Music Grab Bag Trivia

1. What is the most recorded song of all time, according to the Guinness Book of World Records?

From Quiz Records of Records

Answer: Summertime

"Summertime" written by George and Ira Gershwin, with DuBose Heyward. Heyward wrote the book "Porgy", from which came the inspiration for "Porgy and Bess". "Summertime" is one of the many wonderful songs from that show. The song was first recorded in 1935 by Abbie Mitchell accompanied by George Gershwin. There are in excess of 60,000 recordings of this song, by such varied artists as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Ricky Nelson, Mantovani, Percy Faith, Patsy Cline, Sam Cooke and Janis Joplin. The Guinness Book of Records 2002 edition notes 67,500 versions of the song. My research shows "Yesterday" has in excess of 2300 recorded versions. "Amazing Grace" is classified as a hymn and is the most recorded hymn of all time with more than 1700 versions, followed by "How Great Thou Art" with over 1200 recorded versions. There are many arguments over which is the most popular song or record of all time or the most played or downloaded, but as this quiz is concerned only with recordings, those arguments are moot. Note: My personal collection contains over 53,000 titles. I checked my list and I have 88 versions of "Summertime", 43 versions of "Yesterday", seventeen versions of "Amazing Grace" and five versions of "How Great Thou Art" (Twelve if you count seven albums by Elvis Presley that it appears on).

From Quiz Singers and Songs Liked by The Misplaced Team

Answer: Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett had a number one hit in 1951 with "Cold, Cold Heart". (A number two country hit for Hank Williams). Tony Bennett's version was at the to of the Billboard pop chart for six weeks and sold over a million copies. Williams liked his version of the song and Bennett actually performed the song at the Grand Ole Opry later in the 1950s. Rosemary Clooney had a number one hit with "Half As Much" on the Billboard pop chart in 1952, (Another country hit for Hank Williams). The writer of "Half As Much", Curley Williams also recorded the song as the B-Side to "Lou'siana Serenade" in 1951. Hank Williams in a six year span from 1948-1953 placed 40 songs on the Billboard country charts. All 40 songs made the top fifty including eleven number ones and a further 24 making the top ten. His biggest hit and best selling record (and my favourite) is "Jambalaya". Chart sources, Joel Whitburn's "Billboard Pop Hits 1940-1954" and Joel Whitburn presents "Billboard Hot Country Songs 1944-2008" Question submitted by Desimac.

From Quiz Music To My Ears

Answer: Love Me Tender

The original title seemed appropriate since the plot of the movie involved three Reno brothers who leave home to fight in the American Civil War. The youngest brother, played by Elvis, stays home to watch over his mother and the family farm. A conflict involving a stolen payroll and attempts at returning the stolen money result in a tragic climax. The film's title was later changed to "Love me Tender". Elvis sang the title song, the melody of which was adapted from a Civil War song. "Love Me Tender" was Elvis Presley's first film.

From Quiz 50 Cent/Nickelback Concert Tickets Cost 45 Cents

Answer: Curtis Jackson

Shawn Carter is Jay-Z's real name, Christopher Wallace was The Notorious B.I.G.'s real name, William Drayton Jr. is Flavor Flav's real name....and Curtis Jackson, born in Queen, NY, is 50 Cent's real name. He borrowed it from a robber named Kelvin Martin who made Brooklyn, New York the territory of his criminal endeavors when he moved to Fort Greene there. Curtis Jackson said that he chose that name because he was the "same kind of person 50 Cent was." That he could "provide for himself by any means." There's another theory that Kelvin Martin got the name because he entered a gambling dice game with 50 cents and ended up with $500. In any case, he was shot dead in 1987.

From Quiz A Potpourri of Pop III

Answer: Jimmie Nicol

When The Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr was hospitalised with tonsillitis on 3 June 1964, they were about to start a tour. In discussions about a stand-in with Beatles' manager Brian Epstein, producer George Martin suggested Jimmie Nicol, as he had recently worked with him on a recording with another singer under Epstein's wing, Tommy Quickly. John Lennon and Paul McCartney accepted the idea of a stand in for Ringo but George Harrison was not so keen. He told Brian Epstein and George Martin that they could look for two stand-ins because if Ringo doesn't go neither will he. Jimmie Nicol was a Beatle for 13 days, then flew back to the UK and oblivion but with a gold watch inscribed, "From the Beatles and Brian Epstein to Jimmie with appreciation and gratitude".

