Kings of Country Music Trivia Quiz

Answer: Jim Reeves

Originally a radio announcer, Jim Reeves, nicknamed Gentleman Jim by his peers, was known around the world for his velvety smooth voice. He started recording in 1945 and in 1959 he recorded his bit hit "He'll Have To Go" which was a huge hit on both sides of the ocean.

After this success, Reeves did tours of South Africa, And Scandinavia. In 1963 he starred in a film called "Kimberly Jim". While not overly popular in the U.S. Reeves also recorded many songs in Afrikaans, one of the local languages in South Africa. Reeves was so popular in Norway that he became the first American artist to make a gold record in Norway. Reeves died in 1964,at the age of 40, in a plane crash over Tennessee during a thunderstorm.

Answer: George Jones

George Jones was a very popular country singer known for his hard drinking. His alcoholism and accompanying antics earned him the nickname of "No-Show Jones". This was a reference to the numerous performances that had to be canceled because he was too drunk to sing or he had passed out and could not be found.

In 1976 he recorded "Golden Ring" with country singer Tammy Wynette. His 1980 hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today" can often be heard on country music channels 30 years later, and is considered, by many, to be one of the greatest songs in country music.

Answer: Johnny Cash

Often called 'the man in black', singer Johnny Cash was one of the most important influences in the country music genre, in the 20th century. The different aspects of his persona could be seen in his 1963 hit "Ring of Fire", and his 1969 comedy hit "A Boy Named Sue". Cash was a singer/songwriter, author, and actor and often performed with his wife June Carter Cash. Johnny Cash was famous for performing at prisons where he tried to provide encouragement and a taste of the outside world.

Answer: Glen Campbell

The multi-talented entertainer, Glen Campbell, was famous for his country music, as well as for his television/movie roles and his songwriting. With a career that spanned over 50 years, Campbell won four Grammys and produced twelve Gold albums as well as four Platinum albums and a very rare Double-Platinum album.

In 2005, he was voted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In the early part of his career, he played guitar for Frank Sinatra, The Monkees, and The Mamas and the Papas. In 1965, after Brian Wilson retired, Campbell was a touring member of the Beach Boys for almost a year.

Answer: Kenny Rogers

A true cross-over artist, Kenny Rogers recorded music in both the pop and country genres of music. He is a songwriter, author, and actor on the side. His career spanned over six decades and he is the winner of multiple awards as well as being a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" (1969) and "Lucille" (1977) are just two of his many, many hits.

Answer: George Strait

George Strait was a heartthrob for his female fans, a masculine icon for his male fans, and a great singer for all his fans. He is one of the most popular and successful male singers of all time. He is often called the 'King of Country' and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as being the winner of numerous Grammy awards. Two of his earliest hits were "Amarillo by Morning" (1983), and "Fool Hearted Memory" (1982).

Answer: Buck Owens

Buck Owens was a popular country singer who hosted the American television program "Hee-Haw" for 15 years. Most of his biggest hits were released in the 1960's including "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" in 1965. He continued his hits into the 1970's with hits like "Streets of Bakersfield" in 1973. He was known for playing a red, white, and blue acoustic guitar his whole career.

Answer: Roger Miller

The winner of 11 Grammy awards as well as a Tony award, Roger Miller's multi-decade career led to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995. One of his biggest hits was his signature song "King of the Road" in 1964. Miller also recorded some comedy music, "You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd" (1965) which he himself wrote.

Answer: Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson was part of the 'outlaw country' movement, as well as being a prolific songwriter and occasional movie actor. His music style was very eclectic, and he had hits in pop, rock, and country genres. His career lasted over 50 years and he is considered by many to be one of the most influential singers in country music.

In 1982 he recorded "You Were Always On My Mind" which had been a hit for Elvis ten years earlier. Another one of his big hits was "On The Road Again", which he released in 1980.

Answer: Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard was one of the most popular country singers of the 20th century. As a youth, Haggard got into trouble with the police over minor offences that led to a prison sentence in the infamous San Quentin prison. It was while he was incarcerated that he saw Johnny Cash in one of his famous prison concerts.

He was later granted a pardon by Governor Ronald Reagan. After he got out he used his impoverished childhood and troubles with the law as a basis for his music. Some of his biggest were "Okie From Muskogee" in 1969, and "Branded Man" in 1967.

He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994. If you are puzzled by the photo, this dog has a merle coat.