New York Minute Trivia Quiz

Answer: David Byrne

Talking Heads formed in New York City in 1975, with David Byrne, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth as the founding members. Jerry Harrison joined the band in 1977, completing the lineup. David was the lead vocalist and primary songwriter throughout the band's career. Their distinctive sound blended punk, funk and art rock into something entirely their own.

Their catalogue includes 'Psycho Killer', 'Once in a Lifetime', 'Burning Down the House' and 'This Must Be the Place'. They disbanded in 1991, but their influence on alternative and art rock remains considerable.

Answer: Debbie Harry

Blondie emerged from the New York punk and new wave scene in 1974. Debbie Harry fronted the band as lead vocalist and quickly became one of the most recognisable faces of the era. They were among the biggest acts to come out of the CBGB club scene on the Bowery.

Their hits include 'Heart of Glass', 'Call Me', 'Rapture' and 'One Way or Another'. Debbie's striking image and voice helped Blondie move between punk, disco, pop and hip hop with ease.

Answer: Donald Fagen

Steely Dan was formed in 1972 by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Though the band later relocated to Los Angeles, their dry wit and sharp lyrical style remained rooted in a New York outlook. Fagen's jazz-influenced vocal delivery became one of the most recognisable sounds of the decade.

Among their best-known songs are 'Reelin' in the Years', 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number', 'Deacon Blues' and 'Do It Again'. The band were known for their exacting studio standards and sophisticated arrangements.

Answer: David Johansen

The New York Dolls formed in New York City in 1971 and are seen as one of the founding bands of punk and glam rock. David Johansen's raw, sneering vocal style suited the band's chaotic, androgynous image well.

Their influential debut album featured 'Personality Crisis', 'Trash' and 'Jet Boy'. Though commercially unsuccessful at the time, they had a considerable impact on punk, new wave and hard rock.

Answer: Lou Reed

The Velvet Underground formed in New York City in 1964 and were later championed by Andy Warhol. They developed a sound unlike anything else in popular music at the time. Lou Reed's deadpan delivery and bleak lyrical content gave the band a character all their own.

Some of their singles are 'Sweet Jane', 'Pale Blue Eyes', 'Venus in Furs' and 'I'm Waiting for the Man'. Their albums sold poorly at first, but their influence on alternative and indie rock ran deep.

Answer: Ronnie Spector

The Ronettes were a girl group from New York City. They rose to fame in the early 1960s under the production of Phil Spector. Ronnie Spector, born Veronica Bennett in Spanish Harlem, provided the lead vocals. Her distinctive voice cut through Spector's famous 'Wall of Sound'.

Their hits include 'Be My Baby', 'Baby I Love You', 'Walking in the Rain' and '(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up'. The group were among the most popular acts of the girl-group era, and Ronnie Spector remained a respected figure in popular music until her death in January 2022.

Answer: Mary Weiss

The Shangri-Las were founded in Queens, New York and rose to fame in the mid-1960s. Mary Weiss provided the lead vocals on their recordings. Their music often blended pop with spoken-word passages and dramatic storytelling.

'Leader of the Pack', 'Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)', 'Give Him a Great Big Kiss' and 'Out in the Streets' are some of their singles. Their theatrical style had a strong influence on later punk and new wave acts.

Answer: Paul Stanley

KISS formed in New York City in 1973. They combined hard rock with elaborate theatrical staging, face paint and pyrotechnics. Paul Stanley, known as the 'Starchild', shared lead vocals with Gene Simmons throughout the band's long career.

Among their hits are 'Rock and Roll All Nite', 'Detroit Rock City', 'I Was Made for Lovin' You' and 'Beth'. KISS became one of the best-selling rock acts of all time.

Answer: Kim Gordon

Sonic Youth formed in New York City in 1981. Kim Gordon shared vocals alongside Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo. Her understated style gave the band a distinctive edge among their peers.

Some of their best-known songs are 'Teen Age Riot', 'Kool Thing', 'Bull in the Heather' and 'Dirty Boots'. The band had a strong influence on the grunge and indie rock movements of the late 1980s and 1990s.

Answer: Julian Casablancas

The Strokes formed in New York City in 1998 and helped kick off a garage rock revival in the early 2000s. Julian Casablancas' deliberately lo-fi vocal style, recorded through a distorted mic, became one of the most imitated sounds of the decade.

Their debut album 'Is This It' produced hits including 'Last Nite', 'Hard to Explain' and 'Someday'. Few debut albums of that era made as much of an impact.