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1950s Music Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
1950s Music Quizzes, Trivia

1950s Music Trivia

1950s Music Trivia Quizzes

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104 1950s Music quizzes and 1,456 1950s Music trivia questions.
1.
  Crooner, Torch or Rock and Roll    
Classification Quiz
 12 Qns
The 1950s saw a variety of music genres become popular. Sort these songs according to who recorded them; Perry Como the crooner, Peggy Lee the torch singer, or Buddy Holly the rock and roll star.
Average, 12 Qns, spanishliz, Dec 02 24
Average
spanishliz editor
Dec 02 24
319 plays
2.
  #1s from the 50s   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
In this quiz I will give you the name of the number one song for each year of the decade, which will be in parentheses, then it is for you to match the artist with the song or, in some cases, vice versa. The source for this quiz is Billboard's year-end c
Easier, 10 Qns, ncterp, May 17 24
Easier
ncterp gold member
May 17 24
450 plays
3.
  Behind the Green Door   popular trivia quiz  
Fun Fill-It
 17 Qns
Complete the lyrics
Fill in the lyrics of this 1950s song "The Green Door" and if you ever find out what's behind it, please keep it secret!
Very Easy, 17 Qns, Chavs, Nov 19 23
Very Easy
Chavs gold member
Nov 19 23
207 plays
4.
  The First Billboard Hot 100 - Top Ten   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Before August of 1958 Billboard published a number of charts of different sizes and source. For the week ending August 04 1958 Billboard began the Hot 100. This quiz concerns the first top ten chart from that Hot 100.
Average, 10 Qns, Desimac, Sep 30 23
Average
Desimac gold member
Sep 30 23
349 plays
5.
Hits of the 1950s
  Hits of the 1950s   popular trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
A question about a hit from each year of the 1950s.
Average, 10 Qns, EnglishJedi, Jun 18 18
Average
EnglishJedi gold member
Jun 18 18
1856 plays
6.
  1950 to1955 - Music, Music, Music   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This is volume II of music from the early 1950s, what I like to call the "no era" era. I hope you enjoy the reminiscing and good luck!
Average, 15 Qns, maddogrick16, Jul 07 24
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
Jul 07 24
6430 plays
7.
  Oldies 1150, Big 500 Countdown Part 6   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Every year my local oldies radio station (CKOC in Hamilton, Ontario) compiles a countdown of the top 500 oldies, based on listeners' votes. Here is a sampling of some of the songs from the '50s that made the 2004 list (not counted down in order).
Easier, 10 Qns, skunkee, Mar 17 10
Easier
skunkee gold member
5688 plays
8.
  Hits of the late 1950s   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
I will give you the title of a song and you tell me which singer or group sang it. Good luck!
Average, 15 Qns, Velvet_Rain, Apr 06 16
Average
Velvet_Rain
6793 plays
9.
  Name That Tune ("O.G." Rock Version)   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
The ten most iconic original 1950s rock songs of all-time are listed. Simply match them with the correct first three lyrics of the song, and you will Name That Tune.
Easier, 10 Qns, mj20, Mar 12 22
Easier
mj20
Mar 12 22
711 plays
10.
  Lyrics From The 50s - Final Instalment!   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
I started this series with 20 questions and I'll end the same way. Enjoy the reminiscing!
Average, 20 Qns, maddogrick16, Nov 01 15
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
5041 plays
trivia question Quick Question
Who originally sang the song "Susie Q", when it was released in 1957?

