Eggheads Top Ten Songs Trivia Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. This is one of Queen's greatest hits! It stayed at the top of the UK Singles Chart, firstly in 1975 where it sold over one million copies, and then again in 1991. What is the name of this chart topper?

Answer: Bohemian Rhapsody

"Bohemian Rhapsody" was a hit for the British rock band Queen. It was written by Freddie Mercury and appears on the album "A Night at the Opera". Following the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991, the song was re-released and reached number one yet again.

(Question and additional information supplied by peewee2)

2. I consider myself very fortunate to have been a child of the sixties as I had such wonderful music at my disposal to listen to. My all time favourite band of that era was "The Doors". My favourite song of this phenomenal band, featuring the mesmerising voice of Jim Morrison, was used in the 1979 movie "Apocalypse Now". Can you name that song?

Answer: The End

"The End" was released in 1967 by the Doors on the album entitled The Doors.
The version used in the movie "Apocalypse Now" was a shorter version than the original recording. It was appropriately used towards the end of their last set in their live performances. "The End" was ranked at #336 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

(Question and additional information supplied by Eastenders01)

3. Believe it or not this song was originally performed in 1939 by a South African group. It hit the charts again in the 1950s but it was in 1961 it really became an international hit. With the king of the beasts in the title, which song is this?

Answer: The Lion Sleeps Tonight

This song was originally called "Mbube", but more familarly today we also know it as "Wimoreh". It is one of the golden oldies which keep returning and returning. It was once again brought to the fore when it was licensed to the Disney studios in the mid-nineties to be used in the film "The Lion King". The most well known recording of it however was in 1961, when, performed by The Tokens, it shot to number one in the US. In fact it made so much money over time that the by now poverty stricken descendants of the original singer, Solomon Popoli Linda, aka Solomon Nsele, took out a lawsuit against it in 2006, hoping to recoup royalties. They received a very healthy settlement as a result. It's a fantastic song and lends itself to any number of harmonies you wish to create as you sing along with it.

(Question and additional information supplied by Creedy)

4. This song was recorded by Canadian singer Alannah Myles in 1988 and was based on the life of Elvis Presley. It became a number one hit for her in the Billboard charts in 1990 as well as reaching number one in Canada and number two in the UK. Do you remember its title?

Answer: Black Velvet

"Black Velvet" refers to Elvis' characteristics in various ways, such as the black baritone sound of his voice and the many African American recording artists he imitated to create his special brand of rock n' roll. It was also the name of the hair dye he used to give his hair its distinctive black sheen.
The lyrics "a new religion that'll bring you to your knees" refer to the near-religious passion with which Elvis was regarded by many fans early in his career. Each verse in turn relates to Elvis' life, from his childhood through to his death. "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles is one of my all time favourites, but I have to admit to not realising the Elvis connection until drafting this question!

(Question and additional information supplied by moonraker2)

5. My favourite song has a British royal connotation. It was written in 1727 for the coronation of King George II by the German immigrant Handel and has been robustly sung at every coronation since. What might it be?

Answer: Zadok the Priest

Handel wrote "Zadok the Priest" with choral work using biblical text going back to the time of Solomon. It has a mellifluous instrumental beginning leading up to an amazing vocal triumph. Superb.

(Question and additional information supplied by Airmale)

6. This song was brought to life by Judy Garland but my favourite cover version was sung "Hawaiian" style by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. What is the name of this song?

Answer: Over The Rainbow

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, otherwise known as Iz, released his version of the song in 1993. It became popular in America, UK, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The recording has featured in films such as "Meet Joe Black" and "50 First Dates". Israel was a Hawaiian/Reggae/Jazz singer of huge proportions, not only in body size but also through his vocals and ukelele playing skills. Sadly, he died early at the age of 38 following a weight-related illness. His ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean but his voice carries on posthumously, reaching the far corners of the globe with its sweet, angelic tone.

(Question and additional information supplied by Plodd)

7. Cher sang "I was born in a wagon of a traveling show, my mama used to dance for the money they'd throw" as the opening lyrics to which song?

Answer: Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves

This song was from Cher's seventh solo album of the same name "Cher" and was the first single to be released from it in 1971. It remained at number one in the US on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and sold over three million worldwide.

(Question and additional information supplied by Lorstrivia)

8. Richard and Karen Carpenter sang so many memorable songs. Which Carpenter's song do the lyrics "the only explanation I can find" come from...?

Answer: Top of the World

The Carpenters were an American brother and sister duo. They had a stream of successful albums spanning over fourteen years. They recorded eleven albums and had ten number one singles. It all came to a tragic end with the unexpected and early death of Karen in 1983.

(Question and additional information supplied by peewee2)

9. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" was a hit single in the United States in 1964 and the United Kingdom in 1965. Who had this number one hit?

Answer: The Righteous Brothers

The Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, took "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin" to number one spot in 1964 in the USA. In 1965, it reached the top place in the UK. Written by Phil Spector, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, this song was one of the top 20th Century songs. The Righteous Brothers had many other hits in their time together, including "Unchained Melody" and "Soul and Inspiration".

(Question and additional information supplied by veronicavee)

10. Credence Clearwater Revivial was one of the most influential bands of the sixties, even though they did not have the psychedelic sound that was so prevalent of that era. My favourite song that they recorded is believed to be the only top 40 song on the U.S. charts which was not originally written by them. Can you name that song?

Answer: Susie Q

"Susie Q" was co-written by Louisiana singer Dale Hawkins. It was orginally a rockabilly song which captured the flavour of Louisiana. It was covered by various artists though the most famous version was by Credence Clearwater Revival. The original version by Hawkins was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll". It is believed that John Fogerty released this version so that it could be heard on a progressive rock radio station. They also did a cover version of "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" but that version did not hit the top 40 in America.

(Question and interesting information supplied by Eastenders01)

Source: Author Plodd

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor kyleisalive before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

The Scrambled Eggheads team have written a quiz on their all time favourite top ten songs. Name that tune!

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>