Instrumental Hits in the UK Quiz | Instrumental Hits

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Eddie Calvert reached the number one spot in January 1954 with a German song called "O Mein Papa". What brass instrument did Eddie Calvert play?

Answer: Trumpet

Calvert was born in Preston, Lancashire in 1922. He was known as the man with the golden trumpet. He joined his first band at the age of 11. He played with various bands before going solo. "Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)" was another number one hit for Calvert in 1955. "O Mein Papa" was number one for nine weeks.

2. Russ Conway reached the number one spot in March 1959 with which riding-related title?

Answer: Side Saddle

"Side Saddle" stayed at number one for four weeks. Conway had another hit later the same year with "Roulette". English pianist Russ Conway was born in Bristol in 1925. He joined the navy during WW2 and stayed until 1955. He became pianist for various artists and subsequently appeared on TV. In 1959 he became a huge success and was top selling artist for the year.

3. The Shadows reached the UK number one spot in August 1960 with which Native American tribe?

Answer: Apache

"Apache" remained at number one for five weeks. The Shadows at that time were Hank Marvin, Bruce Welsh, Jet Harris and Tony Meehan. The Shadows were also the backing group for Cliff Richard who actually contributed to the recording by playing a Chinese drum. Over the years the Shadows had another four number one instrumental hits.

4. This instrumental number one was heavily influenced by the developing space race. What was the number one hit for The Tornados that climbed to top spot in October 1962?

Answer: Telstar

"Telstar" occupied the top spot for five weeks and was the first number one in the US by a British group. The Tornados acted as a backing group for Billy Fury. The Tornados were Clem Cattini, Alan Caddy, Roger LaVern, George Bellamy and Heinz Burt. Telstar was a communications satellite belonging to AT&T and launched by NASA in July 1962.

5. In November 1968 Hugo Montenegro took the instrumental "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly", from the soundtrack of the film with the same name, to top spot in the UK. Which Italian wrote the music for the soundtrack?

Answer: Ennio Morricone

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" stayed at number one for four weeks. Ennio Morricone is the composer of the music for a number of "Spaghetti" Westerns including, among others, "A Fistful of Dollars", "For a Few Dollars More" and "Once Upon a Time in the West". Ennio Morricone was born in Rome in 1928. Hugo Montenegro is American and was born in 1925 in New York.

6. In January 1969 Fleetwood Mac had an unexpected number one with a song for which sea bird?

Answer: Albatross

"Albatross" was top of the charts for only one week and this was the group's only number one hit in the UK. The song was released whilst Peter Green was still a member of the group. The other members of the group at that time were Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Danny Kirwan.

7. April 1972 saw the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards score a wondrous hit with which traditional hymn?

Answer: Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace" topped that charts for five weeks. Royal Scots Dragoon Guards is the most senior of Scottish Regiments. The regiment was formed in 1971 following the amalgamation of two other regiments. The song topped the charts in other countries like Canada, Australia and South Africa. The hymn was written in 1779 by John Newton.

8. In October 1972 the song "Mouldy Old Dough" topped the UK charts. What military rank, equivalent with flying officer in the RAF, together with "Pigeon" make up the name of the group?

Answer: Lieutenant

"Mouldy Old Dough" stayed at number one for four weeks. Lieutenant Pigeon was formed in Coventry in 1972 and was led by Rob Woodward. The other members of the group were Nigel Fletcher, Stephen Johnson and Woodward's mother Hilda on piano. The song was one of the biggest sellers of 1972.

9. In September 1973 the Simon Park Orchestra topped the UK charts with "Eye Level". The song was selected as the theme tune of which Netherlands based detective series?

Answer: Van der Valk

"Eye Level" occupied the number one spot for four weeks. Apart from this hit the group did not enjoy any other major successes. In the series "Van der Valk" Barry Foster starred as the Dutch detective. The series was screened in five seasons with a total of 32 episodes.

10. In April 1999 Mr. Oizo had a big success with which kind of "Beat"?

Answer: Flat

"Flat Beat" stayed at the number one spot for two weeks. Mr. Oizo is the stage name of the French musician Quentin Dupieux. He produces electronic music utilising synthesizer, drum machine, sampler and computer. He has released both singles and albums and has also directed his own films.

Source: Author gme24

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Instrumental Hits in the UK Trivia Quiz

This quiz focuses on instrumental hits that reached the top of the UK charts.

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