From Quiz "Oldies Music for Beginners"




11.
  Memories of Childhood   best quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Many of these songs, from 1958 and 1959, were in my collection of 45s before I was ten, and at least one my mother had on a 78. All you have to do is match the snippet of lyric on the left with the performer(s) on the right.
Easier, 10 Qns, spanishliz, Apr 16 19
Easier
spanishliz editor
Apr 16 19
662 plays
12.
  Song Lyrics From The 1950s   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
You'll be asked to either identify the artist or the song title of these songs back in the days when you could "really" sing along. If this is well received, I'll do more!
Average, 20 Qns, maddogrick16, Apr 09 20
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
Apr 09 20
4672 plays
13.
  1950 to 1955 - the "No Era" era   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
The big band era ended in the late 40's. The rock era began in 1955. What filled up the vacuum? Some mighty fine vocals and instrumentals! Let's reminisce a bit and have some fun.
Average, 15 Qns, maddogrick16, Nov 01 15
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
4690 plays
14.
  Sing Me '50s Rock and Roll Volume 2   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Because I love '50s music so much, here is a second helping of the fabulous Rock and Roll music of the '50s. Can you Sing Me '50s Rock and Roll Volume 2? All you need to do is match the songs with the artists. Good luck!
Average, 10 Qns, wenray, Jul 11 22
Average
wenray
Jul 11 22
1584 plays
15.
  Sing Me '50s Rock and Roll   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The 1950s produced some of the greatest rock and roll songs ever. It was very hard to select ten songs for this quiz, so I have picked rock and roll songs that I like best. All you need to do is tell me who had these hits. Good luck.
Easier, 10 Qns, wenray, Sep 06 16
Easier
wenray
1959 plays
16.
  Lyrics From the 50s - IV   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
More 50s lyrics.
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Nov 01 15
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
4396 plays
17.
  Lyrics From The 50s - V   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Keep those 45s dust free!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Sep 07 20
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
Sep 07 20
4503 plays
18.
  Pop Music Hits: 1955-1959   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here is a quiz on some of the early hit songs of rock and roll music. Good luck and have fun.
Average, 10 Qns, mrgrouchy, Sep 01 16
Average
mrgrouchy
1862 plays
19.
  For Oldies Only   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Remember when you could actually hum tunes? Match the singers to their 1950s' songs.
Average, 10 Qns, nyirene330, Feb 16 17
Average
nyirene330
549 plays
20.
  Lyrics From The 50's - II   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A few more '50s lyrics questions - by popular demand!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Nov 01 15
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
3654 plays
21.
  You Must Remember This   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Surely you must remember the lyrics to these 1950s songs? I do and I wasn't born until 1991.
Average, 10 Qns, Joepetz, Nov 15 21
Average
Joepetz gold member
Nov 15 21
1266 plays
22.
  Oldies for Oldies   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The songs in this quiz are No. 1 hits from the '50s. If you are an oldie like me you may remember them. If you are not an oldie, just guess. UK chart: Guinness book of British Hit Singles. US chart: Joel Whitburn's Billboard Top Pop Singles.
Average, 10 Qns, shipyardbernie, Oct 16 19
Average
shipyardbernie gold member
Oct 16 19
417 plays
23.
  Oldies for Oldies: Vol.2   top quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
The songs in this quiz are No. 1 hits from the '50s. If you are an oldie like me you may remember them. If you are not an oldie, just guess. UK chart: Guinness book of British Hit Singles. US chart: Joel Whitburn's Billboard Top Pop Singles.
Average, 10 Qns, shipyardbernie, Sep 26 19
Average
shipyardbernie gold member
Sep 26 19
444 plays
24.
  Vintage 1950s Rock and Roll Groups    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
For this easy quiz, you only need to match a rock group from the 1950s with its lead singer.
Easier, 10 Qns, lowtechmaster, Aug 24 15
Easier
lowtechmaster
1219 plays
25.
  Match Song to Artist - US Top 15 of 1952    
