Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Clyde McPhatter Trivia Game | Music

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Clyde McPhatter Quiz

Clyde McPhatter was one of the first singers to cross over from gospel to soul music in the 1950's. How much do you remember about this gifted singer?

A multiple-choice quiz by ralzzz. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In which state was Clyde McPhatter born?

Answer: North Carolina

McPhatter was born in Durham, NC on November 15, 1932, but spent his formative years in New Jersey, learning to sing in his father's church. Singing in the church choir gave McPhatter the skills necessary to branch out and make singing his career.

2. What group gave Clyde McPhatter his start in professional music?

Answer: The Dominoes

The Dominoes was founded by Billy Ward in the early 1950's. The group found regional success with songs such as "Do Something For Me" and "The Bells". The song "Have Mercy Baby" reached number one on the American R&B charts and remained there for ten weeks.
McPhatter was known as "Clyde Ward" during his time with The Dominoes and was billed as Billy Ward's brother, a gimmick they thought would increase the group's chance at stardom.

3. Which group did Clyde McPhatter help establish in 1953? McPhatter recorded "Money Honey" and "Honey Love" with this group.

Answer: The Drifters

McPhatter was signed to Atlantic Records by Ahmet Ertegun in 1953 and The Drifters were formed. The Drifters, fronted by McPhatter, had hits with the songs "Such a Night", "What'cha Gonna Do" and the remake of the Christmas standard "White Christmas".

When McPhatter was drafted into the US Army, he made the decision to leave the group and pursue a solo career. The Drifters went on to great success without McPhatter, using a great number of lead singers, eventually winding up in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

4. One of the most successful songs recorded by Clyde McPhatter was a duet titled "Love Has Joined Us Together". With whom did he sing this duet?

Answer: Ruth Brown

Ruth Brown, known as "Miss Rhythm" was an incredible singer who was signed to Atlantic Records in 1948. Atlantic quickly became known as the "house that Ruth built" due to the quick chart success she had on the label. Her hit, "So Long", was the second charting single released by the label in 1949. Miss Brown was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

5. What Clyde McPhatter song was the first to top the US Billboard R&B Singles charts?

Answer: Treasure of Love

As a bonus, the song "Treasure of Love" became the first single by McPhatter to break the Top 20 on the Pop Charts as well, reaching number 16 in 1956.

6. Clyde McPhatter left his original label, Atlantic Records, in 1959 in order to start the 1960s with a new label. Which label did he sign with, although for only one year, after his stint with Atlantic Records?

Answer: M-G-M Records

McPhatter left Atlantic and signed with M-G-M based on the signing bonus he was offered. His stay was short with the label, but he did record some great songs including "Let's Try Again", his only release that mirrored the success he had with Atlantic (the song reached number 13 on the American R&B charts).

7. Which of these songs was one of the last hits McPhatter had on Atlantic Records?

Answer: Lovey Dovey

Of the songs listed, "Lovey Dovey" was the only Atlantic release. The song reached number 12 on the American R&B charts and peaked at number 49 on the American Pops charts.

8. Clyde McPhatter was featured on an official US postage stamp. On which denomination stamp was his likeness painted?

Answer: 29 cents

The United States Postal Service featured McPhatter on a stamp in the Black History series of collectible stamps. The stamp pictured McPhatter in a full color portrait singing into a microphone.

9. Clyde McPhatter's career began to sour in the United States after a long bout with alcoholism and diminished performances. However, McPhatter still had a captive audience in Europe, therefore he moved across the pond to capitalize on that remaining audience. Which country did he settle in?

Answer: England

McPhatter had developed a reputation as being lazy and performing sporadically as a result to his alcohol use. There were many occasions where he didn't even make scheduled performances. Because of this, many promoters would not schedule him. McPhatter was still selling albums frequently in Europe, so he thought he could rejuvenate his career there.

Unfortunately, his stay there was cut short due mostly to health reasons.

10. Upon returning to America from his stint in Europe, McPhatter signed with Decca Records and released an abysmal album that mattered very little to the American public. Name this album.

Answer: Welcome Home

Unfortunately, years of alcohol use and poor health caught up with McPhatter soon after the release of "Welcome Home" and he died of a heart attack in Teaneck, NJ on June 13, 1972. McPhatter was one of the very first pioneers of rock and roll and R&B music and is one of the more deserving members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction class of 1987.

Source: Author ralzzz

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Clyde McPhatter Quiz

Clyde McPhatter was one of the first singers to cross over from gospel to soul music in the 1950's. How much do you remember about this gifted singer?

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