Songs Referencing New York Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ace Frehley

British musician Russ Ballard composed "New York Groove" which was covered by Ace Frehley on his 1978 solo album. A group called Hello was the first to record the song on their debut album "Keeps Us Off the Streets".
In 1978 each member of KISS recorded a solo album and Ace included the cover tune on his album which was subsequently released as a single. The song made the US Top Twenty and became part of the group's touring lineup. During their 1996 reunion tour KISS performed "New York Groove".
Songwriter Russ Ballard was a guitarist for British groups including Unit 4 + 2, The Roulettes, and Argent. His vocals can be heard on Argent's hit single "Hold Your Head Up". Ballard also wrote "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You" which was recorded by both Argent and Kiss along with Petra.

Answer: Turnstiles

"Turnstiles" was Billy Joel's fourth studio album and was released in May, 1976. Joel made references to his return to New York after recording and living in Los Angeles for three years. "Turnstiles" marked the first time that Billy's touring musicians performed on one of his albums.

The album was originally recorded using some of Elton John's musicians with James Guercio as producer. Billy was unhappy about the outcome of the project and relocated to New York where he produced and recorded the album. Richie Cannata and Phil Woods played saxophone on different versions of "New York State of Mind".

Although "Turnstiles" only peaked at Number 122 in the US it went on to be certified Platinum. "Streetlife Serenade" was released in 1974, "52nd Street" was a 1978 release and "An Innocent Man" came out in 1983.

Answer: The Ad Libs

The Bayonne, New Jersey, based Ad Libs formed in 1964 as The Creators. By December they changed their name and recorded "The Boy from New York City", written by John T. Taylor and George Davis. The song reached Number Eight early in 1965. Their follow up single, "He Ain't No Angel", barely hit the charts reaching Number 100.

When subsequent releases failed to chart the group was released from their recording contract with Blue Cat Records and joined the One-Hit Wonder club. The Dells released "There Is" in 1968. "Nothing But A Heartache" was released by The Flirtations in 1969 and The Radiants recorded "Voice Your Choice" in 1964.

Answer: New York Mining Disaster 1941

Barry and Robin Gibb wrote "New York Mining Disaster 1941" which became the first Bee Gees single to chart in the US. When it was released a rumor was circulated that the group was actually The Beatles recording under a pseudonym meaning "Beatles Group".
The liner notes of the 1990 Bee Gees box set "Tales from the Brothers Gibb" reveal that "New York Mining Disaster 1941" was inspired by a Welsh mining accident.
"New York Lady" was released by Burt Bacharach. Cat Stevens recorded "New York Times" and "New York's In Love" was recorded by David Bowie

Answer: Leaving New York

REM's Michael Stipe related that "Leaving New York" is a tribute to his fondness for the city. The video for "Leaving New York" shows Stipe in various section of New York City. The song did not fare well on the US charts. "Around the Sun" is the band's 13th studio album since they formed in 1980.
"I'll Take New York" was by Tom Waits. "I Happen to Like New York" is a Cole Porter standard. The Beach Boys released "The Girl From New York City".

Answer: Englishman

"Englishman in New York" was released from Sting's 1987 album "Nothing Like the Sun" the following year and charted internationally. The track featured a saxophone solo by Branford Marsalis.
The title of "Nothing Like the Sun" was inspired by Shakespeare's "Sonnet Number 130 ("My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun") and earned Sting an award for "Best British Album" at the 1988 Brit Awards. The lead single from the album, "We'll Be Together" reached the Top Ten in the US in 1987. Sting composed all the tracks except his cover of Jimi Hendrix' "Little Wing" and "The Secret Marriage" which he co-wrote with Hanns Eisler.
In 1990 a remix of "Englishman in New York" reached Number 15 in England.

Answer: In a New York Minute

"In a New York Minute" reached Number Five on the Country charts for Ronnie McDowell. Tom Shapiro, Chris Waters and Michael Garvin composed the hit single. Since releasing "The King Is Gone" in 1977 Ronald Dean "Ronnie" McDowell has placed over 30 singles on the Country charts. "You're Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation" (1983) and "Older Women" (1981) both topped the charts.
Ronnie McDowell became friends with Conway Twitty who became his mentor and the pair released a cover duet version of his fifties hit "It's Only Make Believe" in 1986.
"In New York City" was by Linda Blackmore. Gene Cotton released "Is New York City Your Home?" and "It's a Long Way Suzy to New York City" was by done by The Subsonics

Answer: Liza Minnelli

Although Frank became closely associated with "Theme from New York, New York" after recording it on his 1980 "Trilogy: Past Present Future" album Liza Minnelli originally recorded the song and performed it in memorable concert venues including the re-dedication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, at the 1984 Summer Olympics and during the seventh inning stretch at a New York Mets game shortly after the September 11, 2001 Twin Tower attacks.
Frank Sinatra's rendition of "Theme from New York, New York" reached Number 32 in 1980 becoming his final US Top Forty single.
Shirley Bassey recorded the song in 1982 on her "All By Myself" album. Sammy Davis Jr. performed the song frequently in concert. In 1993 Tony Bennett recorded the song as a duet with Sinatra on his "Duets" album.
Fred Ebb and John Kander composed the popular song.

Answer: Bob Dylan

"Talkin' New York" was the second track on Bob Dylan's first album, "Bob Dylan" and described his experiences performing in Greenwich Village coffee houses and his early performing challenges. "Song To Woody" and "Talkin' New York" were the only two songs composed by Dylan.

The following year he released "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" which only contained two songs not composed solely by Dylan. "All the News That's Fit to Sing" (1964) was Phil Ochs' debut album. In the forties Pete Seeger started his career as a member of The Almanac Singers and The Weavers.

After Tim Hardin released "Tim Hardin 1" in 1966 Bob Dylan called him "the best songwriter alive".

Answer: AC/DC

"Stiff Upper Lip" is AC/DC's 14th Australian album release. "Safe in New York City", "Meltdown" and "Satellite Blues" were three singles released from the album. "Safe in New York City" took on an ironic meaning the year after the album was released in the aftermath of the September, 2011, Twin Tower attacks.
The video depicts the band playing wile being protected by armed officers in a tunnel. Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young wrote the song.
Judas Priest is known for their two lead guitarists. KISS formed in New York. Van Halen formed with brothers Eddie and Alex in California.