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Obscure Pop Music Facts Trivia Quiz

Doo-wop to Disco, everybody knows and loves the big hits. You may have to dig deep into your memory banks to retrieve some of these facts and memories from the 50s through the 70s. Have Fun! :)

A multiple-choice quiz by LeeRoyBoy. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
LeeRoyBoy

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
184,168

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
4419

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Kiwikaz (6/10), Guest 99 (2/10), bigsouthern (6/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Everyone remembers the late, great Roy Orbison. But do you remember the name of his backup band in the 1960s? Hint

The Orbisongs

Roy's Boys

The Big O's

The Candy Men

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Question 2 of 10

2. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir once cracked Billboard's Top Twenty Rock 'n' Roll chart.

True

False

3. "Sixteen Candles" was a smash for Johnny Maestro and the Crests back in the dark ages, as we all know. Some years later (1969 to be exact) found Maestro back on top, fronting a new group. They took a Jim Webb composition to the top. Name the the group : The _____
______ .

Answer: ( Two Words ... think NYC)

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Question 4 of 10

4. "Volare" was all over the air waves circa 1958. Which of these artists did NOT chart with this tale of the man with blue hands? Hint

Bobby Rydell

Bobby McFerrin

Domenico Modugno

Dean Martin

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Question 5 of 10

5. For all the success The Beatles enjoyed around the world, their music's first exposure to American audiences was by another artist, Del Shannon. What's the name of that song?

Answer: (Four Words (FM2U))

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Question 6 of 10

6. Barry Mann and his wife and songwriting partner, Cynthia Weil, are well known for writing such classics as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", "Somewhere Out There", and "Just Once". Neither Barry nor Cynthia has ever scored a top ten hit as a performer.

True

False

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Question 7 of 10

7. One of the key production people on most of the Beatles' early hits was a young bloke named Norman Smith. In 1973, as a performer, Norman took a catchy, campy little tune called "Oh Babe, What Would You Say?" to the top ten on the Billboard Pop Charts in the USA. What "meteorological" moniker did Norman use for his moment in the sun? Hint

Sunny and the Sunglows

"Tornado" Smith

"Hurricane" Smith

"Thunderclap" Newman

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Question 8 of 10

8. One of the earliest Rolling Stones hits was actually a cover. The name of the song was "Not Fade Away", but who did the original? Hint

Ike Turner

Everly Brothers

Bo Diddley

The Crickets (Buddy Holly's band)

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Question 9 of 10

9. Poor Paul Anka. Didn't anyone ever tell him that the way to his true love's heart was NOT to open the conversation with "I'm so young and you're so old"? Which lovely lady would have been perfectly justified in clobbering young Paul after hearing that smooth opening line? Hint

Barbara Anna

Brianna

Diana

Polyanna

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Question 10 of 10

10. Phil Spector is recognized around the world for his writing and producing abilities. Back in the early 1960s, Phil had a right hand man who learned a bit from the master and went on to earn a name for himself as a writer, performer, producer, and politician. Can you name him? Hint

Gene Pitney

Fred Grandy

Sonny Bono

Bill Bradley

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Most Recent Scores

Nov 12 2024 : Kiwikaz: 6/10
Nov 03 2024 : Guest 99: 2/10
Oct 18 2024 : bigsouthern: 6/10
Oct 07 2024 : Guest 108: 5/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Everyone remembers the late, great Roy Orbison. But do you remember the name of his backup band in the 1960s?

Answer: The Candy Men

Named after Roy's hit "Candy Man". Of course, Roy hooked up with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison and Jeff Lynne to form The Traveling Wilburys in the late 80's.

2. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir once cracked Billboard's Top Twenty Rock 'n' Roll chart.

Answer: True

"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" reached #13 in 1959. Subsequent singles sold, although not as well, and the 300 plus member group sold numerous albums throughtout the 60s.

Answer: The Brooklyn Bridge

The song was "The Worst That Could Happen", and took its place right up there along beside other Jim Webb classics such as "Galveston", "MacArthur Park", and "Wichita Lineman".

4. "Volare" was all over the air waves circa 1958. Which of these artists did NOT chart with this tale of the man with blue hands?

Answer: Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin came along years later with a hit of his own, "Don't Worry, Be Happy".

5. For all the success The Beatles enjoyed around the world, their music's first exposure to American audiences was by another artist, Del Shannon. What's the name of that song?

Answer: From Me to You

In April 1963 a cover version released by Del Shannon made this song become the first Lennon-McCartney tune to enter the US pop charts. The Beatles wrote for many artists, including Peter and Gordon and Billy J. Kramer.

Answer: False

In 1961, Barry Mann and another then-little known songwriter named Gerry Goffin put together a spoof of the doo-wop music so popular at that time. This little ditty was called "Who put the bomp (in the bomp bomp bomp bomp bomp)" and Barry Mann took it to #7 on the Billboard Pop Music Charts.

Answer: "Hurricane" Smith

Thunderclap Newman charted with "Something in the Air" in the early 70's and Sunny and the Sunglows hit with "Talk to Me", back in the early 60's.

8. One of the earliest Rolling Stones hits was actually a cover. The name of the song was "Not Fade Away", but who did the original?

Answer: The Crickets (Buddy Holly's band)

Although it has the same driving rhythm as "Bo Diddley", the song was originally recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957.

Answer: Diana

Paul Anka was just 16 when he wrote that lyric. Subsequent lyrics and melodies have obviously fared better, since Paul is known for writing Johnny Carson's theme for the "Tonight Show", and "My Way", for Frank Sinatra.

Answer: Sonny Bono

Phil Spector mentored Sonny Bono in the early 60s. If you check out early sides by Sonny & Cher such as "Just You" and "Baby Don't Go", you are sure to hear Spector's influence on Sonny's production techniques.

Source: Author LeeRoyBoy

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