The Notting Hillbillies Trivia Quiz

Answer: Mark Knopfler

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Mark Knopfler became the lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the band Dire Straits, which was formed in 1977 and recorded six albums. In May of 1986, he formed the supergroup The Notting Hillbillies, for which he sang and played guitar. The term "supergroup" is used to refer to a group formed from musicians already known for playing in other groups. Another example is The Traveling Wilburys, which consisted of Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.

Answer: Neil Young

Mark Knopfler, as previously mentioned, formed The Notting Hillbillies. Steve Phillips and Brendan Croker supplied additional guitar and vocals. Guy Fletcher, also a former member of Dire Straits, supplied keyboards and vocals. Paul Franklin, who began his career as a member of Barbara Mandrell's road band, played pedal steel guitar. Ed Bicknell was on drums, and Marcus Cliffe played bass.

Answer: Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time

The Notting Hillbillies recorded a single album, which was titled "Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time" and released on March 6, 1990. It was produced by Mark Knopfler and Guy Fletcher and released by Vertigo internationally and by Warner Bros. in the United States. It peaked at number 52 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and at number two on the UK Albums Official Charts.

Answer: Railroad Worksong

"Working on a railroad, good buddy, for a dollar a day
Got to get my money gotta get my pay
Take this hammer take it to the captain
Take this hammer take it to the captain
Take this hammer, good buddy, take it to the captain
Tell him I'm gone tell him I'm gone."

This traditional song dates back to the late 19th century and probably has its origins in the forced labor that occurred on the chain gains, railroads, and prison farms. A version was first published by the folklorist Newman Ivey White in 1915. It began:

"This old hammer killed John Henry,
But it can't kill me."

Answer: your own sweet way

The song continues:

"Now I can talk to you serious
I can talk to you nice
But when it comes to love
You won't take good advice
You'll go your own sweet
Your own sweet way."

This song was written by Mark Knopfler. The album, "Missing, Presumed Having a Good Time," peaked at number six on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) charts.

Answer: That's Where I Belong

"That's Where I Belong" was written by group member Brendan Croker. In addition to his work with The Notting Hillbillies, Croker has also recorded albums under his own name and with a backing band called The Five O'Clock Shadows. His discography includes, among other albums, "Central Station Hotel," "A Close Shave," and "Life Is Almost Wonderful." The song "That's Where I Belong" begins:

"Show me a place where I don't have to worry
And that's where I belong
Show me a place where I don't have to hurry
And that's where I belong."

Answer: blues

"Blues stay away from me.
Blues why don't you let me be?
Don't know why
You keep on haunting me.
Love was never meant for me."

The Notting Hillbillies recorded a version of this song, "Blues Stay Away from Me," on their only album. The song was written by Alton and Rabon Delmore along with Wayne Raney and Henry Glover. It was first recorded by The Delmore Brothers, subsequently covered by many musicians, and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in January of 2007.

Answer: prayer

"We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand with the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer."

The song "Weapon of Prayer," which is recorded on The Notting Hillbillies album, was written by Ira and Charlie Louvin. The Louvin Brothers performed country and gospel music in the 1940s through 1960s and were regulars at the Grand Ole Oprey.

Answer: Bewildered

"Bewildered,
Lost in a dream of you.
Where is the love I once knew?
Why did we part?"

The song was a hit for Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra in 1938. Versions by the Red Miller Trio and Amos Milburn both peaked at number one on the U.S. R&B chart in 1948. James Brown released a single of the song in 1961, which reached number eight on the U.S. R&B charts.

Answer: star

These lyrics come from the song "Will You Miss Me?" The chorus mirrors that of an old bluegrass standard, but the verses were written by The Notting Hillbillies' member Steve Phillips. The song opens with this verse:

"Did you ever dream lucky, wake up cold in hand
Look at the stars in the heaven's above
Sleep on the pillow where my head use to lay
While the moonbeams flicker 'cross your window pane
I'm on my way from here, don't know where I'm going."

Phillips has put out several albums, including "Steel-Rail Blues," "Been A Long Time Gone," and "Just Pickin'."