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Big Band Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Big Band Quizzes, Trivia

Big Band Trivia

Big Band Trivia Quizzes

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15 Big Band quizzes and 150 Big Band trivia questions.
1.
  Band Leaders and Their Signature Tunes    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Every big band leader had their own theme song. In this quiz match the name of the band leader with the song they're most associated with.
Average, 10 Qns, Stoaty, Nov 02 23
Average
Stoaty gold member
Nov 02 23
217 plays
2.
In the Mood to Sing Sing Sing
  "In the Mood" to "Sing, Sing, Sing"   great trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
The Big Band era produced some of the finest jazz music since the creation of the genre, in my opinion. Here are a few of my favourites, in no particular order.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, reedy, Feb 03 16
Very Easy
reedy gold member
1181 plays
3.
Strike Up the Band
  Strike Up the Band   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
This quiz will test you on some of the bands and bandleaders from the Big Band era, with photo clues to help.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, rossian, Jan 30 16
Very Easy
rossian editor
649 plays
4.
  Big Band Showdown   best quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Hop in the Wayback Machine and see if you can match some of the big bands of the 1930s and '40s with their signature songs. Note that most of the names would be appended with "& His Orchestra" and some of the songs were not the band's original themes.
Average, 10 Qns, CmdrK, Jan 09 17
Average
CmdrK gold member
272 plays
5.
  The Big Bands   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Big band leaders were the 'rock stars' of the 1930s and 1940s though less so in subsequent decades. Here are some questions about that era and the musicians who made it memorable.
Average, 10 Qns, Rehaberpro, Aug 21 15
Average
Rehaberpro
678 plays
6.
  The Most Popular Big Band Hits   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz will focus on THE biggest of big band hits from 1934 to 1945. Ten different big bands from Les Brown to Artie Shaw, their biggest hits based on the charts of the day. Lots of clues to help you along!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Jun 14 23
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
Jun 14 23
1595 plays
7.
  Classic Big Band Theme Songs   top quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Match some of these classic big bands to their theme songs. (some facts gleaned from the book "The Big Bands" by George T. Simon and "The Big Band Almanac" by Leo Walker)
Average, 10 Qns, debodun, Feb 23 20
Average
debodun
Feb 23 20
140 plays
8.
  Big Bands of Yesteryear   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This quiz is for those who remember and appreciate the Big Band era of the 20s, 30s and 40s.
Average, 15 Qns, Pick61, Feb 06 24
Average
Pick61
Feb 06 24
408 plays
9.
  Memorable Moments With The Glenn Miller Orchestra   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Glenn Miller Orchestra was one of the best-selling swing bands of the World War II era and had a number of hits that are still popular today. Put on your dancing shoes and see how well you know these popular music makers of yore.
Average, 10 Qns, darrellcdow, May 31 22
Average
darrellcdow
May 31 22
340 plays
10.
  Glenn Miller   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Glenn Miller's orchestra had a tremendous influence on the music of the 1940's and much of it lives on today. How much do you know about this icon?
Average, 10 Qns, janslam, Aug 23 10
Average
janslam
489 plays
trivia question Quick Question
Can you complete this lyric from one of the Glenn Miller Orchestra's more popular songs? "Pardon me boys is that the ______ Choo-Choo?"

From Quiz "Memorable Moments With The Glenn Miller Orchestra"




11.
  Big Bands "B"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here is another quiz in the big bands series. Let's go back a few years. Good luck.
Tough, 10 Qns, steiny1, Aug 15 15
Tough
steiny1
460 plays
12.
  Big Band Hits   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The biggest hits of the big band era. Can you name the musician who made the song famous?
Average, 10 Qns, Artlara98, Nov 10 14
Average
Artlara98
273 plays
13.
  Big Bands "M"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here are some questions about the big bands.They all have something to do with bands starting with the letter "M". Good luck.
Difficult, 10 Qns, steiny1, Mar 14 13
Difficult
steiny1
410 plays
14.
  Big Bands"A"    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is my second quiz on big bands. Good luck and enjoy.
Difficult, 10 Qns, steiny1, Jul 19 06
Difficult
steiny1
363 plays
15.
  Big Band Leaders    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
Let's go back to the oldies but goodies.
Tough, 5 Qns, steiny1, Jul 19 06
Tough
steiny1
849 plays

Big Band Trivia Questions
1. Who composed the song "Moonlight Serenade"?

From Quiz Big Band Hits

Answer: Glenn Miller

"Moonlight Serenade" was Glenn Miller's signature tune. When it was first introduced in 1939, it became an instant hit.

2. This band from the flapper era was led by Rudy Vallee, who often sang through a megaphone. Their signature tune was "Vagabond Lover". What was the band called?