From Quiz Song by Song: "I Can't Make You Love Me"

Answer: Bonnie Raitt

"Luck of the Draw" was released on October 22, 1991 and was produced by Bonnie Raitt and Don Was. "I Can't Make You Love Me" was the third single to be released from the album. The song peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

From Quiz Songs liked by The Misplaced Team

Answer: Please Please Me

On the original pressing of "Love Me Do" the song writing was credited to McCartney/Lennon. It peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart for The Beatles in 1962. It was number one for one week on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. The first pressing of the UK single had Ringo on drums, the second pressing of the single had Andy White on drums and Ringo on tambourine. The second version was used on The Beatles' first UK album "Please Please Me" and for the single released in the USA. There is a third version, which has Pete Best on drums and was recorded before the other two versions but not released until 1995 on The Beatles' double album "Anthology 1". On its 20th anniversary in 1982 "Love Me Do" re-entered the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number four. On the 30th anniversary in 1992 it peaked at number 53. On the 50th anniversary in 2012 a limited-edition of the original single was scheduled for release but was recalled when it was realised that the pressings were the Andy White version and the correct version with Ringo on drums was released. The Andy White pressings were ordered to be destroyed but some might still exist and might be worth a penny or two. The Beatles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Question submitted by shipyardbernie

From Quiz Name The Group Or Person

Answer: The Turtles

The Turtles are a American rock band led by vocalists Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, (later to be known as Flo and Eddie). The band had several top 40 hits, starting with the Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe".

From Quiz A Potpourri of Pop II

Answer: Billie Joe McAllister

"Was the third of June, another sleepy dusty delta day I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was balin' hay And at dinner time we stopped and walked back to the house to eat And Mama hollered at the back door "Y'all remember to wipe your feet And then she said "I got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge Today Billie Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge" "Ode To Billie Joe" written by Bobbie Gentry was number one for four weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 for Bobbie Gentry in 1967. It peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart the same year. "Ode To Billie Joe" was her only number one hit and only Top 20 entry on the Billboard Hot 100. She had a number one hit on the UK Singles Chart with "I'll Never Fall In Love Again", which was number one for one week in 1969, it did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

From Quiz Greatest Songs, Team Pick

Answer: Woodstock

Joni Mitchell is an incredibly talented composer and singer with a lengthy number of credits to her name. To Joni's regret, her manager scheduled her on "The Dick Cavett Show" rather than letting her attend the 1969 Woodstock music festival. But her then-boyfriend Graham Nash--of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young--went, and raved to her afterwards about the experience, inspiring Joni to write the song. Mitchell released "Woodstock" on her "Ladies of the Canyon" album (1970). It has been recorded by others, my personal favorite being Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's version on "Déjà Vu". Matthews Southern Comfort had a UK number one hit with their 1970 cover. -Question contributed by LBaggins.

From Quiz On The Jukebox

Answer: Dinah Washington

Washington also performed blues and R&B in addition to jazz and won a Grammy in 1959 for Best R&B Performance for her rendition of "What A Difference A Day Makes". Her highest charting U.S. hit was the duet with Brook Benton, "A Rockin' Good Way (to Mess Around and Fall in Love)" in 1960.

From Quiz Grow Up Shocked

Answer: taking a bath

Bobby Darin and Murray Kaufman were friends who played on the same ball team. Murray was on the phone with his mother, Jean, while soaking his aching feet in Epsom salts. Jean, who was in the music business and had been trying to help Bobby hit the big-time, gave the boys the lyric "splish splash take a bath". The boys took it from there, writing the lyrics, and Jean wrote the tune. The song was banned on some radio stations because of its reference to nudity.

From Quiz A Veritable Mix of Music

Answer: Blackboard Jungle

The film was the breakout role for Sidney Poitier, who later become the first black Best Actor Oscar winner. Here he plays a musically-talented student in a film noted for its rock & roll soundtrack.

