Colorful Oldies, Part II Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lavender Blue

"Lavender Blue" was hardly a new song. There were at least four versions that were popular in 1926. This version made it to Number Three on Billboard's Top 40 Hits. Turner's only other hit was "Always," Number 19 in 1959. [Lavender is a herb of the mint family.]

Answer: False

The song dates back to at least 1939. This version made it to Number 20 on The Billboard Top 40 list. Billy Ward was the piano player for the group. Over time, the lead singers for the Dominoes included such big names as Clyde McPhatter (1950-1953) and Jackie Wilson(1953-1957). The version by Nino Temple and April Stevens reached Number One in 1963.

Answer: Jerry Vale

Jerry Vale had a magnificent tenor voice, but he had to compete with Eddie Fisher and then the "Rock Era." His popular songs also included "You Don't Know Me" in 1956 and "Have You Looked Into Your Heart" in 1965.

Answer: Los Bravos

In 1966, the song charted at Number Four in Billboard's Top 40 Hits. It was a "one hit wonder" for the group, led by Mike Krogel. Los Lobos' top hit was a cover of "La Bamba," ranked Number One in 1987. Los Indios Tabajaras had a "one hit wonder" at Number Six in 1963 with a cover of "Maria Elena." Los Indios does not exist.

Answer: Vaughn Monroe

Vaughn Monroe was a "Big Band Era" baritone, trumpet player, and band leader. His version of this song charted in Billboard's Top 40 Hits at Number 38 in 1955. The version by The Cheers hit Number Six the same year. None of the other three made any real attempt to change. [James Monroe was the Fifth President.]

Answer: Everly

In 1961 it reached Number Eight on Billboard's Top 40 Hits. Phil and Don Everly had four Number One hits: "Wake Up Little Susie," 1957; "All I Have to Do Is Dream," 1958; "Bird Dog," 1958; and "Cathy's Clown," 1960. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Answer: Yes

Marty Robbins was born in 1925. He was known as a "country singer," but he also was a top stock car racer. "A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation)" charted at Number Two in the Billboard Top 40 Hits. His signature song was "El Paso," a Number One hit in 1960.

Answer: Cathy Carr

For Cathy Carr, this was a "one hit wonder" at Number Two. Gale Storm's version hit Number Six and The Charms got to Number 11. As far as I know, Patti Page never recorded it. [Howie Carr has hosted "The Howie Carr Show" on WRKO for over 20 years. He is a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame.]

Answer: Don Rondo

Don Rondo's version peaked at Number Seven. His only other hit was "Two Different Worlds" in 1956. In 1957 Owen Bradley's version hit Number 18 and Dave Gardner's reached Number 27. Bill Black's got to Number Nine in 1960. [Don Quixote is the "Man of La Mancha."]

Answer: Over the Rainbow

From the film "Wizard of Oz," it was written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. (Yip) Harburg and sung, of course, by Judy Garland. It became her "signature" song, as it should have. In 1960, The Demensions did a doo-wop version that charted at number 16 on Billboard's Top 40 Hits.