A LONG, LONG Time Ago Trivia Quiz

Answer: American Pie

Don McLean's signature song, released in 1971, tells the story of "the day the music died". The phrase references the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson, and continues on with cryptic references to personalities and events of the 1960s. After reaching number one on music charts in several countries, the lyrics became a popular topic among music critics and radio disc jockeys as listeners speculated about their meaning.

The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.

Answer: Alice's Restaurant Massacree

Upon its release in 1967, "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" became a favorite among American young people who were protesting the US's involvement in the Viet Nam war. Inspired by true events in Guthrie's life, the song tells the story of the author's exclusion from the draft after an arrest for littering. The characters of Alice Brock, her husband Ray, and the police officer called "Obie" were all actual people, with William Obanhein playing himself in the 1969 film based on the song.

Many American classic rock stations have maintained the tradition of playing the song every year on Thanksgiving.

Answer: Kashmir

The song was released in 1975 on the album "Physical Graffiti" and, despite its length, was given immediate air time by rock radio stations. Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of the greatest 500 songs in rock history listed "Kashmir" at number 141, and all four band members have been quoted as saying that it was one of their best efforts.

Answer: Iron Butterfly

Featuring hard driving guitar riffs and a long drum solo, the seventeen minute song comprised the entire "B" side of the album of the same title. The most probable explanation for the odd title is that Ron Bushy, the band's drummer, misheard the original "In the Garden of Eden", and the band decided to keep the slurred words.

"In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" remained on the charts for nearly three years, and the album became the first in history to be certified "Platinum" by the RIAA.

Answer: Stephen Stills

The song was written as the couple's two year relationship was ending, and was Stills' way of expressing his sadness over the approaching breakup. The single peaked at number 21 on US charts, opening the way for the supergroup's enormous popularity.

All three members, along with occasional fourth Neil Young, have enjoyed successful careers both as group and solo acts and continue to play to sold out audiences during tours.

Answer: Green Grass and High Tides

At nearly ten minutes, the song was never released as a single but was given frequent airplay on FM and album rock stations. The title was derived from the Rolling Stones' first hits compilation "High Tide and Green Grass" and became the finale for the band's live performances.

Co-writer and founding member Hughie Thomasson died in 2007 at the age of 55.

Answer: Janis Joplin

The Port Arthur, Texas native joined Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1966, recording two albums with the band before leaving in 1969. "Ball 'n' Chain" was written and first recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton but it was Joplin's longer version that charted and is best remembered by blues and rock fans.

With nearly a million copies sold in 1968, "Cheap Thrills" became the highest selling album of the year.

Answer: Love Lies Bleeding

Working once again with co-writer Bernie Taupin, Elton John composed the instrumental while thinking of his own final tribute. The lyrics to "Love Lies Bleeding" were written by Taupin and are the story of the singer's anger and frustration about a broken love relationship. Although not originally intended as a single track, John has stated that the musical key and compositions fit together so well that it was decided to combine the two on the album.

The song remains a fan favorite, despite the fact that it was never released as a single due to its length.

"Harmony" is another song on the same album, while "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Song With No Words/Trees With No Leaves" are the work of the Allman Brothers Band and David Crosby, respectively.

Answer: Bob Seger

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band's cover of "Let It Rock" is just one of many to be recorded since Chuck Berry's initial release in 1960. The original song is less than two minutes in length, but guitar riffs and a long drum solo at the end of "Live Bullet" produced an eight and a half minute version that is still played on classic rock stations.

RIAA certification in 2003 recognized "Live Bullet" for sales of over five million copies since its release.

Answer: Shine On You Crazy Diamond

The song is a nine part composition that is split into two tracks on the original 1975 release. The total running time for both tracks is just over twenty-six minutes and includes lead vocals by Roger Waters, who also wrote the lyrics.

The entire album was inspired by Syd Barrett's departure from the band several years earlier due to his ongoing battle with mental illness. "Wish You Were Here" reached number one in both the UK and the US and remains one of the top selling albums of all time.