From Quiz Key Facts about Known Songs

Answer: "Lose Yourself" (Eminem)

The 2000 Eminem song "Lose Yourself" was nominated and won the Oscar for Best Song. The song is from Eminem's semi-autobiographical movie "8 Mile".

From Quiz And The Answer Is, What Is The Question?

Answer: Which singer had a US number one hit with "I'm Sorry" in 1960?

"I'm Sorry" was written by Dub Allbritten/Ronnie Self. It was number one for three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 for Brenda Lee in 1960. It peaked at number 12 on the UK singles chart the same year. Brenda Lee was born Brenda Mae Tarpley in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in 1944. She had her first hit on the Billboard Top 100 with "One Step At A Time", which peaked at number 43 in 1957. Between 1960 and 1966 she had 19 Top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. They included 12 Top Ten hits, two of which were number one hits. "You Don't Know" was number one for three weeks on the UK singles chart for Helen Shapiro in 1961. "Reach For The Stars" was number one for one week on the UK singles chart for Shirley Bassey in 1961. "Don't Break The Heart That Loves You" was number one for one week on the Billboard Hot 100 for Connie Francis in 1962.

From Quiz A Buzz Down Memory Lane

Answer: Kashmir

Kashmir is a geographical region situated in the northern part of South Asia. Throughout the course of history the geographical extent of the kingdom of Kashmir kept changing, however by the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. "Kashmir" was released by Led Zeppelin on their album "Physical Graffiti" in 1975. The song is one of Led Zeppelin's most iconic songs and has been ranked at number twenty on "Classic Rock's" "Top Fifty Classic Rock Songs Of All Time" as well 141 on the "Rolling Stone" "500 Greatest Songs Of All Time". (credit to hackworr)

From Quiz If You Loved 120 Minutes...

Answer: Please Let Me Get What I Want

"Please Let Me Get What I Want" was originally the B-side to "William, It Was Really Nothing" in 1984. It was later featured on The Smiths compilation album "Hatful of Hollow." Morrissey was previously the enigmatic lead singer of The Smiths. He has gone on to a wildly popular solo career. His solo hits include "My Love Life" and "Alma Maters." Morrissey is a staunch animal rights activist. The Smiths song "Meat is Murder" is an anthem promoting a vegetarian lifestyle. Morrissey remains ambiguous regarding his sexuality. He went so far as to kick his opening act off the tour when she made questioning remarks about his sexual orientation while on stage. He has been known to wear a hearing aid on stage, whether he needs it or not.

From Quiz Odd One Out: Just Music!

Answer: The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones managed to achieve eight number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1965 and 1978. They only managed to put together two consecutive number one hits, twice. The Beatles managed five consecutive number one hits once, despite an avalanche of releases from different record companies. They did it with "I Feel Fine" (1964), "Eight Days A Week" (1965), "Ticket To Ride" (1965), "Help!" (1965) and "Yesterday" (1965). The Supremes managed five consecutive number one hits twice with six consecutive number one hits. They did it with "Where Did Our Love Go" (1964), "Baby Love" (1964), "Come See About Me" (1964), "Stop! In The Name Of Love" (1965), "Back In My Arms Again" (1965) and "I Hear A Symphony" (1965). The Bee Gees managed five consecutive number one hits twice with six consecutive number one hits. They did it with "How Deep Is Your Love" (1977), "Stayin' Alive" (1978), "Night Fever" (1978), "Too Much Heaven" (1979), "Tragedy" (1979) and "Love You Inside Out" (1979). Question provided by shipyardbernie.

From Quiz Vinyl Memories: My First Record Vol.II

Answer: Oh! Carol

Singer/songwriters Neil Sedaka and Carole King dated while in high school, and she was his inspiration for this song. In retaliation, and as a joke, Gerry Goffin (King's husband and songwriting partner) wrote the comedy response song "Oh, Neil", which Carole recorded and released the same year. There was a spate of "Answer" songs around the late '50s and early '60s. "Oh! Carol" made the Top Ten in the US and UK but "Oh, Neil" did not chart. "Diana" was co-written and sung by Paul Anka. "Barbara Ann" was sung by The Beach Boys with Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean fame sharing lead vocals with Brian Wilson. "Donna" was written and sung by Ritchie Valens who was killed in the same plane crash as Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper (J. P. Richardson) in 1959. Question submitted by Fifiscot

From Quiz The Wonderful World of Music

Answer: Centerfield

"Centerfield" was performed by former Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) frontman John Fogerty. The song I has remained popular throughout the years due to it's play at baseball games both at high school and semi-professional levels. I personally remember being in the dugout at my school's ballfield and waiting to hear this song.

