits: 1960-1963

Answer: Willow

Elvis Presley sang about a weeping willow in the lyrics of "It's Now or Never." This record was released in July 1960 and climbed to the top of the U.S. Billboard charts. Presley sang these words, "Just like a willow, we would cry an ocean If we lost true love and sweet devotion... It's now or never, come hold me tight..."

From Quiz Pop Music Potpourri: 1968-1969, Part II

Answer: Set you free

John Kay and Steppenwolf had success in 1968 with the song "Magic Carpet Ride". This song featured Kay's hard-driving vocals, the keyboard sounds of Goldy McJohn, and the guitar work of Michael Monarch. Kay thundered these words: "Why don't you tell your dreams to me Fantasy will set you free Close your eyes, girl Look inside, girl Let the sound take you away..."

From Quiz Pop Music Potpourri: 1968-1969

Answer: A tavern

Mary Hopkin's "Those Were The Days" became an immensely popular song of nostalgia throughout the world. Most of the action in this tune took place at "the tavern"- a place where the singer and her friends could drink, laugh, and remember the good old days of their youth. Unfortunately, the tavern mirror also reminded the singer that she was getting "older but no wiser." In the USA, "Those Were the Days" was released in September 1968; it eventually climbed to the number two spot on the Billboard charts. Paul McCartney produced this classic song. Hopkin sang these lyrics to open the song: "Once upon a time there was a tavern Where we used to raise a glass or two Remember how we laughed away the hours And dreamed of all the great things we would do?"

From Quiz Pop Music Potpourri: 1965-1967, Part 2

Answer: Jimmy Ruffin

Jimmy Ruffin, from Mississippi, recorded the song "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" in 1966. By the summer of '66, this tune had risen to the number seven spot on the U.S. Billboard charts. Ruffin sang these lyrics from the song's chorus: "What becomes of the broken-hearted Who had love that's now departed? I know I've got to find Some kind of peace of mind...maybe..."

From Quiz Pop Music Potpourri: 1965-1967

Answer: Like a Rolling Stone

Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" is one of the most celebrated songs in rock history. Dylan's distinctive lyrics and the song's catchy organ riff propelled "Like a Rolling Stone" to the number two spot on the U.S. Billboard charts in the summer of 1965. This tune was over six minutes in length; thus, some Top 40 station programmers were hesitant to play the song. Dylan sang this chorus: "How does it feel? How does it feel? To be on your own; no direction home A complete unknown- like a rolling stone..."

From Quiz American Pop Music, 1964-1969

Answer: 96

? and the Mysterians hailed from Bay City, Michigan. The leader of the band was named Question Mark (Rudy Martinez). The song "96 Tears" featured an organ riff that was either catchy or maddening, depending upon the listener's point of view. The song reached the top of the charts in October 1966.

From Quiz Surf Music of the 1960s

Answer: Surfin' U.S.A.

"Surfing U.S.A." was their breakthrough hit. "Surfin'" charted locally but did not reach the chart status of "Surfing U.S.A." "Surfer Girl" and "I Get Around" were later hits for the group. Eventually, Chuck Berry's publisher would claim "Surfing U.S.A." closely resembled Chuck's "Sweet Little Sixteen." Although Brian Wilson claimed it was not copied, he added Chuck Berry as a co-writer to settle the matter. The Wilson brothers, Brian, Carl and Dennis, along with a friend and cousin went on to have numerous hits in the 1960's and members of the band continue to perform as the Beach Boys into the new millennium.

From Quiz Bygone Music

Answer: The Searchers

The Searchers were one of the most influential groups to rise from the 60s phenomenon.They were originally formed in Liverpool in 1960 as a backing group for Johnny Sandon, and took their name from the John Wayne film. The founder members were John McNally (who still leads the group), Mike Pender, Tony Jackson and drummer Norman McGarry. In late 1961 Johnny Sandon left to join the Remo Four, McGarry left to be replaced on drums by Chris Curtis. The Searchers continued as a foursome, playing at the Iron Door, the Cavern and other Liverpool clubs.

From Quiz Who Sang These 60s Songs? Part 1

Answer: Del Shannon

Del Shannon was born in 1934. He had a number one hit with the song, "Runaway" in 1961. This was the song that shot him into fame. He had many hits in the sixties including, "Little Town Flirt"(1962) and "Handy Man"(1964). His career slowed down in the seventies and eighties. Tragically, on the eighth of February 1990, Del Shannon fatally shot himself in the head. It was said, at the time, that he was in the process of being treated for depression.

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Last Updated Nov 18 2024 7:57 AM

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