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
These are the US Top 15 songs in order for 1952 according to Billboard Magazine. Match each song with its artist.
Easier, 15 Qns, jcmttt, Aug 13 21
Easier
jcmttt gold member
Aug 13 21
375 plays
26.
  Number 1 Billboard Hits 1950 - 1959   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll give you lyrics from ten songs that were number one hits according to the US Billboard Hot 100. You do the rest.
Average, 10 Qns, suzi_greer, Jan 24 19
Average
suzi_greer
Jan 24 19
2090 plays
27.
  Influential 1950s Musicians    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These musicians were in on the ground floor of rock and roll. Each of them has had a lasting influence on popular music.
Average, 10 Qns, elmo7, Jul 18 22
Average
elmo7
Jul 18 22
542 plays
28.
  Match Song to Artist - US Top 15 of 1954    
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
These are the US Top 15 songs in order for 1954 according to Billboard Magazine. Match each song with its artist.
Average, 15 Qns, jcmttt, Aug 13 21
Average
jcmttt gold member
Aug 13 21
464 plays
29.
  Do you Know your Rock and Roll Era: Part 2   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Have fun with this quiz that turns the clock back to the 50s. I know there are still some teenagers out there from that era who will have some fond memories from this quiz.
Easier, 10 Qns, zambesi, Sep 13 19
Easier
zambesi
Sep 13 19
486 plays
30.
  Oldies Music for Beginners   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here is a quiz that deals with some real oldies. Have fun.
Average, 10 Qns, paulisnotdead, Mar 14 13
Average
paulisnotdead
4052 plays
31.
  The '50s: Not All Rock 'n' Roll Vol.2   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
From 1955 Rock 'n' Roll started to dominate the music charts but not all was lost by the ballad singers, just yet. US chart: Joel Whitburn's Billboard book of Top Pop Singles. UK chart: Guinness book of British Hit Singles.
Average, 10 Qns, shipyardbernie, Oct 31 17
Average
shipyardbernie gold member
466 plays
32.
  Match Song to Artist - US Top 15 of 1953    
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
These are the US Top 15 songs in order for 1953 according to Billboard Magazine. Match each song with its artist.
Average, 15 Qns, jcmttt, Aug 13 21
Average
jcmttt gold member
Aug 13 21
392 plays
33.
  1950s: Giants of Popular Music   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Enjoy this journey back to the iconic music days of the 1950s!
Average, 10 Qns, BenTNickel, Sep 29 19
Average
BenTNickel
Sep 29 19
666 plays
34.
  Oldies but Goodies: The 1950s   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Match the correct song or singer to the information given. If you are too young to remember vinyl, this may not be the quiz for you!
Average, 10 Qns, nyirene330, Aug 24 21
Average
nyirene330
Aug 24 21
1155 plays
35.
  Lyrics From The 50s - III   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Sing along with me... more lyrics from the 1950's!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Oct 11 21
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
Oct 11 21
2558 plays
36.
  The '50s: Not All Rock 'n' Roll Vol.1   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
From 1955 Rock 'n' Roll started to dominate the music charts but not all was lost by the ballad singers, just yet. US chart: Joel Whitburn's Billboard book of Top Pop Singles. UK chart: Guinness book of British Hit Singles.
Average, 10 Qns, shipyardbernie, Oct 31 17
Average
shipyardbernie gold member
436 plays
37.
  Do you Know your Rock and Roll Era: Part One   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Have fun with this quiz that turns the clock back to the 50s. I know there are still some teenagers out there from that era who will have some fond memories from this quiz.
Average, 10 Qns, zambesi, Oct 25 22
Average
zambesi
Oct 25 22
546 plays
38.
  Boomers-The Formative Years (B-TFY) 4    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Yes, it's the 50s again and "twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe." The quiz that follows is more slithy than brillig, but I think you can enjoy it anyway. Suspend your intellect.
Average, 10 Qns, gfitz47, Nov 05 16
Average
gfitz47
369 plays
39.
  Match Song to Artist - US Top 15 of 1951    
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
These are the US Top 15 songs in order for 1951 according to Billboard Magazine (One song has been removed (#14) and replaced by number 16 because it appeared twice in the list). Simply match each song with its artist.
