Pop Music 1966 Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Four Tops

The Four Tops, led by vocalist Levi Stubbs, reached the top of the Billboard singles charts with "Reach Out I'll Be There" in September 1966. Billboard listed the song as the number four most popular record for the entire year. The Righteous Brothers had a big hit with "Soul and Inspiration"; the Marvelettes charted with "Don't Mess With Bill"; and the Supremes recorded the 1966 hit "You Can't Hurry Love."

Answer: Won't live to see tomorrow

Johnny Rivers (John Henry Ramistella) was born in New York City. He reached the number three spot on the U.S. charts in 1966 with "Secret Agent Man." The lyrics read, "Odds are you won't live to see tomorrow/Secret agent man...they've given you a number and taken away your name."

Answer: Good Vibrations

"Good Vibrations" was a number hit single for the Beach Boys in December 1966. This song was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love; it was released as a single in October 1966. The song features the unique sound of an electro-theremin as well as a cello. "Good Vibrations" later appeared on the Beach Boys' "Smiley Smile" album in 1967.

Answer: Percy Sledge

Percy Sledge, born in Alabama, reached the top of the U.S. singles charts in 1966 with his soulful ballad called "When a Man Loves a Woman." Sledge sings, "When a man loves a woman can't keep his mind on nothin' else/He'll trade the world for the good thing he's found..." Jimmy Ruffin had a 1966 hit with "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted"; Tommy Roe sang "Sweet Pea"; and Lee Dorsey had success with "Working in the Coal Mine."

Answer: Their summer clothes

In June 1966, the Rolling Stones reached the top of the U.S. and U.K. singles charts with their song "Paint It, Black." The song features a sitar introduction by Brian Jones. Mick Jagger sings, "I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes/I have to turn my head until my darkness goes..."

Answer: Red Rubber Ball

The Cyrkle was a group formed in Pennsylvania by lead singers Don Dannemann and Tom Dawes; it was later managed by Beatles' legend Brian Epstein. In 1966, the group had a number two hit song in the U.S. with "Red Rubber Ball." This tune was written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley.

Some of the lyrics to "Red Rubber Ball read, "And I think it's gonna be alright/Yeah, the worst is over now/The morning sun is shining like a red rubber ball..." The Troggs recorded "Wild Thing"; Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs did "Lil' Red Riding Hood"; and ? and the Mysterians recorded "96 Tears."

Answer: Cleveland

The Outsiders were a group that hailed from Cleveland, Ohio- home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band featured lead vocals by Sonny Geraci. "Time Won't Let Me" reached the number five position in the U.S. charts in early 1966. The song's opening lyrics read, "I can't wait forever/Even though you want me to/I can't wait forever/To know if you'll be true..."

Answer: Shines so sincere

Bobby Hebb, born in Nashville, had a big hit in 1966 with the song "Sunny." The tune became popular because of its catchy melody and optimistic lyrics. Hebb sings, "Oh, the dark days are gone and the bright days are here / My sunny one shines so sincere / Sunny one so true, I love you..."

Answer: John Sebastian

John Sebastian was the lead singer of the New York City-based Lovin' Spoonful. He also played guitar and composed songs. The group had a 1966 number one hit in the U.S. with "Summer in the City." The song "Daydream" reached the number two position on the Billboard charts that year.

The other members in this band included Steve Boone on bass, Zal Yanovsky on guitar, and Joe Butler on drums.

Answer: Paul Revere & The Raiders

Paul Revere & The Raiders were formed in the U.S. Northwest. Paul Revere played organ for the band, but lead vocalist Mark Lindsay became the star of the group. The band members wore Revolutionary War costumes and recorded such hits as "Just Like Me" (1965-66) and "Kicks" (1966).

The lyrics to this song's chorus read, "Kicks just keep gettin' harder to find/And all your kicks ain't bringin' you peace of mind/Before you find out it's too late, girl/You'd better get straight..."