FM Radio Songs, Part X Trivia Quiz

Answer: Red

New Riders of the Purple Sage hailed from San Francisco and played country / rock style music. In 1973, this band received considerable FM radio airplay with an upbeat ditty called "Panama Red"- a tribute to the infamous and potent cannabis plant. John Dawson, David Nelson and Dave Torbert supplied vocals; Buddy Cage played some nifty pedal steel guitar music on "Panama Red." The New Riders sang these lyrics:

"Panama Red, Panama Red
He'll steal your woman
Then he'll rob your head
Panama Red, Panama Red
His white horse Mescalino comes breezin' through town..."

Answer: Judy Garland

"Celluloid Heroes" was Ray Davies' epic effort to pay tribute to some of Hollywood's biggest stars. This song appeared on the 1972 Kinks' album "Everybody's in Show Biz." Davies mentioned several legendary movie stars in "Celluloid Heroes": Greta Garbo ("She looks so weak and fragile"), Bela Lugosi ("He's liable to turn and bite"), and Bette Davis ("Hers was such a lonely life").

However, singer / actress Judy Garland was not discussed in the tune's lyrics.

Answer: Rumours

Fleetwood Mac achieved platinum success in 1977 with the album "Rumours." This record became an international number one hit album and featured such songs as "Go Your Own Way" and "Don't Stop." Band member Lindsey Buckingham supposedly wrote "Go Your Own Way" after his breakup with fellow Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks.

The album "Penguin" appeared in 1973, "Heroes Are Hard to Find" was released in 1974, and "Tusk" appeared in 1979.

Answer: Redwood

Neil Young's song "Heart of Gold" appeared on his successful 1972 album "Harvest." The Canadian born singer took "Heart of Gold" all the way to the top of the U.S. singles charts, and "Harvest" became a staple on FM radio stations. Young sang, "I've been to Hollywood, I've been to Redwood / I crossed the ocean for a heart of gold..."

Answer: Climax Blues Band

Climax Blues Band hailed from Stafford, England, and hit the U.S. FM radio airwaves in 1977 with a song called "Couldn't Get It Right." The band was led by some talented musicians such as Colin Cooper and Pete Haycock. Climax Blues Band sang these lyrics:

"I kept on looking for a way
To take me through the night
But I couldn't get it right
No, I couldn't get it right..."

Answer: Champagne

The Atlanta Rhythm Section released a song and album called "Champagne Jam" in 1978. The song "Champagne Jam" featured some tasty southern rock and blues sounds; every member of ARS got the chance to show off his musical ability. Ronnie Hammonds was the lead vocalist on "Champagne Jam", Dean Daughtry played keyboards; J.R. Cobbs and Barry Bailey were the guitarists; Robert Nix played drums; and Paul Goddard played the bass.

Answer: Station

The song "Smokin' In the Boys Room" was recorded by Brownsville Station in 1973. Brownsville Station came from Michigan and featured the guitar and vocal work of Cub Koda. In the USA, "Smokin" rose to number three in the singles charts and received considerable ariplay on FM radio stations across the country.

Answer: The Ballroom Blitz

The English band Sweet achieved FM radio success in 1973 with the song "The Ballroom Blitz." The opening words to this tune referred to band members Steve Priest (bass), Andy Scott (guitar), and Mick Tucker (drums). Brian Connolly sang lead vocals on this hard-rocking song. In the USA, "The Ballroom Blitz" climbed to the number spot on the singles charts. Sweet sang these words:

"And the man in the back said everyone attack
And it turned into a ballroom bliz
And the girl in the corner said boy I wanna warn you
It'll turn into a ballroom blitz, ballroom blitz..."

The Hollies recorded "Long Cool Woman", The Sex Pistols sang "God Save the Queen", and The Pretenders did "Brass in Pocket."

Answer: Bruce Springsteen

Manfred Mann's Earth Band recorded the Bruce Springsteen composition "Blinded By the Light" in 1976. Springsteen had previously recorded this song for his 1973 "Greetings From Asbury Park N.J." album. The Manfred Mann version of "Blinded" soared to the top of the U.S. singles charts in early 1977 and featured the musicianship of Manfred Mann (keyboards), Dave Flett (guitar), and Chris Thompson (vocals).

Answer: For You Blue

The George Harrison composition "For You Blue" was one of the last songs ever recorded by The Beatles- sometime in January 1970. This song featured John Lennon's playing a lap steel guitar. In the middle section of "For You Blue", Harrison complimented Lennon by saying "Go, Johnny, go!" and "Elmore James got nothin' on this baby!" James was famous for his bottleneck guitar technique. Harrison sang, "Because you're sweet and lovely, girl / I love you. Because you're sweet and lovely, girl, it's true..."