From Quiz Big Bands of Yesteryear

Answer: The Connecticut Yankees

Vallee wasn't from Connecticut, but came from Vermont. Very popular in the late 20s, two other notable songs in their repetoire included "As Time Goes By" and "Life is just a Bowl of Cherries". The band originally consisted of 2 violins, 2 saxophones, piano, banjo and drums.

3. Where was Glenn Miller born?

From Quiz Glenn Miller

Answer: Clarinda, Iowa

Glen Miller was born on a farm March first, 1904, in Clarinda, Iowa. Sadly, his brilliant career ended when he was only 40.

4. This hit was written by by Joe Garland and Andy Raza and arranged by Glenn Miller. It was performed by Glenn and the orchestra in the 1941 movie "Sun Valley Serenade" and is still a huge favorite with lindy hop and swing dancers the world over.

From Quiz Memorable Moments With The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Answer: In the Mood

"In The Mood" is said to have been based on a piece of music a band leader named Wingy Manone had written years earlier named "Tar Paper Stomp." It was Glenn Miller's biggest hit ever. Even the Beatles got "in the mood", throwing in a few bars of this tune at the end of "All You Need Is Love."

5. What was the theme song of the Ray Anthony Orchestra?

From Quiz Big Bands"A"

Answer: The Man With The Horn

Ray was taught music by his father and began playing in the Antonini Family Orchestra.

6. What was the theme song of the Glenn Miller Band?

From Quiz Big Bands "M"

Answer: "Moonlight Serenade"

The Miller sound was a clarinet lead, with saxophones playing one octave higher.

7. What band leader was known for the question 'Is everybody happy'?

From Quiz Big Band Leaders

Answer: Ted Lewis

Ted played the clarinet and started with the Earl Fuller band in 1915.

8. The song "Sing, Sing, Sing" was most popular with which musician?

From Quiz Big Band Hits

Answer: Benny Goodman

In 1937, Goodman recorded the song, which lasted eight minutes and 43 seconds.

9. "Rippling Rhythms" was what this band played. In fact, that was the name of their theme song. Another hit was "Ritual Fire Dance". Name their leader.

From Quiz Big Bands of Yesteryear

Answer: Shep Fields

Shep Fields was originally the leader of an orchestra that traveled with the dance team of Veloz and Yolande, and was billed as "The Veloz and Yolande Orchestra, under the direction of Shep Fields". He broke away and began playing what was termed "sweet music". He would blow bubbles through a straw at the beginning of "Rippling Rhythms", thus the term, "Rippling". He later changed styles and was billed as "Shep Fields and His New Music." His band included, at one time or another, Sid Caesar (Saxophone) and Ken Curtis (Vocalist).

10. Glenn Miller co-wrote "Room 1411" with which other famous big band leader?

From Quiz Glenn Miller

Answer: Benny Goodman

Miller was playing with Ben Pollack's band in 1928 when he and Benny Goodman wrote "Room 1411". Miller and Goodman also played together in the pit orchestra for the Broadway shows "Strike Up the Band" and "Girl Crazy".

11. What was Count Basie's theme song?

From Quiz Big Bands "B"

Answer: One O'clock Jump

The Count started playing piano with the Benny Moten band in Kansas City and took over after Morten's death. His real name was William, but he obtained the nickname "Count" in 1935.

12. Where was Glenn Miller born?

From Quiz Big Bands "M"

Answer: Iowa

He was born on March 1,1904 in Clarinda,Iowa. He studied music with Boyd Senter and at the University of Colorado.

13. Who played 'The sweetest music this side of heaven'?

From Quiz Big Band Leaders

Answer: Guy Lombardo

Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians started in 1919.

14. Which famous musician composed and performed the song "Woodchopper's Ball"?

From Quiz Big Band Hits

Answer: Woody Herman

"Woodchopper's Ball" was written in 1939 and is considered a jazz standard.

15. This band was known for loud, raucous send ups of popular songs of its day, with music punctuated by cowbells, gun shots, bicycle horns, screams, etc. Spike Jones was its leader. What was its name?

From Quiz Big Bands of Yesteryear

Answer: The City Slickers

Jones usually dressed in a loud, wide lapeled, checkered suit and often played the wash board, along with firing guns into the air, tooting horns, etc. Their most notable hits included "In der Fuhrer's Face", a WWII reference to Adolph Hitler and "Cocktails for Two", much to the consternation of the original composer, it is said. Band members included, at various times, George Rock, Mickey Katz, and Doodles Weaver.

16. When and how did he die?

From Quiz Glenn Miller

Answer: The plane he was in disappeared over the English Channel on 12/15/44

The service band he conducted during WWII contained many outstanding musicians of the time. Many used their experience with the Miller organization as a springboard to careers of their own.

