Top of the Charts Trivia

1. This song on the album "Led Zeppelin IV," wasn't released as a single, but it eventually became the most requested-for-radio-play classic rock song of all time. What was it?

From Quiz Delayed Hits

Answer: Stairway to Heaven

"Stairway to Heaven" is arguably the most popular rock song of all time. It has been played on radio stations at least three million times. Its sheet music is the highest-selling piece of sheet music in the history of rock music, selling over one million copies. Magazines such as "Classic Rock," "VH1," and "Rolling Stone," have listed it as one of the greatest rock songs of all-time. Led Zeppelin refused to release "Stairway to Heaven" as a single, despite pressure from Atlantic Records, because they wanted to make people buy the whole album. As a result, the song wasn't an instant hit. Bassist John Paul Jones said in an interview with BBC radio that the first time they played it live, the audience was "Bored to tears." Although the song was released in 1971, music journalist Stephen Davis said that the song didn't become a huge hit until 1973.

From Quiz More Groups that Made it to No. 1

Answer: My Girl

"My Girl" topped the charts on March 6, 1965 for one week. The song has since become the signature song for The Temptations. Four years later they had their second chart topper with "I Can't Get Next To You" on October 18, 1969 for two weeks. "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" reached number one for two weeks on April 3, 1971. "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" was their last number one hit on December 2, 1972 for one week.

From Quiz All Cheer the No-Hit Wonders

Answer: The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground released five studio albums and five live albums between 1967 and 2001. The Velvet Underground was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Yet the Velvet Underground never had a top 40 hit on the United States Hot 100.

From Quiz Songs That Almost Hit the Top Forty

Answer: Natalie Imbruglia

The 1998 song "Torn" peaked by Australian Natalie Imbruglia on December 12, 1998. Besides working on her singing career, Natalie Imbruglia starred as Beth Brennan in the Australian soap opera "Neighbours".

From Quiz From Flop to the Top Forty

Answer: Hanky Panky

Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich wrote "Hanky Panky" in 1963 and recorded the song as The Raindrops. The Shondells recorded a cover version for an Ohio label called Snap Records. Lacking promotion, the song was only a regional success. The record was discovered by a Pittsburgh Dee-Jay the following year but initial efforts to get a major label to promote the song failed. Roulette Records eventually signed Tommy James and James formed another band to promote the record in live venues. By the middle of the summer in 1966 the song reached Number One in the US. "Mony Mony" was a 1968 single, "I Think We're Alone Now" was a 1967 hit by Tommy James and the Shondells and "Crystal Blue Persuasion" was a 1969 release.

From Quiz Better Late Than Never

Answer: I Left My Heart In San Francisco

"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" was written by George Cory/Douglass Cross. It peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 for Tony Bennett in 1962. This version entered the UK singles chart on three separate occasions three years later in 1965 and peaked at number 25. It was written in 1953 for operatic contralto Claramae Turner and was later offered to Tennessee Ernie Ford who turned it down. Tony Bennett recorded it as the B-Side to "Once Upon A Time", luckily DJs flipped the record and it earned a Gold Disc. The song won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Tony Bennett won the Grammy Award for Best Male Solo Vocal Performance. Tony Bennett was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in 1926. He had 20 Top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1951 and 1968 which included three number one hits. He has recorded with such artists as k. d. lang, Billy Joel, Michael Buble, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.

From Quiz Artists with Trifecta Number One Songs

Answer: Diana

Paul Anka's "Diana" was his debut US single and also his first Number One hit. Paul wrote the song with Joe Sherman and recorded it when he was only 15. "Lonely Boy" was released two years later and became Paul's second Number One hit. He hit the Top Twenty four times in 1958 and toured with many of the Teen Idols of the fifties. "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" was a Number Two hit in 1959 and "Puppy Love" reached Number Two the following year. In the sixties the British Invasion put Anka's career on hold. He signed with Buddah Records in the early seventies and released "(You're) Having My Baby" in 1974 with Odia Coates.

From Quiz I Could Have Been A Number One Tune

Answer: Under My Thumb

"Under My Thumb" was a song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards which originally was part of an album called "Aftermath" in 1966, but was never released as a single. It is famously known as the song being played at the Altamont concert of 1969 when a fight broke out and a concert goer was killed by a member of the Hell's Angels, who were providing security for the Stones. The song is a part of almost every rock and roll radio station's play list these days and is one of the group's most popular.

From Quiz Minor Hits From Major Artists

Answer: Hollies

Although the Hollies had 12 songs that charted in the top 40, "Magic Woman Touch" only hit number 60 in 1973. Hailing from Manchester, England, the original Hollies lineup included Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks, Eric Haydock and Bobby Elliott. Nash left the group in 1968 to form Crosby, Stills and Nash.

