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Rockabilly Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Rockabilly Quizzes, Trivia

Rockabilly Trivia

Rockabilly Trivia Quizzes

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7 Rockabilly quizzes and 90 Rockabilly trivia questions.
1.
  Rockabilly Hall of Fame   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Rockabilly music was one of the genres that helped shape rock and roll. This quiz is about some of the pioneers of Rockabilly who have been enshrined in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in Burns, Tennessee.
Average, 10 Qns, shanteyman, Feb 05 09
Average
shanteyman
831 plays
2.
  Rockabilly Rock   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Rock-a-billy: A 1950s phenomenon that spilled over into the 60s just a bit. A touch of country, a little bit rock-and-roll, and with a dash of folk and gospel sounds, this music was just plain fun!
Average, 10 Qns, logcrawler, Oct 24 20
Average
logcrawler gold member
Oct 24 20
598 plays
3.
  Rockabilly Music   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Welcome to the quiz that promises to frustrate but educate "old school" rockabilly music audiophiles and new students of this amazing genre. Have fun!
Average, 10 Qns, BenTNickel, Jan 19 15
Average
BenTNickel
240 plays
4.
  Rare Rockabilly Singles from the Fifties    
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
I name the song and record label. You name the correct artist. Remember this is a rockabilly song quiz; other musicians may have recorded them, so the record label can be very IMPORTANT. Not for the faint-hearted. Good luck, I salute you.
Tough, 25 Qns, primalswoon, Oct 02 14
Tough
primalswoon
213 plays
5.
  Rare Fifties' Rockabilly    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
An Oldie But A Toughie. But seek out these wonderful rockabillies, you'll be awfully glad you did! Good luck!
Difficult, 15 Qns, primalswoon, Mar 01 24
Difficult
primalswoon
Mar 01 24
249 plays
6.
  1950s Rockabilly    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Questions about 50s rockabilly.
Difficult, 10 Qns, procrastinador, Jul 11 12
Difficult
procrastinador
703 plays
7.
  1950s Rock'n'Roll/Rockabilly    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Since some of you have liked my rock'n'roll quizzes, I thought I'd make another one. Enjoy!
Difficult, 10 Qns, procrastinador, Feb 05 09
Difficult
procrastinador
572 plays

Rockabilly Trivia Questions

1. Who do all the rockin' cats claim is the "Father" of recording that mercurial rockabilly sound way back in the day?

From Quiz
Rockabilly Music

Answer: Sam Phillips

Mr. Alan Freed was the man who introduced many early artists to audiences nationwide via film projects like "Rock! Rock! Rock!" Mr. Dewey Phillips (no relation to Sam Phillips) was one of the very important radio personalities who introduced some of the early pioneers of rockabilly and rock n' roll music on his locally famous Red Hot & Blue radio show in Memphis. And last-but-not-least on our list Mr. Steve Sholes who earned a footnote in musical history signing young Elvis Presley to his "big" music contract with RCA Victor on November 22nd, 1955 for $35,000 plus a $5,000 signing bonus for back royalties payable to Elvis. Hmmm. We all know what he decided to purchase with that money...

2. "Rock Around With Ollie Vee" (Decca Records). Who recorded this?

From Quiz Rare Rockabilly Singles from the Fifties

Answer: Buddy Holly/ The Crickets

Tried to start this quiz off with an easy one. Early Decca Records rockabilly from the boys from Lubbock. Sometime Cricket Sonny Curtis wrote the song.

3. What was the name of the first song recorded by Eddie Cochran in 1956, on the Crest Record Label?

From Quiz Rare Fifties' Rockabilly

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.

4. The first induction certificate in November, 1997, was issued to a Rockabilly artist who fronted a band called the Blue Caps and performed in films such as "The Girl Can't Help It" (1956). Who was this Rockabilly pioneer?

From Quiz Rockabilly Hall of Fame

Answer: Gene Vincent.

