Australian Music Multiple Choice Quiz | International Music

Answer: Dame Nellie Melba

Dame Nellie was an internationally feted soprano with a powerful and lyrical voice. She performed publicly between 1886 and 1928. Her choice of stage name was derived from the city of her birth, Melbourne. Melba was made Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1918 and had dishes named after her by the great French chef Escoffier. These included Peach Melba and Melba Toast. Other accolades include her being the first Australian to appear on the cover of Time magazine (1927), and more latterly her featuring on the AUS$100 banknote. Dame Joan Sutherland was a famous Australian opera singer of the mid-20th century and although dubbed La Stupenda, her parents had been born in Scotland, just as Melba's had been. Kylie Minogue and Olivia Newton John are of course more contemporary divas.

Question added by Airmale.

Answer: The Saints

The Saints (Brisbane) and Radio Birdman (Sydney) formed around the same time in 1974. There is dispute about which of these should be credited as the first Punk Band in Australia.

There is no disputing the fact that The Saints were first in recording their own Single named (I'm) Stranded in September 1976 and distributing it themselves; , even sending copies to the UK.
EMI signed them in November 1976 to record three albums.

Bob Geldof has said, "Rock music in the Seventies was changed by three bands - the Sex Pistols, the Ramones and The Saints".

Radio Birdman recorded a low budget EP in October 1976 called "Burn My Eye".

Celibate Rifles formed in 1979 in Sydney. They have released 14 studio albums and toured Europe and America quite extensively.

The Cheap Nasties were the first Punk band in Perth, forming in 1976. Unfortunately they made no recordings.

Submitted by ozfei

Answer: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was born on Elcho Island in the Northern Territory, and he was indeed born blind. He speaks little English and sings mainly in the Yolngu language. He plays several instruments, including a right-hand strung guitar which he plays left-handed.

He was previously a member of the popular group Yothu Yindi, and released his first solo album in 2008.

See http://www.gurrumul.com/


Written by fufan

Answer: Ian "Molly" Meldrum

"Countdown" was a television music program that showcased bands and artists not just from Australia, but also around the world. The first episode screened in November 1974 and the show continued for 13 years.

Molly became a household name, and will be associated forever with his hat (which was given to him by Olivia Newton-John), his mumbling "Humdrum" segment and the infamous interview with Prince Charles - The first, and possibly only, time that Molly was ever tongue-tied.

Question compiled by Leith90

Answer: A Vegemite sandwich

From the "Business as Usual" album, "Down Under" reached number one on the US pop, US rock, Australian and UK charts in 1982 for Colin Hayes and his Men At Work.

(question submitted by meriti17)

Answer: The Easybeats - "Friday on My Mind".

'Friday on My Mind', written by George Young and Harry Vanda in 1966, became a worldwide hit.
Bassist George is also the older brother of Malcolm Young and Angus Young, who founded AC/DC.

(Question submitted by nanna-Tracey)

Answer: Amnesty International

Among many major achievements, Williams is the guitarist who adapted the piano-arranged 'Cavatina', and thus provided many an aspiring guitar player with an excellent practice piece. In his chequered career he has collaborated with both Julian Bream and Paco Pena, which is no mean feat. In 1979 he teamed up with Pete Townshend to produce 'Won't get Fooled Again' which was played on the bare boards of the Drury Lane Theatre in Covent Garden. This was Amnesty International's first 'gig' and many worthies appeared, such as Sting and Jeff Beck. The author was there.

Question posted by Airmale.

Answer: All My Loving

"Young Talent Time" was an Australian music variety show that ran from 1971 to 1988. The host was Johnny Young and the "Young Talent Team", who performed some of the top hit songs of the day. Some of the "Young Talent Team" who became well known in the music industry include Tina Arena, Dannii Minogue and Debra Byrne.

Question by Parra_Chick.

Answer: Logan City

Savage Garden was a duo consisting of Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones, both from satellite city Logan bordering Brisbane to the south. They achieved notice in the late 1990s and had hits such as 'Crash and Burn' and 'Affirmation'. Their signature song was 'Truly Madly Deeply'.

(submitted by barrywlj)

Answer: John Farnham

John Farnham was born in England in 1949 and moved to Australian in 1959. It wasn't until he discovered he was going to be named "Australian of the Year" in 1988 that he realised he wasn't naturalised and had to have his citizenship application fast-tracked.

John had a mostly solo career, although he replaced Glen Shorrock as lead singer for "The Little River Band" from 1982 to 1985. His early hits included "Sadie The Cleaning Lady" and "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head". Later, "You're The Voice", "Pressure Down" and "Touch Of Paradise" were among his works.

(Question by Parra_Chick)