Rare Fifties' Rockabilly Trivia Quiz

Answer: Skinny Jim

Yup, it was "Skinny Jim". I bet a few of you thought it was "Twenty Flight Rock" with its fab lyric, "Found my corpse draped over a rail". Tragic that he died so young. Another innovator bites the dust while the pop takes over, blah.

Answer: West Virginia

At 5:30 AM, 17 year old Charles Carr (the driver) pulled over in Oak Hill, WV to ask directions. Hank still hadn't moved in the backseat of the car. A gas station attendant contacted the police after looking at Mr. Williams. Patrolman Howard Jamey answered the call and after examining him, pronounced him dead. Hank Williams was not even 30 years old.

Answer: Ted Mack

The Trio was invited to perform in New York on the "Ted Mack Amateur Hour" in late 1955, where they won first prize three times in a row.

Answer: Jerry Lott

According to Lott, it was Pat Boone (of all people) who persuaded him to call himself, "The Phantom" and placed him on his own Cooga Mooga record label, a subsidiary of Dot Records. The other names, I just made up!

Answer: Bobby Roberts

Not much is known about Bobby Roberts except he was one of those typical artists that walked into a studio, recorded some beautiful raw barnstormers, garnished some regional airplay, then walk off the face of the earth. Rumor has it that Big Sandy (of the Fly Rite Boys) named himself after the song. This rocker can be found off the excellent "Sin Alley Volume One" compilation!

Answer: Lorrie Collins (Collins Kids) and Edwin Bruce

Edwin Bruce both wrote and recorded, "Rock Boppin' Baby" for Sun Records in 1957. Lorrie Collins and brother Larry (Collins Kids) recorded the single for Columbia Records in 1958.

Answer: Glen Campbell

Funny that both Roy Clark and Buck Owens (future stars of the TV show, "Hee Haw") played in Wanda Jackson's band, but hey, she had some seriously good taste, because they were both excellent guitarists. Vernon Sandusky also played. Glen Campbell was a much sought after session player, but he was never part of the Party Timers.

Answer: The Phaetons

The Phaetons, who were discovered by Jimmy Clanton in 1957, released the great, "Love My Baby". A classic you can still find on various compilations to this day. The Polecats and The Restless ("Why Can't You Just Rock" is the best neo rockabilly album from that time period) were from the late 70s/ early 80s English Rockabilly revival, while the Shakin' Pyramids also recorded in the 80s, but were from Scotland and hailed as the rockabilly Ramones for the speed of their songs.

Another great band that puts the Stray Cats to shame (sorry lads).

Answer: Ronald Wycherley

Billy Fury was born as Ronald Wycherley and his real name is listed on songwriting credits on a lot of his songs. I think Billy's music is vastly underrated and you can find out for yourself by hunting up any of his early material. I have "The Billy Fury Story" on vinyl, and it remains a standout. I made up the other names, haha.

Answer: Boxing

Actually, all of the Rock and Roll Trio tried their hand at boxing. As teenagers, Johnny, brother Dorsey, and Paul Burlison boxed the Golden Glove competitions with Johnny winning the Memphis City Crown, and both Paul and Dorsey each taking Mid South Division Titles.

Answer: Cordell Jackson

Cordell Jackson not only started Moon Records, she also produced, recorded and wrote many of the songs. She was also an accomplished guitar player in her own right. She discovered and recorded Allen Page (among others) on her label, whose song, "Dateless Night" rocks the bells!

Answer: Taupe Records

According to Mr. Waylon Jennings. Buddy planned on starting his own record company and label. He wanted to call it Taupe in dedication to the color of his Cadillac (those crazy kids). And who was he going to be his first recording artist? You guessed it, Waylon.
Hardin came from Buddy's real name: Charles Hardin Holley
Hi Pockets was derived from a Lubbock, TX DJ pal nicknamed Hi Pockets.
Made up Wild- Air.

Answer: Fifteen

The young Virginia native was dubbed, "The Female Elvis" by her label, RCA Records, and recorded, "Will You Willyum" at the ripe old age of 15.

Answer: "Movie Magg" b/w "Turnaround"

Carl Perkins wrote the classic, "Movie Magg" when he was just 13 years of age. It was also the first single he recorded for for Flip Records, a subsidiary of Sun Records. Check it out, Cuz!

Answer: Ronnie Self

Ronnie Self is a crucial, must have, rockabilly artist. His awesome songs include, "Pretty Bad Blues", "Ain't I'm A Dog", "Big Blond Baby", "Do It Now", "Three Hearts Later", a rip roaring version of Bill Monroe's, "Rocky Road Blues". You can find all these great songs on the Ronnie's Bear Family CD, "Bop A Lena", and others. Seek it out and be amazed!
Simon Crum was the alter ego to country singer Ferlin Husky.
Wailin' Bill Dell recorded the barn burner, "You Gotta Be Loose" which can be found on the compilation, "Sin Alley: Volume Three".
Larry Collins is part of the brother/ sister act, The Collins Kids. Bear Family released the box set; "Hop, Skip and Jump" which should be another must have in your collection.