Vincent Eugene Craddock took the stage name Gene Vincent after being released from the Navy. He formed The Blue Caps, a reference to a nickname for sailors. After winning a talent contest in 1956, Gene wrote "Be Bop-A-Lula" and eventually recorded the song for Capitol Records. Due to an aggressive promotional campaign the song rose to the number seven spot on the charts. Later in 1957 the group performed "Be Bop-A-Lula" on "The Ed Sullivan Show" (1948). They charted a few other hits, but failed to dent the Top Ten again. "Lotta Lovin'" reached number 13. Gene relocated to England in the early sixties and continued to tour and record with various artists until his death on October 12, 1971. Boyd Bennett was a Muscle Shoals, Alabama, native who had hits such as the number five "Seventeen" and "My Boy, Flat Top" in the fifties. He later became a Deejay. Sonny Burgess was a Sun Records alumni who recorded "We Wanna Boogie" in 1956. Between 1956 and 1958 Mac Curtis recorded seven releases for King Records. Gene Summers had several Rockabilly hits. His biggest was "Big Blue Diamonds".

5. This rockabilly singer was based in Tampa, Florida. He recorded with guitar player "Big John" Taylor for Tri-Dec, Antler and Starday labels. He never had a big hit in the USA, but surprisingly, one of his songs was a big hit in Italy.

From Quiz 1950s Rock'n'Roll/Rockabilly

Answer: Benny Joy

Benny Joy (1935 - 1988) made some fine rockabilly with Big John Taylor on the guitar around 1955-1958. For example songs like "Steady with Betty", "Spin the Bottle", "Roll the Juke Box Rock", and the one that for some reason became a hit in Italy: "Crash the Party". All of his stuff has been re-released in Europe by White Label Records, Collector Records and Bear Family Records.

6. Whose recording was the rockabilly version of "The Train Kept A-Rolling"?

From Quiz 1950s Rockabilly

Answer: Johnny Burnette

"The Train Kept A-Rolling" was one of the wildest rockabilly tunes by Johnny Burnette and the Rock'n'Roll Trio for Coral Records. Originally recorded by blues singer Tiny Bradshaw.

7. Name the artist who recorded, "Don't Wait Up" (Imperial Records).

From Quiz Rare Rockabilly Singles from the Fifties

Answer: Laura Lee Perkins

Fabulous, and an overtly risqué single from the most underrated of the rockabilly gals in my book. Laura Lee's music can be found on the "Imperial Rockabillies" compilations on both vinyl and CD, and off her personal website.

8. Name the state where authorities found Hank Williams dead in the backseat of his car.

From Quiz Rare Fifties' Rockabilly

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.

9. This artist, who had an instrumental hit with "Rockabilly Walk", had another song in the same genre. Who was this Happy, Texas native that also sang "Party Doll"?

From Quiz Rockabilly Rock

Answer: Buddy Knox

This number one hit by Buddy Knox made it onto the charts in 1957. Roy Orbison had suggested to Buddy that he go see a record producer named Norman Petty in New Mexico, and following that lead was a very productive one for him and his career.

10. Which celebrated Rockabilly artist and inductee into The Rockabilly Hall of Fame sang "Twenty Flight Rock" in the 1957 movie "The Girl Can't Help It" and had chart success with "Summertime Blues" in 1958?

From Quiz Rockabilly Hall of Fame

Answer: Eddie Cochran

Cochran wrote "Summertime Blues" with Jerry Capehart. His first successful release was in 1957 with "Sittin' in the Balcony". "Twenty Flight Rock" was credited to Eddie and AMI staff writer Ned Fairchild. Cochran went on to chart other hits after "Summertime Blues" and was on tour in England when he and Gene Vincent were in a cab that stuck a lamp post. Vincent suffered leg injuries but Cochran died the following day. His guitar was impounded for a while after the crash. A young police officer named David Harman learned to play on Cochran's impounded Gretsch guitar. He later recorded UK hits on the Fontana label as a member of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. In the fifties Eddie Bond was a Sun Records artist who toured with Elvis Presley and other Sun Record acts. Buddy Knox recorded "Party Doll" in 1957. Bill Garland recorded the 1945 release "Got Nothing on Me" before his death in a car crash.

11. Who played guitar in Ricky Nelson's band?

From Quiz 1950s Rockabilly

Answer: James Burton

James Burton also played behind Dale Hawkins and Elvis, among others.

12. There were many female rockabilly artists who were tagged the "female Elvis Presley" but, can you guess the name of that cute gal who toured Australia with Little Richard and Eddie Cochran in 1957?

From Quiz Rockabilly Music

Answer: Alis Lesley

Hard-core rockabilly collectors may be familiar with the name Alis Lesley. The true "female Elvis" was none other than Janis Martin (audiophiles are aware of the South African commercial release simply titled, "Janis & Elvis", worth quite a lot as a collectible on eBay last time I looked). Brenda Lee was very cute too, and "Little" in stature (who started recording at the tender age of 12) but, could pack a mighty marketing punch so was known as, "Little Miss Dynamite" to her fans worldwide. Who can forget the legendary, talented and beautiful Wanda Jackson? Touring to this very day! Born in Maud, Oklahoma on October 20, 1937.