From Quiz Shuffle This--My iPod Rules!

Answer: Faron Young

Don Gibson wrote "Sweet Dreams" and recorded it himself. But it was Faron's version that first introduced it to country fans. Patsy Cline's beautiful rendition would come along about five years after Faron's.

From Quiz Lost in Music 7

Answer: Ohio

On May 4th 1970 the Ohio national guard fired 67 shots at unarmed students on the campus, killing four and injuring nine. Neil Young wrote the lyrics to 'Ohio' after seeing the photos of the incident in 'Life' magazine and the song was recorded and released within four weeks of the shootings. *Useless Information* According to Neil Young, on the liner notes for his album 'Decade' "David Crosby cried when we finished this take [for the recording]" and Crosby can also be heard at the end of the song saying 'Four, why? Why did they die?' and 'How many more' all ad-libbed and unrehearsed, the record company decided to keep it in rather than 'dub it out'."

From Quiz Eggheads Top Ten Songs

Answer: Bohemian Rhapsody

"Bohemian Rhapsody" was a hit for the British rock band Queen. It was written by Freddie Mercury and appears on the album "A Night at the Opera". Following the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991, the song was re-released and reached number one yet again. (Question and additional information supplied by peewee2)

From Quiz The Timing Is 'All Wrong'

Answer: Take Five

It's not that often that a jazz tune becomes as popular as 'Take Five'. In 1961 it was listed at 95 in the American top 100 tunes for that year. Other instrumentals to make the 1961 list included 'Wheels', 'Exodus' & a Lawrence Welk version of 'Calcutta'. Quite an eclectic mix.

From Quiz Nostalgic 70s , 80s and 90s Music Quiz 2

Answer: Gypsys Tramps and Thieves

From her self titled 1971 album "Cher", reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four in the UK charts.

From Quiz Music Notables

Answer: Olivia Newton John

This artist won many awards during her career, including American Music, Peoples Choice and Grammys.

From Quiz Hit Songs We Hate

Answer: He was, it seems, eaten

Timothy was one of the miners, and people soon realized he was eaten by the other miners. "My stomach was full as it could be, And nobody ever got around to finding Timothy". This song was banned from radio due to its shocking implications, but it nonetheless climbed to number 17 on the US Hot 100 Billboard. Executives tried to get the song off the banned list by claiming Timothy was just a donkey, but there's nothing about a donkey in the lyrics. Some say Holmes purposely wrote a song he believed would be banned, to generate badly needed publicity for The Buoys. This terrible song did make them a one-hit wonder.

From Quiz Before there were MP3's

Answer: Cylinder

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph December 4, 1877. At first, the cylinders were wrapped with foil which would only last a short while. Alexander Graham Bell (the inventor of the telephone) came up with the idea of using wax instead. In 1891 you would have to pay up to $150 for a phonograph machine but by 1899 the price had dropped to just $20 for the deluxe model and $7.50 for the basic model. The cylinders themselves were $.50 and played at 120 RPM.

From Quiz Mitch's Compilation Quiz

Answer: Ironic

Released in 1996 from Alanis' album "Jagged Little Pill", "Ironic" was one of Alanis Morrisette's biggest hits and contains what I believe are some thought-provoking lyrics.

From Quiz Bygone Music 1

Answer: Nick Berry

"Heartbeat" is a long running TV series and plays many of the 60's songs during the programme. The story line is about a village bobby (policeman) and it is set in Yorkshire. The song "Heartbeat" was originally recorded by Buddy Holly in 1959 then released again in 1960.

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Last Updated Jul 05 2025 5:45 AM

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