Average, 15 Qns, jcmttt, Apr 01 21
Average
jcmttt gold member
Apr 01 21
382 plays
40.
  Match Song to Artist - US Top 15 of 1950    
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
These are the US Top 15 songs in order for 1950 according to Billboard Magazine (One song has been removed (#7) and replaced by number 16 because it appeared twice in the list). Simply match each song with its artist.
Average, 15 Qns, jcmttt, Sep 05 21
Average
jcmttt gold member
Sep 05 21
417 plays
41.
  Boomers-The Formative Years (B-TFY) 2   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
So it's the same drill as the first B-TFY, songs either written or recorded in the Boomer years, concentrating on the fifties and not restricted to a specific genre. So return with me now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. (yawn)
Average, 10 Qns, gfitz47, Sep 28 16
Average
gfitz47
258 plays
42.
  Number One Hits, 1955-1959   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Between 1955 and 1959, the Billboard Top 40 Pop Singles lists 88 songs that reached Number One. This quiz is about the ONLY Number One songs (ever) for ten artists. How many can you identify?
Average, 10 Qns, lowtechmaster, Mar 11 16
Average
lowtechmaster
890 plays
43.
  Boomers-The Formative Years 7 (B-TFY 7)   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Songs chosen using my filter. Interesting facts are often neither. Trust me. Close your eyes and fall back, I got you. Whoa! I wasn't ready! You OK?
Average, 10 Qns, gfitz47, Feb 04 17
Average
gfitz47
283 plays
44.
  Jukebox Hits 1   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here are songs from the 50s and 60s. See if you can match them to the artist who performed them. Put a quarter in...and let the fun begin! (Let me know if you like this quiz - there could be more!)
Average, 10 Qns, Mimi_S, Feb 18 24
Average
Mimi_S
Feb 18 24
3802 plays
45.
  Voices from the 50s   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here's a look at some songs and singers from the fifties. Some rock, some not.
Average, 10 Qns, robert362, May 24 10
Average
robert362
3829 plays
46.
  Boomers-The Formative Years (B-TFY) 3    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In the 50s while you listened to the radio to real music, lurking in the background were your parents' songs, songs from other parts of the country or world and unique genres that you completely missed. Too bad, you can't go home again.
Average, 10 Qns, gfitz47, Oct 24 16
Average
gfitz47
499 plays
47.
  Memories   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Memories of singers and songs from the '50's.
Average, 10 Qns, silver951, Sep 10 15
Average
silver951
5474 plays
48.
  Number One Hits, 1955-1959, Part II    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Billboard Top 100, renamed Hot 100, had over 85 songs reach Number One from 1955-1959. Which of these songs, artists, and years can you identify?
Average, 10 Qns, lowtechmaster, Oct 04 24
Average
lowtechmaster
Oct 04 24
600 plays
49.
  The Sheet Music Chart   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Before November 1952 Britain did not have a record sales chart. The hit parade was based on a sheet music sales chart broadcast by Radio Luxembourg.
Average, 10 Qns, Christinap, Nov 10 11
Average
Christinap
389 plays
50.
  Boomers-The Formative Years (B-TFY)5   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here are more inspirational songs and little known facts from the 1950s. Disclaimer: These facts may not inspire you nor have any relation to your interpretation of reality, but hey, it's not about you.
Average, 10 Qns, gfitz47, Dec 23 16
Average
gfitz47
314 plays
51.
  Boomers-The Formative Years (B-TFY) 6    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Same as previous quizzes save we had to cut back on the humor. Writers from China are getting paid more per joke. Some non mainstream songs. Hope you still enjoy.
Average, 10 Qns, gfitz47, Jan 12 17
Average
gfitz47
207 plays
52.
  Torch Songs   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A torch song is a sentimental love song, typically one in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love. These torch songs are from the 1950s and 60s - can you identify the singer of these torch songs?
Tough, 10 Qns, flossy50, Nov 16 12
Tough
flossy50
909 plays
53.
  More Fifties Tunes    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Here's another fifties music quiz. Hope you enjoy it!
Average, 15 Qns, Dorfette, Apr 16 13
Average
Dorfette
3577 plays
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1950s Music Trivia Questions