13. Which group recorded the rip roaring single,"Bip Bop Boom" (Profile Records)?

From Quiz Rare Rockabilly Singles from the Fifties

Answer: Mickey Hawks and the Nightraiders

North Carolina group Mickey Hawks and the Nightraiders recorded six sizzling recordings for Profile Records at the tail end of the fifties. You can find all six of their songs on the essential Buffalo Bop compilation series. Their other screamer, "Screamin' Mimi Jeanie" is also a must hear.

14. Name the only television host to ever feature Johnny Burnette and the Rock and Roll Trio performing live on his variety show?

From Quiz Rare Fifties' Rockabilly

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.

15. Which Rockabilly Hall of Fame member backed Elvis on guitar on the Sun Records recordings and on tour during the early years of Presley's career?

From Quiz Rockabilly Hall of Fame

Answer: Scotty Moore

Moore was fronting a group called the Starlite Wranglers when Sam Phillips selected him to work with Bill Black and D. J. Fontana to back Elvis on records and during tour dates. Bill Black played the stand-up bass. Moore's innovative guitar work can be heard on "Hound Dog", "Heartbreak Hotel", "Mystery Train" and "Jailhouse Rock" along with many other Elvis classics. In addition to being in The Rockabilly Hall of Fame he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. John "Ace" Cannon was a saxophonist who played for Bill Black's Combo. Al Casey was a guitar player with the legendary wrecking crew session musicians.

16. Who made the first version of the song "See You Later, Alligator"?

From Quiz 1950s Rock'n'Roll/Rockabilly

Answer: Bobby Charles

The song was written by the white Cajun blues musician Bobby Charles in 1955. He also recorded the first version of the song himself for Chess Records. His version was a minor local hit in New Orleans, but (as everyone knows) Bill Haley made a monster hit of the song in 1956.

17. Harold Jenkins recorded for Sun Records but didn't make it big. Later he did on another label and under another name. What name?

From Quiz 1950s Rockabilly

Answer: Conway Twitty

Harold Jenkins changed his name to Conway Twitty and had monster hits like "It's Only Make Believe" on the MGM label.

18. "Whistlebait" (Columbia Records). Can you name the little charmer who belted out this barnburner?

From Quiz Rare Rockabilly Singles from the Fifties

Answer: Larry Collins/ Collins Kids

Yes, the Collins Kids! Larry Collins takes over on vocals on this screaming speedy single. Only a youngster like Larry could get away with those lyrics! Wheww. Check out their "Hop, Skip and Jump" box set on Bear Family Records.

19. What is the real name of "The Phantom" who sang the panting, "Love Me" in 1958?

From Quiz Rare Fifties' Rockabilly

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!

20. Which member of The Rockabilly Hall of Fame gained fame releasing albums as a drummer and had a Number Four hit with "Teen Beat"?

From Quiz Rockabilly Hall of Fame

Answer: Sandy Nelson

Sandy Nelson went to high school with Jan and Dean and gained a reputation as a session drummer before releasing his own records. In 1959 "Teen Beat" was released on Original Sound Records. He moved to Imperial Records and followed with "Let There Be Drums" and "Drums Are My Beat". Despite a 1963 accident that necessitated amputating his right foot, Nelson returned to recording into the seventies and has released over 25 albums. Stan Beaver's 1963 hit, "I Got a Rocket in my Pocket" is a collector's item. Jumpin' Gene Simmons was an opening act for Elvis Presley during his early tours and co-wrote the 1994 Tim McGraw hit "Indian Outlaw". W.S. "Fluke" Holland was the drummer in Johnny Cash's Tennessee Three band.

21. This piano player and singer made some melodic rockers for Vaden and Razorback labels in the late 50s and early 60s. One of his songs was covered by Elvis.

From Quiz 1950s Rock'n'Roll/Rockabilly

Answer: Teddy Redell

Teddy Redell recorded songs like "Knocking on the Backside", "Pipeliner", "Gold Dust", "Can't You See" and "Judy", the last of which was covered by Elvis Presley. His recordings were first re-released in Holland on Collector and White Label. They have been re-released since then on many re-issue labels.