17. In addition to playing in the film "The Big Broadcast of 1936", Glenn Miller and his orchestra were featured prominently in two motion pictures. The first was "Sun Valley Serenade" which starred Sonja Henie. What was the second?

From Quiz Memorable Moments With The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Answer: Orchestra Wives

For some reason, the band takes the name of Gene Morrison's Orchestra for this story of a star-struck girl's troubled marriage to a band member. As if this bit of trickery would make us fail to guess who these tunesmiths really were! The role of trumpet player was a new one for leading man George Montgomery who spent most of his career staring in American Westerns.

18. Who led the 'Bobcats'?

From Quiz Big Band Leaders

Answer: Bob Crosby

He was the youngest brother of Bing.He sang with the group but could not play an instrument.

19. "Frenesí" was performed by which artist during this era?

From Quiz Big Band Hits

Answer: Artie Shaw

Shaw's recording of this song reached number one on the the Billboard pop chart.

20. This band was known as the "Band of Renown" and appeared on virtually every Bob Hope television show and USO tour. Whose band am I talking about?

From Quiz Big Bands of Yesteryear

Answer: Les Brown

The Les Brown band is remembered for introducing "Sentimental Journey", vocalized by Doris Day, whose release coincided with the end of World War II. They were also the house band for the old Steve Allen late night television show. As late as 2001, they were still performing under the direction of Les Brown, Jr.

21. What instrument did Glenn Miller play?

From Quiz Glenn Miller

Answer: Trombone

Like many professional musicians, Miller played more than one instrument, but he specialized in the trombone. When he was conducting he usually had it in hand, ready to play when the trombone solo came.

22. They were brothers. Tommy played the trombone, Jimmy played the sax. They played together early in their careers and late but in between had successful individual Big Bands. What was their last name?

From Quiz The Big Bands

Answer: Dorsey

The Dorsey Brothers were one band until the mid-1930s when Tommy, tired of the constant arguments with his brother, left to form his own band but Jimmy kept the original band together. Tommy's band was more successful than Jimmy's. It was not until 1953 that they reunited. Tommy died in 1956; Jimmy in 1957.

23. Archie Bleyer was musical director for what show?

From Quiz Big Bands "B"

Answer: Arthur Godfrey

After his being musical director for Arthur he became head of Cadence Records. In the early years he also led his own orchestra at the Earl Carroll Club.

24. Danny Alvin had an orchestra in the Big Band era but later formed a combo that was better suited for Dixieland. What instrument did he play?

From Quiz Big Bands"A"

Answer: Drums

As a teen he played drums for Sophie Tucker in New York City. He also once played for Wayne King.

25. What was the name of Glenn Miller's younger brother?

From Quiz Big Bands "M"

Answer: Herb

His younger brother led the Herb Miller Orchestra. He played the trumpet and his engagements were mostly hotels and ballrooms.

26. Who led the 'Band of a thousand melodies'?

From Quiz Big Band Leaders

Answer: Larry Funk

His theme song was 'Rose of Washington Square'. Helen O'Connell got her start singing with this band.

27. Which band leader was most noted for the song "I'll Never Smile Again"?

From Quiz Big Band Hits

Answer: Tommy Dorsey

Tommy Dorsey and his band performed the song while a very young Frank Sinatra sang backed by The Pied Pipers.

28. Woody Herman's band, remembered for their big hit, "Woodchopper's Ball" was often referred to by what name?

From Quiz Big Bands of Yesteryear

Answer: The Herd

Woody Herman played clarinet and sax. Stan Getz was among the members of his band for a time. Among their other hits was "I've got You Under my Skin". His was a 'swing' style, influnced by Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Dizzy Gillespie arranged another hit for the band, titled "Swing Shift."

29. In whose orchestra did Glenn Miller have a regular gig in the mid 1930's?

From Quiz Glenn Miller

Answer: The Dorsey Brothers

During the Big Band Era musicians often shifted back and forth between bands but being a member one of these was the important step that enhanced Miller's career.The Dorsey brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, started together and during this period Glenn played trombone for them. When they split into separate organizations, Glenn went with Tommy.

30. What melodic combination of instruments did Glenn discover and use for his signature sound?

From Quiz Memorable Moments With The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Answer: A clarinet and three saxophones.

According to the movie, the "Glenn Miller Story" it was after a trumpeter in the band hurt his mouth that Glenn decided to let a clarinet take the main melody line in the band. With the clarinet holding the melody and a tenor sax playing the same note, they'd be joined by three other saxophones playing harmony. It was musical dynamite and Glenn turned it into a sound that was enjoyed by millions.

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Last Updated Nov 15 2025 5:49 AM
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