From Quiz Broadway Hits on the US Billboard Charts

Answer: Judy Collins

"Send In The Clowns" was a Number 36 US Billboard hit from her "Judith" album. Stephen Sondheim composed the song for Act II of his 1973 musical "A Little Night Music". It was specifically composed with actress Glynis Johns in mind. She had the role of Desiree in the show. "Send in the Clowns" was Sondheim's only Billboard Top Forty Popular music hit. In 1973 Frank Sinatra recorded a version on his "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back" album. The song has been covered by several artists from Count Basie to The Tiger Lillies. "Ain't No Way To Treat a Lady" was a 1975 US Number Eight by Helen Reddy. Carly Simon had a Number 21 song with "Attitude Dancing" in 1975 and Janis Ian made it to Number Three the same year with "At Seventeen".

From Quiz Their First Number One Hit

Answer: MacArthur Park

The year 1978 was a pivotal year for Donna Summer. Her first number one song was "MacArthur Park", a remake of the Richard Harris hit written by Jimmy Webb. Summer was also a guest artist on Kiss bassist Gene Simmons' solo album released in 1978. Kiss and Summer were both signed to Casablanca Records at the time. That same year Donna released her first live album, "Live and More", which included "MacArthur Park". "Live and More" is Summer's first number one album, knocking Linda Ronstadt's triple-platinum "Living In The USA" out of the top slot. "Last Dance" reached number three the same year. "Love to Love You Baby" is one of her early hits, reaching number two in 1975. "Hot Stuff" reached the number one spot the following year.

From Quiz Which Came First?

Answer: Crocodile Rock

Elton's first Top 40 hit was "Your Song", released in 1970, reaching number eight. "Rocket Man" and "Honky Cat" made the top 10 in 1972. "Crocodile Rock" was released in late 1972, hitting number one, becoming his first top five as well as his first number one hit, followed up by "Daniel" which hit number two.

From Quiz Number Ones and Chart Firsts

Answer: Mr Tambourine Man

'Mr Tambourine Man', recorded by The Byrds, was UK Number One during June-July 1965. Jimi Hendrix's 'All Along The Watchtower' reached Number Five in 1968. Dylan's own recording of 'The Times They Are A-Changin' was never a UK chart-topper, managing only ninth position in 1965. Manfred Mann's rendition of 'The Mighty Quinn' took top spot in January 1968.

From Quiz Immortal Ballads

Answer: 'Without You'

'No I can't forget this evening or you face as you were leaving...' Originally recorded by Bad Finger; another very famous cover version by Nilsson.

From Quiz Various No.1 Hits

Answer: 'Rock Around the Clock'

In "The Blackboard Jungle". 'Rock Around the Clock' by Bill Haley and the Comets was released in 1955 and went to No.1 in July. It stayed in the top position for 8 weeks. The others were No.1 hits by Elvis Presley in 1956.

From Quiz Delayed Hits

Answer: Black

"I know someday you'll have a beautiful life, I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky but why, why, why can't it be mine?" I believe the song's final comprehensible line sums up what the song is about. Pearl Jam refused to release the song as a single because Eddie felt the song was too personal and emotional for that. So the song wasn't a hit in 1991, when the album was released. However, the song charted at number three on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Chart and number 20 on the US Modern Rock Chart in 1993. It is one of Pearl Jam's most popular songs. Popular youtube channels WatchMojo and Loudwire ranked "Black" number one on their lists of top ten Pearl Jam songs.

From Quiz More Groups that Made it to No. 1

Answer: One Of These Nights

All of the Eagles number one hits lasted just last one week at the top. "One of These Nights" was their second chart topper on August 2, 1975. "New Kid in Town" topped the charts on February 26, 1977. A few months later on May 7, "Hotel California" was number one. "Heartache Tonight" has been their last number one hit on November 10, 1979.

From Quiz All Cheer the No-Hit Wonders

Answer: Leonard Cohen

Canadian singer Leonard Cohen released forty-four singles without having a a top 40 hit on the United States Hot 100. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Leonard Cohen's 1984 song "Hallelujah" was performed on the forty-second season of "Saturday Night Live" by the Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump characters.

From Quiz Famous Artists Who Never Had a Number One Hit

Answer: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival released seven studio albums and twenty-nine singles. The band had nine top ten hits including five number two hits on the United States Billboard Hot 100. But they had no number one hit single on this chart.

From Quiz Songs That Almost Hit the Top Forty

Answer: The Rolling Stones

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones peaked at number 42 on June 9, 1973. The song was originally recorded for the groups 1969 album "Let It Bleed". The song was released as the B-side to the group's number one hit "Honky Tonk Women" in July 1969. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" itself was released as a single in 1973.

