Lead Singers and Groups Circa 1960s Quiz

Answer: Americans

There were three lead singers named Jay throughout the history of Jay and the Americans - Jay Traynor, Jay Black, and Jay Reincke. The group's biggest hits were under the lead singing talents of Jay Black. "Only in America", "Come a Little Bit Closer" and "Cara Mia" feature Black's vocals.

Unfortunately, Jay Black lost the ownership of the name "Jay and the Americans" in order to settle his gambling debts.

Answer: Union Gap

Gary Puckett and the Union Gap were a male American pop rock group. They were active from 1967 to 1971. "Young Girl", "Lady Willpower", and "Woman, Woman" were a few of their hit songs. The group wore outfits reminiscent of Union Civil War soldiers.

Answer: Supremes

Diana Ross and the Supremes were a successful trio of African American female singers from the 1960s. In 1970, Diana Ross left the group and began a solo singing and acting career. The Supremes replaced Diana, but never reached the same level of success as before. The group officially disbanded in 1977.

Answer: Raiders

Paul Revere Dick was the namesake of Paul Revere and the Raiders. The group originated in Boise, Idaho in the late 1950s as the Downbeats. The lead singer, Mark Lindsay, joined the group 1958 and they changed their name to Paul Revere and the Raiders in 1960. Eventually, they became known as just The Raiders in the 1970s.

Some of their hits include "Just Like Me", "Kicks", and "Indian Reservation".

Answer: Miracles

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles started out in 1955 as the Five Chimes. The group then became the Matadors before settling on the Miracles in 1958. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were the first successful group for Berry Gordy's Motown Records. They were also the first Motown group to make an appearance on "American Bandstand". "The Tears of a Clown" was a number one hit for the group.

Answer: Four Seasons

Frankie Valli became the lead singer for the Four Seasons in 1960. Valli also found success as a solo artist. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons had five number one hits between 1962 to 1975. The 2005 Broadway musical, "Jersey Boys", tells the story of the group - interspersed with the group's top hits.

Answer: Pips

The Pips formed in 1952. In 1966, Gladys Knight and the Pips joined Motown Records, but achieved only moderate success. Their first big hit, "Midnight Train to Georgia" was recorded in 1973 at Buddha Records. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Answer: Shondells

Tom and the Tornados became Tommy James and the Shondells in 1964. Who could forget such hit songs as "Hanky Panky", "Mony Mony", and "Sweet Cherry Wine"? The group evolved from straight rock to bubble gum to psychedelic rock. "Draggin the Line" was a solo hit for Tommy in 1970.

Answer: Brooklyn Bridge

Johnny Maestro was a member of the Crests, the Del-Satins, and Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge. The group's biggest hit was "Worst That Could Happen". Exposure on "The Ed Sullivan Show" helped shoot the band to national fame. Sadly, Johnny passed away in 2010 from cancer.

Answer: Vandellas

Martha and the Vandellas formed in Detroit in 1957 as the The Del-Phis. From 1967 to 1972 they were known as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Annette Beard, Gloria Williams, and Rosiland Ashford were the original singers. Martha Reeves replaced Gloria Williams in 1962. Some of their hit songs include "Jimmy Mack", "Heat Wave", and "Dancing in the Street".