The Only Way Is Up Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Gap Band

The Gap Band, a group made up of three brothers, Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, was formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967. They became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s for their funky, energetic songs. Their music mixed soul, R&B, and disco. 'GAP' stands for Greenwood, Archer, and Pine, three streets in Tulsa's Black business district.

One of their best-known songs is 'Oops Upside Your Head', released in 1979. It has a funky groove and a playful spoken intro that invites listeners to get up and dance. The song became a party favourite, especially in the UK, where people often sat in rows and pretended to row boats while dancing to it. It's also known by the title 'I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops!)'

Answer: Kate Bush

Kate Bush was born in Bexleyheath, Kent, England, in 1958. She's an English singer, songwriter, and producer known for her unique voice and imaginative music. She became famous at age 19 with her debut single 'Wuthering Heights', which topped the UK charts in 1978. Her songs often mix storytelling, theatrical style, and experimental sounds, making her one of the most creative artists in pop and rock music.

'Running Up That Hill' is one of her most famous songs. Released in 1985, it reached number three on the UK Singles Chart. It became a hit again in 2022 after being featured in the TV show 'Stranger Things', introducing it to a new generation, peaking at number one on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Answer: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was an American rock band, formed in El Cerrito, California, in 1959. The group included John Fogerty, Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford. They rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like 'Bad Moon Rising', 'Proud Mary' and 'Fortunate Son'.

Written by John Fogerty, 'Up Around the Bend' was released in 1970 with 'Run Through the Jungle' as a double-sided single and reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It features upbeat guitar riffs and lyrics about heading toward something exciting and new.

Answer: Ottawan

Ottawan was a French disco duo formed in 1979, by producers Daniel Vangarde and Jean Kluger, with singers Jean Patrick and Annette Eltice. Known for their flamboyant style and energy, they became popular on the Eurodisco scene with their upbeat tracks. They gained international fame with hits like 'D.I.S.C.O.' and 'Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)'.

Released in 1981, 'Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)' reached number three on the UK Singles Chart. With its repetitive, sing-along chorus: 'Hands up, baby, hands up, give me your heart, give me, give me your heart', the track became a hit, and it also peaked at number one in New Zealand.

Answer: The Foundations

British soul band The Foundations formed in London in 1967 and were notable for being one of the first multi-racial groups in the UK pop scene. Their sound was Motown-inspired soul with pop and R&B. The band's lineup included lead vocalists Clem Curtis and, later, Colin Young, and they quickly rose to fame with hits like 'Baby Now That I've Found You' and 'Build Me Up Buttercup'.

'Build Me Up Buttercup' was released in 1968 with Colin Young on lead vocals and became The Foundations' biggest international hit. It peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart in December 1968 and number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in early 1969.

Answer: The Supremes

Formed in Detroit in 1959 as The Primettes, The Supremes became one of the most commercially successful American vocal groups of the 1960s. Originally consisting of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard, they dominated the charts. With twelve number-one hits, they helped define the Motown sound and broke racial barriers by becoming the first Black female group to achieve mainstream global success.

'Up the Ladder to the Roof' was released in 1970, and was the first Supremes single to feature Jean Terrell as lead vocalist, following Diana Ross's exit to pursue a solo career. It signalled a new chapter for the group. Written by Frank Wilson and Vincent DiMirco, it reached number six on the UK Singles Chart and number ten on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, proving the Supremes could thrive beyond Ross's shadow.

Answer: Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes

Joe Cocker, known for his raspy voice, was a British singer who rose to fame in the late 1960s with covers like 'With a Little Help from My Friends'. Jennifer Warnes, an American singer, had built a reputation through her solo work and collaborations, including with Leonard Cohen. Their pairing in 1982 for 'Up Where We Belong' brought together two contrasting vocal styles, Cocker's raw power and Warnes's smooth clarity.

'Up Where We Belong' was written by Jack Nitzsche, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Will Jennings and was the theme song for the film 'An Officer and a Gentleman'. Its lyrics speak to rising above hardship and finding strength in love. It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart, topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Answer: Yazz and the Plastic Population

Yazz, born Yasmin Evans, is a British pop and dance singer who rose to fame in the late 1980s. Backed by the studio project The Plastic Population, she became known for her powerful vocals, striking style and uplifting energy. Her music blended house, pop, and dance influences, aligning with the UK's club scene.

'The Only Way Is Up' was originally recorded by soul singer Otis Clay in 1980 and was covered by Yazz and the Plastic Population in 1988 as a high-energy house-pop anthem. Its lyrics 'We've been broken down to the lowest turn / Bein' on the bottom line sure ain't no fun', resonated with audiences during a time of economic uncertainty. It spent five weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart.

Answer: The Drifters

Formed in New York City in 1953, The Drifters were a groundbreaking American vocal group whose evolving lineup included legendary voices such as Clyde McPhatter and Ben E. King. They became known for blending doo-wop and soul which shaped the early rock and R&B sound. Despite frequent personnel changes, The Drifters produced a string of hits including 'Save the Last Dance for Me', 'Under the Boardwalk' and 'There Goes My Baby'.

Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, 'Up on the Roof' was released in 1962, with Rudy Lewis on lead vocals. It reached number five on the U.S. pop chart and number four on the R&B chart, becoming one of the group's most popular ballads.

Answer: The 5th Dimension

Formed in 1966, The 5th Dimension was a vocal harmony group. The original lineup was Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson. Their collaborations with songwriter Jimmy Webb yielded a string of hits, including 'Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In', 'Wedding Bell Blues', and 'Up, Up and Away', winning multiple Grammy Awards.

Released in 1967, 'Up, Up and Away' was written by Jimmy Webb and became The 5th Dimension's breakthrough hit. It peaked at number seven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number one in Canada and Australia. The track won four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.