Deceased Musicians Trivia

1. "Imagine" if you will, a Beatle who also had success as a solo artist. His first name is John. What's his surname?

From Quiz Musicians No More

Answer: Lennon

John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England in 1940 and was one half of an incredibly successful songwriting duo with Paul McCartney. As a member of the Beatles he was part of the British Invasion as the popular young band toured the United States. After the breakup of The Beatles he produced songs with Yoko Ono and wrote "Imagine", "Give Peace a Chance", and "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)". He was controversial, opinionated and active in anti-war activities and sentiments. His last solo album "Double Fantasy" won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. He was gunned down on December eighth, 1980 outside his Manhattan apartment.

From Quiz Girl Interrupted At Her Music

Answer: Karen Carpenter

Karen Carpenter (1950-1983) sang "We've Only Just Begun", and "Rainy Days and Mondays", with a total of 17 top 20 hits alongside her brother Richard. She was named Best New Artist at the 1970 Grammy Awards. She was a gifted drummer, beating Led Zeppelin's John Bonham in a "best rock drummer" poll of 1975. She considered herself "a drummer who sings", but as women drummers were rare in those times, she was discouraged from drumming. By late 1982 she seemed to have successfully treated her lifelong disorder anorexia nervosa, and was divorcing her abusive husband. But in February of 1983, her weakened heart suddenly gave out. She has 10 gold singles, nine gold albums and three Grammy awards. She's a "Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Singers of All Time", interrupted at age thirty-two.

From Quiz Musicians who Passed in 2018

Answer: The Cranberries

Dolores O'Riordan was the youngest of nine children. In 1989 brothers Noel and Mike Hogan formed The Cranberry Saw Us band in Limerick, Ireland, with Fergal Lawler playing drums and singer Niall Quinn. Quinn left the group within a year and Dolores O'Riordan responded to their ad for a singer and helped compose lyrics for a song called "Linger". With Dolores on board the group changed their name and began working with Xeric Records, recording "Nothing Left at All". After changing to Island Records they released "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?" (1993) and "No Need to Argue" the following year. The group continued to record and tour until they disbanded in 2003. Dolores' biggest release as a solo artist was "Ordinary Day" in 2007. In January, 2009, the group reunited. The Corrs consists of siblings Andrea, Sharon, Caroline and Jim. The Dublin based Chalets were active between 2001 and 2008. The Chieftains formed in 1963.

From Quiz The 27 Club

Answer: Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvana. In the 1980s, hair metal was king. Those bands became unpopular in the 1990s thanks to Nirvana. Nirvana created a new style of music: a dark form of rock known as grunge which eventually evolved into alternative rock. Nirvana sold over 75 million albums worldwide thanks in large part to one of the most iconic albums ever released "Nevermind". "Nevermind" is known for its cover, which has a naked baby swimming and trying to get a dollar bill, and its known for songs like "Smells Like Teen Spirit", "In Bloom", "Come as You Are" and "Lithium". In 1994, Cobain died with a shotgun in his hand held to his head and a suicide note next to him. Some people believe Courtney Love murdered him and wrote a fake suicide note. Most people believe he really committed suicide.

From Quiz Famous Corpses Who Used to be Musicians

Answer: Freddie Mercury

Queen singer Freddy Mercury died in November of 1991. Queen have continued on with replacement singers such as Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert. Their tours have been successful, but many long-time Queen fans do not like the more recent versions of this band.

From Quiz Musicians We Lost in 2017

Answer: Antoine

Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino Jr. was born in February 26, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana. By the time he was a young teen he was performing in local bars before signing with Imperial Records when he was 21. In 1955 "Ain't That a Shame" became his first Pop hit on Billboard, reaching Number Ten on the US charts and the following year his signature song, "Blueberry Hill", reached Number Two. Although he would go on to place 35 songs in the Top Forty "Blueberry Hill" would be his highest charting success. In 1963 Fats signed with ABC Paramount and charted his highest single on that label the same year, "Red Sails in the Sunset". In 1979 he made an appearance in Clint Eastwood's "Any Which Way You Can" singing "Whiskey Heaven". In 1986 Fats was inducted into the Rock and roll Hall of Fame and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award the following year. He made his final pubic appearance at at Tipitina's on May 19, 2007. Anatole, Antonio and Andre are names of some of his children.

From Quiz The Day the Music Died

Answer: Ian Curtis

Curtis was born in Macclesfield, an industrial town located in northern England. He learned to play bass guitar at a young age and later formed the band Joy Division. Curtis was epileptic and struggled with the disease. His life began spiraling out of control when he began an affair while still married to his wife, who in turn filed for divorce. Those close to the singer believe the medications he was taking for epilepsy contributed to his suicide. His signature song, "Love Will Tear Us Apart", is inscribed on his tombstone.