From Quiz From Flop to the Top Forty

Answer: Duane Allman

After meeting during an Allman Brothers concert in 1970 Eric Clapton and Duane Allman connected musically. Allman composed the riff that would become the opening signature riff to "Layla". Allman also played slide guitar during the "Layla" recording sessions. The song was originally recorded for the "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" album in 1970. The length of the song prohibited significant radio play. "Layla" was later included on the 1972 compilation "The History of Eric Clapton" and re-released as a single, reaching Number Seven in the US and Number Ten in the UK. In 1983 Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck performed "Layla" live for a benefit at the Royal Albert Hall. All three guitarists had been members of The Yardbirds.

From Quiz Better Late Than Never

Answer: (I'm A) Road Runner

"(I'm A) Road Runner" was written by Holland/Dozier/Holland. It peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 for Jr. Walker & The All Stars in 1966. It entered the UK singles chart three years later in 1969 and peaked at number 12. Born Autry DeWalt Mixon, Jr. he was in a group named The Rhythm Rockers with Vic Thomas (keyboards), Tony Washington (drums) and Willie Woods (guitar). They became Jr. Walker & The All Stars after signing for the Harvey record label in 1961. When that record label was acquired by Motown there were personnel changes in the group and other Motown musicians such as James Jamerson and Benny Benjamin played on some recording sessions. After many chart entries which included five Top 20 hits the group disbanded in 1979.

From Quiz Artists with Trifecta Number One Songs

Answer: The Carpenters

"(They Long to Be) Close to You" put The Carpenters on top of the charts in 1970. The year before they had only one chart entry, a cover of The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" that reached number fifty-four. "Top of the World" topped the charts in 1973 and their final Number One hit before Karen Carpenter died in 1983 was their rendition of "Please Mr. Postman". The duo's first of twelve albums was called "Offering" in 1969 but was changed to "Ticket to Ride" when the single was released. "Do That to Me One More Time" and "Love Will Keep Us Together" were the only Number One songs by The Captain and Tennille. "Where Is the Love" by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway peaked at Number Five in 1972. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" were the only two chart toppers by The Righteous Brothers.

From Quiz I Could Have Been A Number One Tune

Answer: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

Hard to believe, but The Beatles never released "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" as a single in the U.S. It was part of the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album which was released in 1967. It is said to have been inspired by a drawing made by John Lennon's son Julian. When released, there was widespread speculation that the song and its lyrics had to do with the drug LSD, but the members of the group always denied that.

From Quiz Minor Hits From Major Artists

Answer: McCoys

Fronted by Rick Derringer, the McCoys formed in Indiana. Their first hit song, "Hang On Sloopy", was also their biggest hitting number one in 1965. "Beat The Clock" peaked at number 92 in 1967.

From Quiz Broadway Hits on the US Billboard Charts

Answer: I Don't Know How to Love Him

"I Don't Know How to Love Him" was first released by Elliman and reached Number 28. Helen Reddy's version went to Number 12 in the US and was from an album released by her with the same name. Other international artists to release versions include Cilla Black, Tina & Real McCoy, Petula Clark and Sinead O'Connor. The song is sung by the character of Mary and is featured near the end of Act I. "Everything's Alright" was released by Elliman but only made it to Number 92 on the US charts. "Superstar" was sung by Murray Head with the Trinidad Singers and reached Number 78. "Could We Start Again Please?" was a song in Act II but was not a US Billboard release.

From Quiz Their First Number One Hit

Answer: I Want to Hold Your Hand

Brian Epstein suggested that Paul and John compose a song that would appeal to American audiences in preparation for their upcoming television and live appearance schedule. They retired to Paul's girlfriend's basement and wrote "I Want to Hold Your Hand". While it is well known musical history that they appeared live on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in February, 1964, Jack Paar actually broadcast the first television program showing the Beatles when he played a film from England of the Liverpool Lads on his Friday night television show months earlier. The Beatles were in their suite at the George V hotel in Paris after a concert when they received news that "I Want to Hold Your Hand" reached number one in America on February 1, 1964. "Love Me Do" hit the top of the charts in May, 1964, "She Loves You" reached the top March 21, 1964, and "A Hard Days Night" topped the charts in August, 1964.

From Quiz Number Ones and Chart Firsts

Answer: (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

In July 1965, The Rolling Stones topped the Billboard singles chart for four weeks with 'Satisfaction'. 'It's All over Now' (July 1964), 'Little Red Rooster' (December 1964), and 'The Last Time' (March 1965) were their first three UK chart-toppers.

From Quiz #1 Songs

Answer: Purple Rain

The title track to the movie "Purple Rain" got stuck at number 2.

From Quiz Immortal Ballads

Answer: The Power of Love

'I'll protect you from the hooded claw, keep the vampires from your door...'

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