Rearrange the Recordings Trivia Quiz

The Big Bopper, born Jiles Perry Richardson Jr. in 1930, was a rock and roll singer, songwriter, and disc jockey from Sabine Pass, Texas. Before breaking into the national music scene, he worked as a radio DJ in Beaumont, where his energetic on-air personality and larger-than-life style earned him the nickname 'The Big Bopper'.

His career, though brief, helped shape early rock with his upbeat sound. Tragically, his life was cut short at just 28 years old when he died in the infamous 1959 plane crash that also claimed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.

His best-known hit, 'Chantilly Lace', released in 1958, became a rock and roll classic almost instantly. The single climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and held that spot for several weeks. Beyond the U.S., the song reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and gave The Big Bopper his place in music history. Even decades later, 'Chantilly Lace' is still remembered as one of the defining novelty-rock songs of the 1950s.

Fronted by Peter Noone, the British band Herman's Hermits formed in Manchester in 1963. They were part of the British Invasion that stormed the U.S. charts alongside groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Known for their catchy tunes, Herman's Hermits became especially popular with teenage audiences, racking up a string of international hits during the mid-1960s.

Released in 1965, one of their singles, 'Can't You Hear My Heartbeat', rose to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for two weeks, only kept from the top spot by The Supremes' 'Stop! In the Name of Love'. It wasn't issued as a single in the United Kingdom, but in America, it played a big role in establishing the group's reputation as one of the leading Pop acts of the era.

Engelbert Humperdinck was born Arnold George Dorsey in 1936 in India and raised in England. He became known for his smooth voice and romantic ballads that won him international fame in the 1960s and 1970s. With his sideburns and suave style, he stood out in an era dominated by rock and pop groups, appealing especially to adult audiences who loved classic crooner-style music.

His 1967 hit 'The Last Waltz' climbed to number one on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, proving his appeal on both sides of the Atlantic. Its romantic lyrics and memorable melody turned it into one of his signature songs, and it remains a favourite in the repertoire of classic love ballads.

Don McLean is an American singer-songwriter from New Rochelle, New York. He rose to fame in the early 1970s with his poetic, storytelling style. He was known for blending folk, rock, and pop in songs that often reflected on culture, history, and personal experience. His thoughtful lyrics and gentle voice set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

His single, 'American Pie' was released in 1971. It became an instant hit, with its vivid storytelling and its chorus. The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for four weeks. It also made it to number two on the UK Singles Chart. Its nearly nine-minute length was unusual for a hit then, but listeners loved it. It remains one of the most well-known songs to this day.

Billy Joel was born in 1949 in the Bronx, New York and became one of the well-known singer-songwriters of the 1970s and '80s. Nicknamed the 'Piano Man' after one of his songs, he combined pop, rock, jazz, and classical influences to create catchy songs. His songwriting abilities helped him stand out as an artist who could connect with audiences while maintaining a broad commercial appeal.

One of his hits, 'Just the Way You Are' (released in 1978) climbed to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and won two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. It also reached number 19 on the UK Singles Chart. Over the years, it has remained a popular song of his.

Eurythmics, the British duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, formed in 1980 in London, England. They blended synth-pop, new wave, and experimental sounds. Known for Lennox's androgynous style and Stewart's innovative production, they quickly stood out in a decade full of musical experimentation. Their style combined catchy hooks with a moody, futuristic edge.

Their single 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' was released in 1983 and achieved number one on the UK Singles Chart and reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The track's synth riff, driving rhythm, and Lennox's vocal delivery helped it become an anthem of the 1980s.

The British-American rock band Foreigner was formed in New York City in 1976. They became known for their powerful blend of hard rock and arena-style ballads. Their hits spanned the late '70s and '80s. Fronted by Lou Gramm with his distinctive voice, they delivered songs that were radio-friendly and popular, earning a lasting place in classic rock history.

Their 1984 ballad 'I Want to Know What Love Is' showed a softer side of the band. The song reached number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also reached number one in several other countries.

Britney Spears was born in 1981 in McComb, Mississippi, and rose to fame in the late 1990s as a teen pop sensation. With her catchy songs, energetic performances, and carefully crafted pop image, she quickly became one of the defining figures of late -'90s pop music. Her debut brought a fresh, youthful energy to the charts.

Her single, '...Baby One More Time', released in 1998, became an instant hit. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also achieved number one in over 20 countries worldwide.

R&B vocalist Toni Braxton, born in 1967 in Severn, Maryland, is known for her smoky, emotive contralto voice and ballads. Rising to fame in the early 1990s, her songs often explore love, heartbreak, and empowerment.

Her hit 'He Wasn't Man Enough', released in 2000, is a melodic, rhythm-driven track about independence and self-respect. The single reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

British singer-songwriter James Blunt, born in 1974 in Tidworth, England, is known for his ballads. Before pursuing music full-time, he served as an army officer, but his introspective lyrics and knack for emotional storytelling quickly won him fans worldwide.

His 2005 single 'You're Beautiful' became an international hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song's lyrics about fleeting love struck a chord with listeners, turning it into a hit of the mid-2000s. Even years later, it remains one of his most recognised songs.