From Quiz Musicians Who Passed in 2016

Answer: The Heat is On

"Dirty Laundry", "The Boys of Summer" and "Sunset Grill" were eighties solo releases from fellow Eagles member Don Henley. Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey composed Frey's US Number Two single "The Heat is On" for the 1984 film "Beverly Hills Cop". In the late sixties Detroit native Glenn Frey was backing Bob Seger on such releases as "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" and "Against the Wind". Glenn went to California to meet a girlfriend, where he met Don Henley in 1970. They formed The Eagles with Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon. Glenn began writing songs including "Take It Easy" (1972) with Jackson Browne and "Tequila Sunrise" (1973) and "Lyin' Eyes" (1975) with Don Henley. Glenn Frey composed "You Belong to the City" with Jack Tempchin in 1984 for the "Miami Vice" TV show. Frey also occasionally acted on the show. Frey was part of the Eagles' 1994 "Hell Freezes Over" reunion tour but became ill from complications of rheumatoid arthritis in 2000 which resulted in complicated intestinal surgeries. After he passed The Eagles and Jackson Browne performed "Take It Easy" at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards as a tribute.

From Quiz Musicians we Lost in 2015

Answer: Manfred Mann

Jack's bass playing can be heard on Manfred Mann's 1966 release "Pretty Flamingo". Although Jack had played upright bass for the Murray Campbell Big Band and The Graham Bond Quartet, he enjoyed his breakthrough commercial success playing with Manfred Mann. Scotland native John Symon Asher "Jack" Bruce played in local jazz bands while attending The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama where he studied song composition and the cello. When he formed the The Graham Bond Quartet he met drummer Ginger Baker and switched from stand up bass to electric bass. In 1966 Baker and Bruce formed Cream with Eric Clapton. Before Cream disbanded in 1970 Bruce released a solo album titled "Things We Like". He went on to collaborate with numerous artists after Cream. His final solo album, "Silver Rails", was released in 2014.

From Quiz The 27 Club

Answer: Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was known to sing and perform different genres of music including jazz and blues. Winehouse made history at the 2008 Grammy award ceremony becoming the first British female singer to win five Grammy awards. Her hits include "Rehab", "You Know I'm No Good", and "Love As a Losing Game". She passed away on July 23, 2011 from alcohol poisoning.

From Quiz Musicians we Lost in 2014

Answer: Bobby Womak

The Valentinos was formed by five Womak brothers in Cleveland in the early fifties. Like many Rhythm and Blues bands they began singing in their local church. Bobby was only eight years old when they started recording. The Valentinos later became Curtis Womack and the Womack Brothers then The Womack Brothers. Their single "Lookin' for a Love" made it to Number 72 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group a spot on James Brown's national tour. They released "It's All Over Now" co-written by Bobby with Shirley Prior (Womak). Bobby began a solo career in the early seventies but struggles with drug addiction in the eighties stalled his career. He passed from complications of cancer in June, 2014. Norman Meade wrote "Time is on My Side" on the Rolling Stone's 1964 "12X5" LP. "Susie Q" by Dale Hawkins, Stan Lewis and Eleanor Broadwater was also recorded for the "12X5" LP.

From Quiz Memorable Musicians Who Passed Away in 2013/14

Answer: Lou Reed

Lou Reed came to prominence in the 1960s as a key member of the innovative group, The Velvet Underground. His career blossomed when he went solo in the 1970s, releasing influential albums such as 'Transformer" and "Rock 'n' Roll Animal". His best known songs include "Walk on the Wild Side", "Perfect Day" and "Heroin".

From Quiz Musicians We Lost in 2013

Answer: Slayer

Jeff Hanneman was 49 when he passed away from liver failure following complications from a spider bite. The Oakland, California, native was influenced by bands such as Judas Priest, Black Flag and Iron Maiden. He met Kerry King when they were auditioning for a band and quickly struck up a mutual musical relationship which led to forming Slayer. Jeff wrote the music for the majority of their recorded material. Five years passed before Slayer had success following the release of their third album, "Reign in Blood", which went Gold in 1992. Slayer went on to sell over 20,000,000 records and released 11 albums prior to Hanneman's death. Hanneman originally played a black Gibson Les Paul guitar but later used a Jeff Hanneman Signature model guitar manufactured by ESP.

From Quiz Musicians who Passed Away in 2012.

Answer: Jimmy Jones

Jimmy Jones recorded with a number of groups before going solo in 1959. Jimmy teamed up with songwriter Otis Blackwell and composed "Handy Man". When the flute player didn't show for the recording session Blackwell whistled the part on the intro. Jones was one of the pioneers of falsetto singing which helped propel "Handy Man" to Number Two on the US Billboard charts. Jones followed up with the US Number Three "Good Timin'". Both songs earned Jones a Gold Record. James Taylor and Del Shannon later recorded hit renditions of "Handy Man". After releasing two Top Ten hits Jones was unable to follow up with any Top Forty singles despite recording for a number of labels. "Another Sleepless Night" was released by Jimmy Clanton in 1960. Jimmy Reed released the Top Forty "Baby What You Want Me To Do?" in 1960. Jimmy Charles released the Top Een "A Million To One" with The Revelettes in 1960.

