Special Sub-Topic: Greatest Hits CDs II Click Here To Play: Greatest Hits CDs II

"The Beatles : 1" CD has their 27 number one hits which span a period of less than eight years, 1962-70. In the CD booklet, an introduction is written by George Martin. Which of these does NOT correctly describe George Martin's role?

long time manager of the group. Sir George Henry Martin is sometimes referred to as "the Fifth Beatle" because of all the work he did with them; producing, arranging and even playing piano. He was made a Knight Bachelor in 1996 in recognition of his contributions to the music industry. He was not their manager, however. That was Brian Epstein.

"The Best of Eric Burdon and the Animals 1966-1968" has 15 of their songs. One is the full length version of "Sky Pilot" at 7:29 minutes. During an instrumental part in the middle of the song, what strange instrument is heard clearly, for more than a minute, over the sounds of plane engines, guns, explosions and sounds of battle cries?

bagpipes. This was a war protest song even though no country or conflict is named. It reached number fourteen in the US during the Vietnam war.

"The Legend of Johnny Cash" CD contains 21 of his hits, stretching across his nearly half-century career. Which of these songs was written by Bono/U2, who also sings background harmonies on the track?

The Wanderer. From "Cry, Cry, Cry" (1955) to "Hurt" (2003), this is a nice cross-section of his music. "I Walk the Line," "Ring of Fire," and "Man in Black" are also included. Johnny died in 2003 at the age of 71, only four months after the death of his much loved wife, June Carter Cash.

Another great artist whose career spanned more than half a century was Ray Charles. His CD, "the very best of Ray Charles," (no capitals) is a great compilation of his hits. During his career, he played jazz, blues, swing, gospel, country, R&B and pop. "Georgia on My Mind" is considered his first number one POP hit.

t. 'What'd I Say' was his first Top Ten pop hit in 1959, and "Georgia on My Mind" was his first number 1 pop hit in 1960. There are 16 great songs on this CD, including "I've Got a Woman," "What'd I Say," and "Hit the Road Jack." Ray was born in Georgia in 1930 and died in 2004.

Which song from "The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler : Private Investigations" CD begins with these lyrics? "These mist covered mountains Are a home now for me But my home is the lowlands And always will be"

Brothers in Arms. In addition to those four songs, "Sultans of Swing," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Money For Nothing" are on this CD. A total of 14 tracks appear altogether in the collection.

"Donovan's Greatest Hits" has eleven great tracks. Complete the name of the song from the CD. "Season of the __"

Witch. Donovan's first hit in the UK was "Catch the Wind" which went to number four. This was in 1964 when he was a completely unknown 18 year old. He had a number of hits and success in the next few years but faded from the music scene because his style was no longer popular.

"Elvis' Golden Records" is a CD comprised of 14 songs that sold over a million copies. Which of these songs was his first number 1 big hit?

Heartbreak Hotel. Recorded in Nashville in early 1956, it was a song given to him by Mae Axton, a country-western songwriter. Billboard charts on April 21, 1956 placed it at No. 1. By July of that year, he was off to New York to record "Don't Be Cruel," another huge hit.

There are 12 tracks on the "Jimi Hendrix Experience : Smash Hits" CD. Which set of songs were the FIRST to hit Top Ten status in the UK in early 1967?

"Hey Joe", "Purple Haze", "The Wind Cries Mary". These three songs did not reach Top Ten status in the US. "Foxey Lady" (or "Foxy Lady") was released in the US in late 1967 and not released as a single in the UK. "All Along the Watchtower" was released in late 1968.

"The Very Best of Roy Orbison" has 18 tracks that span his career of more than 30 years. His first big hit was "Only the Lonely" in 1955. In 1964 he recorded a number one hit, which was re-recorded in 1985 and then used for a movie soundtrack by nearly the same name, in 1990. What is the CORRECT name for this song?

Oh, Pretty Woman. Many people refer to this song by the shortened name "Pretty Woman" but correctly it is "Oh, Pretty Woman." Roy was also a member of the Traveling Wilburys in the 1980's. Sadly, in 1988, Roy Orbison died at the young age of 52.

Which of these songs would NOT be included on the double disc CD "The Rolling Stones : Hot Rocks 1964-1971"?

Tumbling Dice. "Hot Rocks," with 21 tracks, was released in late 1971. "Tumbling Dice" was on the "Exile on Main St." album, released the next year in 1972.

Nazareth, a rock band originally from Scotland, has 12 tracks on their "Nazareth : Greatest Hits" CD. This song was their only US Top Ten hit.

Love Hurts. "Love Hurts" was originally recorded by The Everly Brothers, and then by Roy Orbison. It was released as a hit single both in the UK and the US. It appears on the "Hair of the Dog" album which reached #17 in the US in 1975. The band was formed in Scotland in late 1968 and moved to London in 1970. They released their first album, "Nazareth," in 1971.

"The Very Best of Roy Orbison" has 18 tracks that span his career of more than 30 years. His first big hit was "Only the Lonely" in 1955. In 1964 he recorded a #1 hit, which was re-recorded in 1985 and then used for a movie soundtrack by nearly the same name, in 1990. What is the CORRECT name for this song?

Oh, Pretty Woman. Many people refer to this song by the shortened name "Pretty Woman" but correctly it is "Oh, Pretty Woman." Roy was also a member of the Traveling Wilburys in the 1980's. Sadly in 1988, Roy Orbison died at the young age of 52.

"The Righteous Brothers : Greatest Hits" has 22 songs including this song, "Unchained Melody," which reached #1 in the UK, as the top selling single of 1990. This was a follow up to its use in what movie?

Ghost. Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield were the Righteous Brothers. Their recording career stretched from 1963 to 1975, but they performed until Hatfield's death in 2003.

Which of these songs would not be included on the double disc CD "The Rolling Stones : Hot Rocks 1964-1971"?

Tumbling Dice. "Hot Rocks," with 21 tracks, was released in late 1971. "Tumbling Dice" was on the "Exile on Main St." album, released the next year in 1972.

"Paul Simon : Greatest Hits, Etc." was released in 1977. What is the correct name of the song which appears on the CD?

Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. "Greatest Hits, Etc." was the first compilation of Paul Simon's solo career. It included 14 tracks, with two new songs, "Slip Slidin' Away" and "Stranded in a Limousine." This was Simon's final album for Columbia Records before signing with Warner Bros. Records. The album is currently out of print. (But I have a copy!)