Classic Car Songs of the Rock Era Quiz

Answer: Rocket 88

The original version of the song was credited to Jackie Brenston. The song was put together by Ike Turner and his band during rehearsals in Mississippi and recorded by Turner's Kings of Rhythm. Jackie Brenston was Ike's sax player and did the vocal track on "Rocket 88." The Oldsmobile 88 model was introduced in 1949. "Model T Baby" was by Jack Turner.

The Eagles did Tom Wait's "Ol' 55," and Tennessee Buck recorded "Automobile Song."

Answer: Janis Joplin

"Mercedes Benz" is an a cappella song by Janis Joplin in which she asks the "Lord" to buy her a Mercedes-Benz, among other things. She collaborated with Michael McClure and Bob Neuwirth, who were poets of the era. The song was intended to be a social commentary on how people relate happiness to money and material possessions. It was recorded in one take. Etta James recorded the non-car classic "At Last." Aretha later sang about a "Freeway of Love" and Fontella Bass sang "Rescue Me."

Answer: Hot Rod Lincoln

"Hot Rod Lincoln" was first recorded by Ryan, recording as Charlie Ryan and The Livingston Brothers. A 1959 version as Charlie Ryan and The Timberline Riders is probably better known. The version that may be considered most popular is Johnny Bond's 1960 hit on Republic Records.

The version by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen may be the best known and closest to the original. Bill Kirchen was the guitarist on Cody's version. It was released in 1972 and went to number nine. "Hot Road Man" was by Tex Rubinowitz. "Hot Rod Queen" was recorded by Deke Dickerson & the Ecco-Fonics and "Hot Rod Race" was by Ramblin' Jimmie Dolan.

Answer: Beep Beep

This US pop trio hailed from Connecticut. They made their first record in 1956. They signed with Roulette Records in 1957 and their third single on that label, "Jo-Ann" hit the US Top 20 in 1958. Over the next four years the clean-cut vocal group had another nine US chart entries including the number four "Beep Beep." "Grandpappy's Hot Rod Blues" was by Grandpappy Earl Davis. "Honk Your Horn" was recorded by Jimmy Heap. Neil Young sang "Coupe De Ville."

Answer: Dead Man's Curve

"Dead Man's Curve" was done by Jan and Dean, a surf group that also had an album and single titled "Drag City." The album included songs such as "Surfin' Hearse," "Schlock Rod" and "Hot Stocker." They also had success with their hot rod single, "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena." They featured a cover of The Beach Boys' "Little Deuce Coupe" on their "Drag City" album.

Answer: The Rip Chords

Terry Melcher and Bruce Johnston sang the lead vocal and backup parts on "Hey Little Cobra." Terry Melcher is Doris Day's son and Bruce became a member of the Beach Boys in the mid-sixties. The songwriter is Carol Connor, who was inspired to write the song when she bought her own Cobra.

Born Annette Kleinbard, Carol was a member of The Teddy Bears along with Phil Spector and sang on their number one hit, "To Know Him is to Love Him." She was injured in an auto accident and left the group because her injuries were severe, but she went on to enjoy success as a songwriter. Phil went on to be a noted producer.

Answer: G.T.O.

Their 1964 debut single "G.T.O." was a big car song hit. After an album and tour in 1964, Ronny & the Daytonas had another hit in 1965 with a ballad, "Sandy", and an album that reflected a similar country-surfer sound. In 1968 Ronny and the Daytonas switched to RCA Records and released a romantic ballad called "Diane, Diane" and "All American Girl." Neil Young recorded "Motor City." "Pink Cadillac" was a Bruce Springsteen song and "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots" was done by The Cheers.

Answer: Wilson Pickett

This Wilson Pickett cover of a Mack Rice song became a cruising hit. His major breakthrough would come with Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, where he recorded "In the Midnight Hour." "In the Midnight Hour" may be his best-remembered hit, but "Mustang Sally" still remains a classic. Wilson Pickett was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Junior Walker and The All Stars recorded "Shotgun," among other hits. James Brown wasn't known for any car songs and Jackie Wilson was an R&B great with hits such as "Baby Work Out."

Answer: ZZ Top

The Texas blues band has the distinction of having the same members for over 35 years. ZZ Top achieved success with the 1983 album, "Eliminator," which featured a bright red 1933 Ford 3-window-coupe hot rod called "The Eliminator" and a trio of beautiful women on the cover.

Their next album, "Afterburner," featured a blend of synthesizers, blues rock and sequencers. Deep Purple's car song was "Highway Star." The Gants did a sixties version of Bo Diddley's classic, "Road Runner," and The Rolling Stones recorded a version of "Route 66" on their debut album.

Answer: K. C. Douglas

K.C. Douglas was a Mississippian who had a country blues style that was part of the postwar blues scene. Influenced by the famous bluesman Tommy Johnson, Mr. Douglas penned and recorded the well known "Mercury Blues." The song has been covered by artists such as Alan Jackson, Steve Miller, David Lindley, and many others. C. W. McCall did the trucking song, "Convoy." Drifting Johnny Smith recorded a song titled "Service Station Blues." "Hot Rod Rag" was done by Paul Westmoreland.