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Jan and Dean Trivia Quiz

This is a quiz about one of the greatest beach musical groups of the '60s, Jan and Dean.

A multiple-choice quiz by Uga76. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
Uga76

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
186,579

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
646

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What was the name of the garage band Jan Berry, Arnie Ginsberg, and Dean Torrence started as teenagers? Hint

Rolling Stones

The Beach Boys

The Barons

Jay and the Americans

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Question 2 of 10

2. "Dead Man's Curve" was written about a car crash involving what famous person? Hint: Bugs Bunny. Hint

James Dean

Cary Grant

John Wayne

Mel Blanc

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Question 3 of 10

3. What year did "Surf City" hit number one on the charts? Hint

1959

1966

1965

1963

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Question 4 of 10

4. When did Jan Berry have his critical car accident by rear-ending a parked vehicle in Beverley Hills, California? Hint

March 1, 1976

April 21, 1968

April 19, 1966

July 20, 1969

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Question 5 of 10

5. What was the name of the high school Jan and Dean attended together? Hint

Malibu High School

JFK High

South Central High

University High School in West Los Angeles

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Question 6 of 10

6. Who's picture was on the sheet music of Jan and Dean's hit "Linda"?
Hint

Linda Carter

Linda Wells

Linda Hamilton

Linda Eastman McCartney

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Question 7 of 10

7. What was Jan Berry and Dean Torrences's debut single?
Hint

Dead Man's Curve

Baby Talk

Surf City

Drag City

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Question 8 of 10

8. What song did Jan and Dean sing when they appeared on "American Bandstand" in 1959?
Hint

Dead Man's Curve

Drag City

Baby Talk

Surf City

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Question 9 of 10

9. Who helped Jan and Dean with developing a couple of surf songs in the early '60s? Hint

Paul McCartney

Charles Manson

Ringo Starr

Brian Wilson

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Question 10 of 10

10. Dean joined what branch of the military service? Hint

Army Reserves

Active Duty Army

Active Duty Marine Corps

Air National Guard

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What was the name of the garage band Jan Berry, Arnie Ginsberg, and Dean Torrence started as teenagers?

Answer: The Barons

The original group they started, while still high school students, was The Barons. The Barons appeared in a school talent contest and practiced in Jan's garage. The group was made up of fellow students Cuck Steele, Ginsberg, Wally Agi, John Saliman, Berry, and Torrence.

2. "Dead Man's Curve" was written about a car crash involving what famous person? Hint: Bugs Bunny.

Answer: Mel Blanc

Many people thought the song "Dead Man's Curve" was about James Dean; however, it was actually written about another car crash, in 1961, involving Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny.

3. What year did "Surf City" hit number one on the charts?

Answer: 1963

On June 22, 1963, Jan and Dean had their first number one hit, "Surf City". The song was given to Jan and Dean by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. In fact, Wilson performed on the original release.

4. When did Jan Berry have his critical car accident by rear-ending a parked vehicle in Beverley Hills, California?

Answer: April 19, 1966

April 19, 1966 Jan Berry was critically injured in a car crash while driving his Corvette Stingray on a back street in Beverley Hills, California. The accident mirrored the tragedy of "Dead Man's Curve". He suffered critical head injuries and was in a comma for weeks.

5. What was the name of the high school Jan and Dean attended together?

Answer: University High School in West Los Angeles

They attended University High School in West Los Angeles. While singing in the showers, after football practices, they came up with the idea of starting a musical group.

6. Who's picture was on the sheet music of Jan and Dean's hit "Linda"?

Answer: Linda Eastman McCartney

A lawyer involved with the song suggested his daughter, whose name was Linda Eastman, would be willing to have her picture appear on the sheet music. Her picture appeared on the final product and she would later marry Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

7. What was Jan Berry and Dean Torrences's debut single?

Answer: Baby Talk

Jan and another friend, Arnie Ginsburg released a single, "Jennie Lee", during the time that Dean was in the Army Reserves. But Jan and Dean's first single was "Baby Talk, which was released in 1959.

8. What song did Jan and Dean sing when they appeared on "American Bandstand" in 1959?

Answer: Baby Talk

In October of 1959, the group made it into the top ten with "Baby Talk" and appeared on American Bandstand. The song hit the top 10.

9. Who helped Jan and Dean with developing a couple of surf songs in the early '60s?

Answer: Brian Wilson

Dean asked Brian Wilson, of the Beach Boys, if the group would play the instrumental parts to "Surfin" and "Surfin' Safari" on their album. Wilson sang the opening line of a new song, and offered it to Jan and Dean. Lyrics were added and "Surf City" resulted from their hard work.

10. Dean joined what branch of the military service?

Answer: Army Reserves

Dean joined the Army Reserves in 1957, after being called-up, and served two years. He was discharged from Fort Ore, California, in 1959.

Source: Author Uga76

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ralzzz before going online.
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