22. Who managed to have a cover version of "Ooby Dooby" released before Roy Orbison's original was released on Sun?

From Quiz 1950s Rockabilly

Answer: Sid King

The Teen Kings (as Orbison's band was called) originally released "Ooby Dooby" on a small custom label Je-Wel. They tried to offer it to bigger labels, like Columbia. Columbia didn't sign them, but they did take note of the hit potential of the song, so they had their own artist Sid King make a cover. Sid King's version didn't become a hit, but Orbison's did when it was re-released on the Sun label in 1956.

23. "Crazy Crazy Lovin'" (Decca Records)? Name this Texas Rockabilly Wildman.

From Quiz Rare Rockabilly Singles from the Fifties

Answer: Johnny Carroll

Wildman Johnny Carroll ripped up this one. You can see him in action in the low budget Texas cult classic, "Rock Baby Rock It".

24. Name the rockabilly artist who recorded the raw screamer, "Big Sandy" on Sky Records in 1956.

From Quiz Rare Fifties' Rockabilly

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!

25. What early rockabilly artist wrote the song "Blue Suede Shoes", after seeing a man get upset when his date scuffed up his shoes while they were dancing together?

From Quiz Rockabilly Rock

Answer: Carl Perkins

Carl Perkins scored big with this number-one hit after it was released on January 1, 1956. He also composed "Daddy Sang Bass" for Johnny Cash, "I Was So Wrong" for Patsy Cline, and "Let Me Tell You About Love" for the Judds. (Later, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, T. Rex, Ringo Starr and Wanda Jackson all recorded the song "Blue Suede Shoes" as well.)

26. Which guitar player's career got a jump start when he recorded the Top Ten hit "Memphis" in 1963?

From Quiz Rockabilly Hall of Fame

Answer: Lonnie Mack

"Suzie-Q" and "Wham" were follow-up Lonnie Mack instrumentals. Lonnie was a touring musician and session guitarist before "Memphis" was an instrumental hit. After a recording session he was on as a session player he was offered twenty minutes of tape time to record whatever he wanted. He recorded "Memphis" and had forgotten all about it when he was informed that the single was burning up the charts while he was touring with Troy Seals. Although he later recorded some notable vocal efforts, he was best remembered for the influence he had on future guitarists. Link Wray had success in 1958 with his instrumental "Rumble". Tommy Allsup fronted his own band before working with Buddy Holly. After the 1959 crash that took Holly's life he worked as a producer for Liberty Records. He has been inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame as well as The Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Tommy Facenda was a guitar player who toured with Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps.

27. Which Louisiana rockabilly artist first recorded for Goldband Records in 1955 with "No No Baby" and "Let's Go Boppin' Tonight", and later for Excello label with "I'm the Man"?

From Quiz 1950s Rock'n'Roll/Rockabilly

Answer: Al Ferrier

Al Ferrier and his Boppin' Billies were an early rockabilly band from Louisiana. Al was the singer, and lead guitar was played by his brother Bryan Ferrier.

28. Who played the guitar for Gene Vincent's Blue Caps?

From Quiz 1950s Rockabilly

Answer: Cliff Gallup

The legendary Cliff Gallup played lead guitar on Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps' first two albums. However, he didn't fancy the rock'n'roll lifestyle, being on the road all the time, so he quit while they were on top to spend more time with his family.

29. What did Carl Perkins use to scratch on his first draft of that famous song, "Blue Suede Shoes" ?

From Quiz Rockabilly Music

Answer: brown paper bag

The story has it that Carl heard a man tell his date not to get too close to his prized pair of footwear. Carl couldn't sleep one night while the lyrics and chords started to form in his mind so he quietly crept downstairs to the living room (being quiet so as not to disturb his sleeping wife) and empty a brown bag of "Irish Potatoes" which was the only thing he could find quick enough so he could transfer his song idea on to paper. Again, my information source is:"Rockabilly:The Twang Heard Around The World" An Illustrated History. ISBN 978-1-5526-7808-4

30. Who put out the blazing 1956 single, "Please Give Me Something" (Imperial Records)?

From Quiz Rare Rockabilly Singles from the Fifties

Answer: Bill Allen and the Backbeats

This 1956 monster is early punk rock. I was blown away by his bare to the bones, primitive classic. When he howls the chorus, he must have blown out mikes'! Can be found on the "Imperial Rockabillies" compilation on both vinyl and CD.

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Last Updated Mar 23 2024 5:49 AM
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