1. Which singer was trying to "Mambo Italiano" in 1955?

From Quiz
Oldies for Oldies

Answer: Rosemary Clooney

"Mambo Italiano", written by Bob Merrill, peaked at number nine on the Billboard Pop Chart for Rosemary Clooney in 1954. It was number one for three weeks on the UK Singles Chart in 1955. Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky, USA, in 1928. Between 1951 and 1957 she had eight Top Ten hits on the Billboard Chart which included four number one hits, "Come On-a My House" (1951), "Half As Much" (1952), "Hey There" (1954) and "This Ole House" (1954). Between 1952 and 1955 Rosemary Clooney had six Top Ten hits on the UK Singles Chart which included two number one hits, "This Ole House" (1954) and "Mambo Italiano" (1955). Rosemary Clooney was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001. After surgery she died in Beverly Hills, California, USA, in 2002 aged 74.

2. The Chordettes sang "Please turn on your magic beam _____ bring me a dream". What is missing?

From Quiz Do you Know your Rock and Roll Era: Part 2

Answer: Mr. Sandman

The Chordettes were a female singing quartet who recorded this song in 1954. The Sandman is a mythical folklore character who puts people to sleep, brings good dreams and sprinkles magic sand into the eyes.

3. In the Everly Brothers' hit of 1957, "Wake Up Little Susie", when did "Little Susie" finally wake up?

From Quiz Do you Know your Rock and Roll Era: Part One

Answer: The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock

The song was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and released by the Everly Brothers in September 1957. It topped the charts in the US.

4. The first female singer to have a number one hit in the UK was Jo Stafford. What was the title of that number one hit with these lyrics? "See the pyramids along the Nile Watch the sun rise on a tropic isle"

From Quiz The '50s: Not All Rock 'n' Roll Vol.2

Answer: You Belong To Me

"You Belong To Me" was written by Pee Wee King/Chilton Price/Redd Stewart. It was number one for one week on the UK singles chart for Jo Stafford in 1953. It peaked at number one on the Billboard chart in 1952. Jo Elizabeth Stafford was born in Coalinga, California, USA, in 1917. Her first US chart hit was the "The Trolley Song" as part of the group The Pied Pipers. It peaked at number two in 1944. Their version of the song charted higher than the original version by Judy Garland from the movie "Meet Me In St. Louis", which peaked at number four. During the '40s Jo Stafford had 18 Top Ten hits in the US, two of which, "Candy" with Johnny Mercer (1945) and "Temptation" with Red Ingle & the Natural Seven (1947), hit the number one spot. In the '50s she had 11 US Top Ten hits which included the number one hits "You Belong To Me" (1952) and "Make Love to Me" (1954). She died of congestive heart failure in Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA, in 2008 aged 90.

5. The auntie of a famous movie star had a hit in the '50s with the song "Hey There". What is her name?

From Quiz The '50s: Not All Rock 'n' Roll Vol.1

Answer: Rosemary Clooney

"Hey There" written by Richard Adler/Jerry Ross was number one for six weeks on the Billboard Best Sellers chart for Rosemary Clooney in 1954. It peaked at number four on the UK singles chart in 1955. Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky, USA, in 1928. She made her first recordings for Columbia records in 1946, where she sang with Tony Pastor's big band until 1949. She had her first hit on the Billboard chart in 1948 with "You Started Something" which peaked at number 16. Between 1951 and 1957 she had eight Top Ten hits on the Billboard Top 100, which included the four number one hits, "Come On-a My House" (1951), "Half As Much" (1952), "Hey There" (1954) and "This Ole House" (1954). In the UK between 1952 and 1957 she had seven Top 20 hits which included six Top Ten hits of which two were number one hits, "This Ole House" (number one for one week in 1954) and "Mambo Italiano" (number one for three weeks in 1955). She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001 and died in Beverly Hills, California, USA, in 2002 aged 74.

