Musical Definitions Trivia Quiz

Answer: Good Vibrations

The Beach Boys are an American rock band. "Good Vibrations" was released in 1966 and became the group's first single to reach a million records sold. It was reportedly the most expensive pop song recorded at that time, costing $40,000 to make (according to one source).

The artists for the other songs were: Bill Haley and the Comets ("Shake, Rattle and Roll"), Bob Marley ("Positive Vibrations"), Elvis Presley ("All Shook Up").

Answer: Heartbreak Hotel

"Heartbreak Hotel" was first recorded by American rock and roll singer Elvis Presley in 1956. It was also his first million-selling record. It is said to have been a powerful influence on George Harrison of The Beatles, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and Keith Richard of The Rolling Stones, amongst others.

The artists for the other songs were: Rolling Stones ("Memory Motel"), Chris Isaak ("Blue Hotel"), Fool's Gold ("Surprise Hotel").

Answer: Great Balls of Fire

A "ball of fire" is an informal term for a very lively or dynamic person. The Jerry Lee Lewis version of "Great Balls of Fire" was recorded in 1957. An American, he started off as a rock and roll singer before turning more to country music.

"Power to the People" was sung by John Lennon, "People are Strange" by The Doors, and "Shiny Happy People" by R.E.M.

Answer: Blue Suede Shoes

Although many, including Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran, have done covers, the original "Blue Suede Shoes' was written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955 and released in 1956. Over a dozen cover versions were done in 1956 alone.

"Old Brown Shoes" was by The Beatles, "Boogie Shoes" by KC and the Sunshine Band, and "These Boots are Made for Walking" by Nancy Sinatra, Jr.

Answer: Walk On By

Dionne Warwick recorded "Walk On By" in 1963, which has been covered many times. It was composed by the writing partnership of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Altogether they were involved in thirty-eight of Dionne Warwick's chart singles.

The other songs were by Johnny Cash ("I Walk the Line"), INXS ("Just Keep Walking"), and AC/DC ("Walk All Over You").

Answer: Heroes

Although not a big chart hit when released as a single in 1977, "Heroes" has been used in films, adverts and was used by the British teams during the 2012 Olympics and the 2012 Paralympics. It is David Bowie's second most covered song and was the title track of Bowie's album of the same name. It started off as an instrumental.

"My Hero" was sung by Foo Fighters, "Hero" by Nickleback, and "I need a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler.

Answer: Tutti Frutti

Released in 1955, the racy lyrics of the live version had to be toned down. They were re-written at short notice during the recording session. It was not an instant hit - Pat Boone's version of 1956 achieved greater chart success - however this song has been attributed with heralding a new era in music.

Tom Waits sang "Ice Cream Man", "Ice Cream Crow" was by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band, and New Kids on the Block sang "Popsicle".

Answer: Stairway to Heaven

Released in 1971 by British band Led Zeppelin, it took a couple of years before the song took off in popularity. Too long to be released as a single and so not appearing in the singles charts of the time, it is now considered one of the all-time best rock songs. It was composed by band members Jimmy Page with lyrics by Robert Plant.

Of the other songs listed, Slaughter sang "Fly to the Angels", Jeffrey Osborne sang "On the Wings of Love", and "Fly Me to the Moon" was sung by Frank Sinatra.

Answer: Mystery Train

"Mystery Train" was composed and first recorded in 1953 by Junior Parker, an American blues musician. The better-known Elvis Presley version was released in 1955, having come from the same studio and producer. Strangely, there is no mention of a mystery train in the lyrics of the song itself.

"Welcome to the Black Parade" was sung by My Chemical Romance, "The Freak Parade" came from Big & Rich, and Ozzy Osbourne sang "Crazy Train".

Answer: Superstition

"Superstition" was written by Stevie Wonder and offered to Jeff Beck to record. The story goes that Motown Records decided to release a Stevie Wonder recording ahead of Jeff Beck's version. Stevie Wonder's version took off and became a hit in 1972 while the Jeff Beck version didn't.

"Run to the Hills" was by Iron Maiden, David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails did a duet of "I'm Afraid of Americans", Screamin Jay Hawkins sang "I Put a Spell on You".