Styx were founded in Chicago, where all of the founding members are from. Tommy Shaw, however, was not a founding member of Styx. He joined the band in the middle of the Equinox tour. Even though he was not a founding member, he took them to another level.
Before him, Styx's only hits were "Lady" and "Lorelei," they had no platinum albums, and they were usually opening for more successful bands like Kansas and KISS. After Shaw joined, Styx had four consecutive multi-platinum albums. The first song that he wrote for Styx, "Crystal Ball," became the title song for his first album with them. He also wrote "Renegade," which became Styx's usual concert-closer and became the theme song for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also wrote "Too Much Time on My Hands" which charted at number nine on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Other hits that he wrote include "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)" and "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)."
2. Alaska
Answer: Artis the Spoonman
Artis the Spoonman was known for using spoons as musical instruments. He was born in Alaska, but he performed in the streets of Seattle. Chris Cornell was impressed by him and he wrote a song about him. Cornell also invited Artis to play on the song. Artis plays his spoons in the bridge while drummer Matt Cameron plays on pots and pans.
The song is called "Spoonman" and it charted at number three on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Chart. It also charted in ten other countries.
3. Arizona
Answer: Chester Bennington
The band that evolved into Linkin Park was founded before Chester came along. Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon were the founders.
However, they weren't called "Linkin Park" back then, nor could they get a record deal. When Bennington joined the band, everything changed. They changed their name to Linkin Park, got a record deal, and as soon as their debut album "Hybrid Theory" came out, they enjoyed massive success. The contrast between Shinoda's rapping and Bennington's singing set them apart from other rock bands at the time. Their lyrics about depression and being victims of abuse resonated with millions of people who went through these things.
Linkin Park sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making them one of the highest-selling bands of the 21st century.
4. Arkansas
Answer: Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland. He was known as "The Man in Black" because he wore all black onstage. He sold over 90 million albums worldwide. He was the first singer to perform concerts at prisons, believing that those people needed and deserved the performing arts. He was inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980.
5. California
Answer: Flea
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have sold over 120 million albums worldwide. In 2009, "Rolling Stone" Magazine named Flea the second-greatest bass player of all time after John Entwhistle of the Who. I personally think Flea is the best, but I also heard him say that The Who were one of his biggest influences so he's not exactly insulted.
They were most famous for writing songs about California. Songs they have about California include "Californication," "Dani California, "Parallel Universe," "Road Trippin'" and "Emit Remmus." "Under the Bridge" mentions "The City of Angels," which is Los Angeles, which is in California.
6. Colorado
Answer: Kip Winger
Kip Winger formed a band that used his own name, Winger. Their first two albums were certified platinum. "17," "Headed For a Heartbreak," and "Miles Away" charted in the top 30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart. He also played bass with Alice Cooper on the albums "Constrictor" "Raise Your Fist and Yell," and "Trash." One of those album has "Poison," which charted at number seven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
7. Delaware
Answer: George Thorogood
George Thorogood is most famous for his 1982 hit "Bad to the Bone." The song was frequently played in classic rock stations and it was used in movies such as "Christine" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." The single was certified Silver in the U.K. and platinum in New Zealand.
Another noteworthy original George Thorogood song is "I Drink Alone," which charted at number 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
8. Florida
Answer: Tom Petty
Tom Petty was born in Gainesville and he founded the Heartbreakers in Jacksonville. He sold more than 80 million albums worldwide and is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His hit songs include "Running Down a Dream," "American Girl," "Free Fallin'," "Don't Do Me Like That," and "Refugee."
9. Georgia
Answer: Ray Charles
Ray Charles is one of the founding fathers of rock and roll and one of the first-ever inductees into the Hall of Fame. He influenced Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Roger Waters, and Billy Joel. He is the first blind musician to become world-famous. He inspired Stevie Wonder, another blind musician, to not let his disability stop him.
He is from Albany, Georgia, and his signature song is "Georgia on My Mind."
10. Hawaii
Answer: Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars has sold over 150 million albums worldwide and is the first artist to have six diamond-certified singles. He won 16 Grammys and 17 American Music Awards. His hit songs include "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade."
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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