Sing My History Trivia Quiz

Answer: No More Kings

The Separatists (or Pilgrims) land in an America where Native Americans are barely referenced and African Americans not at all. Over time colonial settlements spread over the eastern seaboard as viewed by the king. Interestingly the king seems to resemble George III (1738-1820) who was born over a century after the Separatists arriving at what would become Plymouth, MA. Eventually the king decides to unfairly tax the colonists which leads to protests and the Revolutionary War which will lead to "No More Kings".

"No More Kings" first aired on September 20, 1975. The song was written by Lynn Ahrens (born 1948) and performed by Ahrens and Bob Dorough (1923-2018).

Answer: The Shot Heard Round the World

The song gives a three-minute summary of the Revolutionary War from the Battle of Lexington and Concord to the Battle of Yorktown. The Continental Army (represented by soldiers in blue outfits and brown outfits) are usually seen having the advantage (perhaps more than real life) over the British Army. The video also features several shots of the Earth with the word "BANG" appearing followed by someone asking "What was that?"

"The Shot Heard Round the World" first aired on October 18, 1975. The song was written and performed by Bob Dorough.

Answer: The Preamble

"The Preamble" actually does a good job of putting the Constitution front and center. The full text of the preamble (with a small deletion for purposes of rhythm and rhyme) is presented multiple times with images to help explain the meaning of the phrases including marching soldiers and a young girl who attempts (unsuccessfully) to vote. The video also includes an interesting graphic showing the expansion of the United States from 13 states to 50 states.

"The Preamble" first aired on November 01, 1975. The song was written and performed by Lynn Ahrens.

Answer: Sufferin' Till Suffrage

"Sufferin' Till Suffrage" is about the struggle of American women in the late 1800s and early 1900s to gain the right to vote. The photographs include pictures of many recognizable historic figures including Woodrow Wilson, Charles Evans Hughes, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony.

The song first aired on February 21, 1976. Written by Bob Dorough and Tom Yohe (1937-2000), the song was performed by Essra Mohawk (Sandra Elayne Hurvitz) (born 1948).

Answer: I'm Just a Bill

That scrap of paper is a bill who is hoping to become a law. The narration and song tell how a bill becomes a law. In the video, the suggested law is shown to be a requirement for stop signs at railroad crossings. By the end of the song, the member of Congress is pleased to tell the bill that he has in fact become a law. "Oh, yeah!"

"I'm Just a Bill" first aired on March 27, 1976. The song was written by Dave Frishberg (born 1933) and performed by Jack Sheldon (born 1931) and his son John.

Answer: The Great American Melting Pot

Interestingly, though this video is fully animated, many of the scenes are in sepia tone. The Statue of Liberty is shown consulting a book of recipes. Although other recipes such as "Hungarian Goulash" and "Irish Stew" are briefly scene, the camera quickly focuses on "The Great American Melting Pot", which list groups from many different countries who immigrated to the United States. The children also jump into a swimming pool/cooking pot that is vaguely shaped like the United States.

"The Great American Melting Pot" first aired on May 01, 1976. The song was written by Lynn Ahrens and performed by Lori Lieberman (born 1951).

Answer: Elbow Room

"Elbow Room" features a series of dancing figures waving their elbows (representing elbow room). It shows a tall Thomas Jefferson and a miniature Napoleon Bonaparte shaking hands over the Louisiana Purchase. While the video shows a variety of (mostly white) settlers moving from the eastern United States to the west, Native Americans are largely absent.

"Elbow Room" first aired on May 22, 1976. The song was written by Lynn Ahrens and performed by Sue Manchester.

Answer: Fireworks

Fireworks opens with a newsboy announcing the fireworks that are exploding throughout the video. This leads into a group of colonials who are unhappy with British rule and wish to be independent. Thomas Jefferson and others present the Declaration of Independence. The song also mentions the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

"Fireworks" first aired (appropriately) on July 03, 1976. The song was written by Lynn Ahrens and performed by Grady Tate (1932-2017).

Answer: Mother Necessity

"Mother Necessity" frames several inventors as being inspired by their childhoods and interactions with their mothers. Elias Howe invents the sewing machine to help his mother who works long and hard at sewing. Thomas Edison develops the light bulb to help his mother see in the dark. Orville and Wilbur Wright develop the airplane to get away from their mother nagging them about their chores. Several other inventions are featured.

"Mother Necessity" first aired on July 10, 1976. The song was written by Bob Dorough and was performed in parts by Bob Dorough, Blossom Dearie (1924-2009), Essra Mohawk, and Jack Sheldon.

Answer: Three Ring Governemnt

While many of the other episodes were released during the 1975-1976 television season, "Three Ring Government" was released several years later. The video shows a child portraying a ringmaster presenting the three branches of government to a circus audience. The branches are the executive of President, the legislative or Congress, and the judicial or the Supreme Court.

"Three Ring Government" first aired on March 13, 1979. The song was written by Bob Dorough and performed by Lynn Ahrens.