From Quiz Rock & Roll Cemetery III

Answer: AC/DC

After a serious motorcycle accident that ended his time with the band Fraternity, Bon worked as part time chauffeur for then fledgling band AC/DC. More impressed with his singing than his driving, the band soon had him as front man. The day of his death, he left a London club around 3 a.m. with friend Alisdair Kinnear. Unable to drag the inebriated vocalist from his car, Kinnear left him to sleep it off. He awoke the next day to find Scott dead.

From Quiz Musicians We Lost in 2011

Answer: Gerry Rafferty

In 1978 Gerry Rafferty released his first solo album, "City to City". The album contained the US Number Two hit single "Baker Street". He followed up with "Right Down the Line". In 1972 Stealer's Wheel achieved chart success with "Stuck in the Middle" but broke up three years later after releasing less successful efforts. Because of legal issues involving Stealer's Wheel, Rafferty was unable to record for three years before releasing "City to City". Rafferty went on to release two albums in the early nineties and explored the options available through digital recording while releasing albums in 2006 and 2009. He passed from multiple organ failure in January, 2011, at his daughter's home. Todd Rundgren released "Can We Still Be Friends" in 1978. "Everybody Needs Love" was a Stephen Bishop release the same year. Paul Davis had a 1978 US Top Ten hit with "I Go Crazy".

From Quiz Rock & Roll Cemetery II

Answer: Def Leppard

Def Leppard, and the music world, lost Steve January 8,1991. Steve sadly lost his battle with drug and alcohol abuse at age 30. He arguably wrote some of the coolest licks in '80s rock & roll. Steve was replaced by Vivian Campbel who had played guitar for Whitesnake and Dio.

From Quiz Rock & Roll Cemetery I

Answer: Died from a heart attack

Even though Ellen Naomi Cohen, a.k.a. Mama Cass, died of a heart attack, some still believe the urban legend regarding the sandwich, which is false. A reputable coroner determined that the official cause of death was "heart failure due to fatty myocardial degeneration due to obesity". Her tox screen was clean, and no foreign bodies were found that would cause choking. In fact, it was determined that she had eaten very little the day before her death. A newspaper report that a half eaten ham sandwich was found at her Mayfair appartment triggered the myth that trivialized her reputation for decades. I hope this lays it to rest. Referenced from her official website.

From Quiz Musicians Who Passed Away at Age 27

Answer: Spanky and Our Gang

In addition to his work on guitar Malcolm Hale was Spanky and Our Gang's arranger, played a variety of instruments and sang backup. The group released their eponymous debut album in 1967. "Sunday Will Never Be the Same", "Making Every Minute Count" and "Lazy Day" were three singles released from the album that hit the US Top Forty. Their "Like to Get to Know You" album was released the following year and the title track also became a hit single. That same year Hale accidentally passed due to an apparent carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a defective heating system. Early the following year the group disbanded. Vocalist Elaine McFarlane continued on as a solo artist, appearing on Broadway and as a replacement for Mama Cass in a revised lineup of the Mamas and the Papas. Harper's Bizarre's biggest US hit was a rendition of Paul Simon's "Feelin' Groovy". Fairport Convention was a British Folk group that has released over 50 albums since forming in the sixties.

From Quiz Musicians We Lost in 2010

Answer: Don Glen Vliet

Don Glen Vliet began using the Captain Beefheart persona in 1964. The name was inspired by a collaboration with Frank Zappa called "Captain Beefheart vs. the Grunt People". Along with an ever-changing lineup of musicians he dubbed The Magic Band Beefheart toured and released a dozen albums until the early eighties. Captain Beefheart's debut album, "Safe as Milk" was released in 1967. He had a powerful voice and could play the saxophone, harmonica and a number of wind instruments. "Ice Cream for Crow" (1982) was the last studio album for Captain Beefheart. He retired in seclusion with his wife while dealing with the effects of multiple sclerosis. James Newell Osterberg, Jr. is Iggy Pop's birth name. Vincent Damon Furnier took the stage name Alice Cooper and Hugh Nanton Romney was known as Wavy Gravy.

From Quiz Deceased Legends of Hip Hop

Answer: Eazy-E

Eric "Eazy E" Wright was the founder of the record label "Ruthless Records", and the group "NWA". He is credited to starting the gangster rap genre.