6. In 1955, who had a Number One hit on the Billboard Top 100 with "Hearts Of Stone"?

From Quiz Number One Hits, 1955-1959, Part II

Answer: Fontane Sisters

The Fontane Sisters had 11 songs in the top 40 of the Billboard Top 100 from 1955-1958; "Hearts Of Stone" was their only Number One record. "Hearts Of Stone" was a Number 15 hit for The Charms in 1955. In 1961, it reached Number 20 for Bill Black's Combo, and in 1973, it got to Number 37 for Blue Ridge Rangers. The only other Top Ten hit for the Fontane Sisters was "Seventeen" in 1955.

7. In 1955, Bill Haley and His Comets had their only Number One hit on the Billboard Top 40 Pop Singles. Which song was it?

From Quiz Number One Hits, 1955-1959

Answer: Rock Around The Clock

"Rock Around The Clock," the theme for the film "Blackboard Jungle," spent eight weeks at Number One. Haley and His Comets had 16 Top 40 hits 1954-1958. "See You Later Alligator" reached Number Six in 1956. "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" charted at Number Seven in 1954. And "Burn That Candle" reached Number Nine in 1955.

8. What was the clothing item worn by Pat Boone onstage which became his "trademark"?

From Quiz 1950s: Giants of Popular Music

Answer: white suede shoes

Mr. Pat Boone during his career placed in the U.S. Billboard charts with 38 songs (through June 1962). He often re-recorded songs originally recorded by black recording artists: case in point was the song, "Ain't That A Shame" which placed on the U.S. Billboard charts the same week recording artist Fats Domino, placed his original version. Mr. Boone's trademark were his white suede shoes.

9. What was the name of the rock group that Bill Haley led? [Halley knows.]

From Quiz Vintage 1950s Rock and Roll Groups

Answer: His Comets

Bill Haley and His Comets ushered in the Rock and Roll Era with "Rock Around the Clock," which was a Number One hit for eight weeks on the Billboard Top 40 Hits list in 1955. The song was also featured that year in the film "The Blackboard Jungle." From 1954-1958, the group had 13 Top 40 hits, including "See You Later, Alligator" (Number Six in 1956) and "Burn That Candle" (Number Nine in 1955). [Halley's Comet is named after its 1705 discoverer, Edmond Halley. Wonder if that helped Bill Haley to name his group?]

10. It can be argued which song was the "first" rock and roll song but, clearly, "Rock Around the Clock" was one of the most popular; which group made the song famous in 1954?

From Quiz Oldies but Goodies: The 1950s

Answer: Bill Haley and His Comets

Going back to the beginning (arguably), Bill Haley and his Comets band began in 1952 and, in 1954, recorded the most successful rendition of "Rock Around the Clock", the song most consider to have "brought rock and roll into mainstream culture around the world". The original full title was "We're Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight", and the song was ranked 158 on Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". BTW, the "A" side was called "Thirteen Women (and Only One Man in Town)", and it was not until "Rock Around the Clock" was played during the opening credits of the 1955 film "Blackboard Jungle" that the song really became famous.

11. Which rock and roll pioneer, born in St Louis Missouri, had a hit in 1958 with "Johnny B Goode"?

From Quiz Sing Me '50s Rock and Roll Volume 2

Answer: Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry wrote "Johnny B Goode" in 1955 and when he recorded it in 1958 it rose to number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the R&B charts. "Johnny B Goode", for its huge influence as a rock and roll song, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. and "Rolling Stone" ranked the song as number one on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time" in 2008. Cover versions have been made by Buck Owens, AC/DC, Aerosmith, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, and the Beatles, just to name a few. Charles Edward Anderson Berry was born in 1926 and is known as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. When he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on its opening in 1985 the comment was made that he "...laid the groundwork for not only a rock and roll sound but a rock and roll stance." He has had such hits as "Maybelline", "Roll Over Beethoven", and "Rock and Roll Music". In 2011 an eight feet (2.4m) tall statue of Chuck Berry, erected along the St. Louis Walk of Fame, was dedicated in a ceremony attended by Chuck Berry, who is still performing today

12. In January 1950 the "Harry Lime Theme" topped the sheet music chart for four weeks. Who both wrote and recorded this?

From Quiz The Sheet Music Chart

Answer: Anton Karas

The theme from the spy film "The Third Man" starring Orson Welles and directed by Carol Reed, was written and performed by Anton Karas. He was an accomplished zither player, and the massive success of the film and his music led to him touring the world playing to Royalty and Heads of State.

13. Who had a hit with "Poor Little Fool" in 1958?

From Quiz Sing Me '50s Rock and Roll

Answer: Ricky Nelson

Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson in 1940, was a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist. Between 1957 and 1973 he had nineteen top-ten hits. When Billboard Magazine's "Hot 100 Chart" was created, "Poor Little Fool" was its first number one song. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He, and seven others, were killed when his plane crashed in Texas in December 1985.

14. This song was translated from French and the lyrics include: "If you go away as I know you must/ There'll be nothing left in the world to trust". Who sang the original French version?

From Quiz Torch Songs

Answer: Jacques Brel

Jacqes Brel wrote and sang this torch song on his 1959 album "La Valse à Mille Temps". The French title is 'Ne me Quitte Pas' whilst the English title is 'If You Go Away'. Rod McKuen penned the English version and Shirley Bassey has recorded a memorable version.

15. Released in 1957, who sang "Love Letters in the Sand"?

From Quiz Hits of the late 1950s

Answer: Pat Boone

Charles Eugene Patrick Boone was born June 1, 1934. "Love Letters in the Sand" was one of his biggest selling records and featured him whistling in the instrumental break.

16. Who originally sang the song "Susie Q", when it was released in 1957?

From Quiz Oldies Music for Beginners

Answer: Dale Hawkins

Creedence Clearwater Revival covered this song in 1968 and it ended up on their greatest hits, "The Chronicles Volume I"

17. Teresa Brewer burst onto the charts as a nineteen year old in 1950 with a number one hit - "Music! Music! Music!". What's the vehicle for listening to music that Teresa mentions in the opening stanza of the song?

From Quiz 1950 to1955 - Music, Music, Music

Answer: the nickelodeon

"Put another nickel in, in the nickelodeon All I want is lovin' you and music! Music! Music!" The song, written by Stephan Weiss and Bernie Baum, was also recorded by The Ames Brothers, Carmen Cavallaro and Freddy Martin among others with Teresa's version the biggest hit recording. Teresa started in the entertainment business as a two year old and won several talent contests as a child. Subsequent to this, her first, she churned out a steady stream of charting hits until 1961 when she temporarily retired to raise her family. She began recording and entertaining again in 1972 but changed her focus from pop to jazz - her new husband was Bob Thiele, a record producer well connected to the jazz scene. She remained fairly active until her last recording in 1991. As of 2005 and fully retired, she resides in NYC.

18. What was song #188 on the countdown? "I don't know if we're in a garden, Or on a crowded avenue. You are here and so am I. Maybe millions of people go by, But they all disappear from view..."

From Quiz Oldies 1150, Big 500 Countdown Part 6

Answer: I Only Have Eyes For You

The Flamingos were one of the first doo wop bands ever, and this was their biggest hit single. "I Only Have Eyes For You" charted at #11 and #3 on the Pop and R&B charts respectively. "In the Still of the Night", by the Five Satins was #142 on the countdown, "The Great Pretender", by the Platters, was #256, and "Little Darlin'", by the Diamonds, was #59.