From Quiz Gone But Not Forgotten

Answer: Cowboy Copas

Cowboy Copas' first solo single was "Filipino Baby" which made No. 4 on the "Billboard" country chart. In 1960 he released "Alabam", the biggest hit of his career, which stayed at No. 1 on the chart for three months. Copas is buried in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

From Quiz Musicians We Lost in 2009

Answer: Leaving on a Jet Plane

"Leaving on a Jet Plane" was not only the trio's first US Billboard Number One hit, it was their only Billboard Hot 100 Number One song. "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" and "Blowin' in the Wind" both made it to Number Two in 1963. "I Dig Rock and Roll Music" made the Top Ten in 1967, peaking at Number Nine. The members of the group were songwriters but they also enjoyed success with songs written by other great artists. John Denver composed "Leaving on a Jet Plane" under the title of "Oh Babe I Hate To Go" until his manager convinced him to change the name of the song. "Blowin' in the Wind" was written and performed by Bob Dylan. Leonard Lipton collaborated with Peter Yarrow to compose "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" and Paul Stookey wrote "I Dig Rock and Roll Music" with Jim Mason and Dave Dixon.

From Quiz Deaths of Rock and Roll Artists

Answer: The Bar-Kays

The Bar-Kays were originally session musicians at Stax records. As a group they released a few singles for the label. In 1966 Otis selected the band to be his backing group. After he performed at Monterrey in 1967, Otis came to national prominence and he and the band toured steadily. Trumpet player Ben Cauley, guitar player Jimmy King, organist Ronnie Caldwell, drummer Carl Cunningham and sax player Phalon Jones accompanied him on the plane after they played a date in Cleveland, Ohio. Bass player James Alexander was on a commercial flight because the chartered plane could not accommodate the whole band. Ben Cauley survived the crash, but Otis and the other members of the band perished. Alexander reformed the band. Crash survivor Ben Cauley later became the music director at the Longview United Methodist Church and played occasional dates in jazz venues around Memphis. The MGs were Stax artist Booker T's backing band. The Marketts were a surf band from California that had a 1964 instrumental hit with "Out of Limits". The Mad Lads was a Stax R and B group.

From Quiz Deaths At 27

Answer: Musicians who all died at the age of 27.

The 27 club is the name for a group of famous musicians who all died at the age of 27. It is also known as Club 27 or the Forever 27 Club. Most of the deaths were within a two year period of one another.

From Quiz Musicians Who Died in February

Answer: Iowa

The "Winter Dance Party" tour had performed at The Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay, Wisconsin, before performing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. The engagement was not originally a scheduled date on the tour, but had been added at the last minute. Dion and the Belmonts, Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper were part of the lineup. After the show ended, Buddy Holly chartered a Beechcraft to take them to their next show at an Armory in Moorhead, Minnesota. Originally the plane was to take three of Buddy Holly's band members to Wisconsin. Waylon Jennings was Holly's bass player but gave up his seat to The Big Bopper because he had the flu. Guitar player Tommy Allsup flipped a coin with Ritchie Valens and Valens won the toss. Buddy's drummer, Carl Bunch, was recovering from frostbite and had not been scheduled to take the plane. Holly, Valens, The Big Bopper and pilot Roger Peterson died upon impact at the crash site a few miles from Clear Lake, Iowa.

From Quiz Musicians We Lost in 2008

Answer: Gail Robinson

Gail Robinson was only 62 when she passed from rheumatoid arthritis complications. Born in Tennessee in 1946, she was just 19 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She began her career in opera with a small part in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" and by age 24 she had performed her first Met Lucia. She gave her final performance in 1987 because of health concerns and finished her career as a Professor of Voice, spending considerable time mentoring young singers. British soprano Jane Eaglen was born in 1960 and is still performing. American soprano Deborah Voigt was also born in 1960. Pennsylvania native and soprano Renée Fleming was born in 1959 and is scheduled for performances at the Metropolitan Opera in 2009.

From Quiz The Days (and Ways) the Music Died

Answer: Ritchie Valens

Valens, only 17 at the time of the February 3, 1959 plane crash, was the only one of the singers who had a single on the charts at the time. His single "Donna" had been released in late 1958 and peaked at Number 2. Holly, the most established of the three, had been in a slump, with no top 10 hits the year before he died, and "Heartbeat," his last single before the plane crash, peaking at 82. The Big Bopper's song "Chantilly Lace" was his principal hit, with 22 weeks on the charts after its release in the summer of 1958, but it had slipped from the charts by the start of 1959. The "B" side of "Donna" was "La Bamba," the song that Valens is best remembered for today.

From Quiz Deceased Musicians

Answer: John Bonham

After Bonham died Led Zeppelin broke up, but during special reunions his son, Jason, would sit in on drums.

From Quiz The Day The Music Died

Answer: J.P. Richardson

Jiles Perry Richardson was a popular Beaumont Texas DJ before embarking on his recording career.

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Last Updated Apr 22 2024 11:03 AM

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