19. "Well since my baby left me I found a new place to dwell" The title, please!

From Quiz Lyrics From The 50s - Final Instalment!

Answer: Heartbreak Hotel

Presley's first hit and first #1. Many, many more would follow.

20. "Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do 'Cause there ain't no cure for _____________" What ailment is the singer suffering from?

From Quiz Lyrics From The 50s - V

Answer: The Summertime Blues

This was Eddie Cochran's biggest hit charting #8 in 1958. Unfortunately, he didn't have the opportunity for real stardom losing his life two years later in a car wreck in England at the age of 21. Incidentally, although "The Rockin' Pneumonia..." song is most closely identified with Johnny Rivers who recorded it in 1973, the original version was in fact recorded in 1957 by Huey Smith but it was a minor hit only charting at #52.

21. Name this song from early 1958. "And just in case you feel you want to hold her you'll have a pocketful of starlight."

From Quiz Lyrics From the 50s - IV

Answer: Catch A Falling Star

This million seller was Perry Como's third and last #1 hit of the rock era.

22. "Find a ring and put it on, For you know that this is really love" Name this Como hit.

From Quiz Lyrics From The 50s - III

Answer: "Round And Round"

Como's amazing career spanned from the late 1930's as the featured vocalist for Ted Weems Orchestra right into the 1990's. He had eleven #1 songs prior to the advent of the rock era in 1955. He added three more #1's with "Round And Round", "Hot Diggety" and "Catch A Falling Star". His last chart entry was in 1974.

23. "Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said 'nix, nix' I wanna stick around a while and get my kicks. Let's rock." Name this Elvis #1 hit.

From Quiz Lyrics From The 50's - II

Answer: Jailhouse Rock

A #1 song for Elvis for seven weeks in the fall of 1957. What a cast of characters... Bugsy, Shifty, Spider Murphy, Little Joe, et al!

24. "I was born one mornin', it was drizzlin' rain Fightin' and trouble are my middle name" Name the artist.

From Quiz Song Lyrics From The 1950s

Answer: Tennessee Ernie Ford

"Bless your little pea pickin' heart" was the catch phrase of Tennessee Ernie Ford who scored with "Sixteen Tons", a #1 hit from November 1955.

25. Who sang "Splish Splash"?

From Quiz Memories

Answer: Bobby Darin

Bobby Darin was born in the Bronx in 1936 with the name Walden Robert Casotto. "Splish Splash" was recorded in 1958, and went to number 3 on the charts.

26. Who was singing about her "Dreamboat" in 1955?

From Quiz Oldies for Oldies

Answer: Alma Cogan

"Dreamboat", written by Jack Hoffman, was number one for two weeks on the UK Singles Chart for Alma Cogan in 1955. It did not chart in the USA. Alma Cogan was born Alma Angela Cohen in Whitechapel, London, England, in 1932. She was known as the girl with the giggle in her voice. She had many UK chart hits in the '50s which included four Top Ten hits. By the time The Beatles arrived she was perceived as old fashioned and the hits dried up. She was still popular abroad and had number one hits in Sweden in 1964 and 1965. John Lennon used to mimic her when he was at the Liverpool College of Art but after meeting her in the '60s it was rumoured that they had an affair, long before he met Yoko. Alma Cogan died of ovarian cancer at the Middlesex Hospital, London, England, in 1966 aged 34.

27. "Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do _____" What comes next?

From Quiz Do you Know your Rock and Roll Era: Part 2

Answer: cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues

Eddie Cochran (1938-1960) was an American singer and musician who recorded the song "Summertime Blues" in 1958 which reached number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100. Sadly, at 21 years he was killed in a car accident while on tour in the UK. His other hits were "C'mon Everybody" and "Somethin' Else".

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