In Other Words by Decade Trivia

1. Can you identify this well-known 1950s rock'n'roll song? 'Now, Jonathan, I'm depending on you to behave yourself' (Chuck Berry, 1957)

From Quiz 'Sizzling Supersuns' - 50s Rock in Other Words

Answer: Johnny B Goode

What better way to begin this quiz than with one of the most famous rock'n'roll songs of all time, not to mention Chuck Berry's signature tune among his many guitar classics? It's considered so essential to American culture a recording of it is currently leaving our solar system on the Voyager spacecraft. There have been numerous covers, but perhaps the most well known is the one by Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) in the 1986 movie 'Back to the Future' (Michael's performance is dubbed). For the record, the original made US Billboard number eight and R & B number two, but its stature over the years far exceeds that of its initial sales. 'Bad Boy' was a 1957 Larry Williams original best known from a 1965 Beatles cover. 'Johnny Angel' was a 1962 hit for actress Shelley Fabares (number one US Hot 100), and 'Who Slapped John?' was recorded by Gene Vincent and his original Blue Caps (featuring legendary rockabilly guitar pioneer Cliff Gallup) in 1956.

From Quiz Early Song Titles in Other Words

Answer: In The Mood

"In The Mood" was written by the great American big band leader, Glenn Miller, and became a huge hit from the time it was released in the US in 1939. The sound of the brass in this song is invigorating and exciting and makes listeners feel happy and more alive somehow. It well and truly earns the description of one of "The 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century" by the National Public Library. My favourite presentation is the instrumental, but there are several different versions of lyrics as well, saucy and flirtatious, which probably shocked the sensibilities of the conservatives at the time. A few lines from the song that the Andrew Sisters made popular follow: "Mr. What-ya-call-em what you doin' tonight Hope you're in the mood because I'm feeling just right How's about a corner with a table for two Where the music's mellow in some gay rendezvous There's no chance romancin' With a blue attitude You gotta do some dancin' to get In the mood!"

From Quiz What They Were Singing About

Answer: Lady Gaga

"A one-sided game of tennis" - "Love Game". "An instruction to move rhythmically and nothing else" - "Just Dance". "Her effective tactics whilst gambling" - "Poker Face". Lady Gaga made her break in 2008 with hit album, "The Fame". From this album came successful singles, "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "Love Game" and "Paparazzi". Her second release, "Poker Face", reached number one in USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Great Britain. It also became the highest selling single in the UK in 2009. It's not just her songs which have captured the public attention, but her fashion style too. Gaga has been seen in some very eye-catching outfits over the past few years, both in her music videos and when making public appearances.

From Quiz Re-Named 80's Bands & Singers (In Other Words...)

Answer: Neil Diamond

He had UK hits throughout the 70's, 80's, and 90's and I can vouch for the fact that he was still excellent when I saw him in concert earlier this year! :0)

From Quiz 'Sizzling Supersuns' - 50s Rock in Other Words

Answer: The Great Pretender

Featuring the lead vocal of Tony Williams, this was the second Platters hit, and the first for them of four US Billboard number-ones. Their first, 'Only You' also made Top Ten and R & B number one. The others were 'My Prayer', 'Twilight Time' and 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes'. They had many lesser hits and were a very influential vocal group in the early days of rock'n'roll. 'How Great Thou Art' is one of the best-known church hymns, with lyrics dating back to the 19th century. The original Russian melody is said to be much older. It's also the title of a 1967 Elvis Presley gospel album. 'Duke of Earl' was a number-one independent doo-wop hit for Gene Chandler on both Billboard Hot 100 and R & B, spawning the response 'Duchess of Earl' by the Pearlettes, which barely charted. 'King of Fools' was the B-side of a 1962 update of 'Be-Bop-a-Lula' by Gene Vincent.

From Quiz Early Song Titles in Other Words

Answer: Moonlight Serenade

Another song by Glenn Miller is the 1939 smooth and dreamy "Moonlight Serenade". I don't care for it at all, but from the time it was released, initially in instrumental form, it was a big US hit. Such was its popularity that Miller retained it as his "theme song" from that time on. It spent weeks at the top of music charts in several other countries as well when released there. An astonishing number of performers have recorded both this song's lyrical and instrumental versions over the years, including a presentation that proved to be one of his most popular songs when Frank Sinatra released it in 1965. Some of Glenn Miller's rather corny lyrics follow: "I stand at your gate and the song that I sing Is of moooooooonlight I stand and I wait for the touch of your hand In the Juuuuuuune night The roses are sighing A Moonlight Serenaaaaade".

From Quiz What They Were Singing About

Answer: Leona Lewis

"Moving rapidly without planes, trains, or automobiles" - "Run". "Something other than a parrot which repeats her words" - "Echo". Leona Lewis won the 2007 version of the X Factor - the UK talent show created by Simon Cowell. Since winning, she has had success with singles such as "A Moment Like This" (debut), "Bleeding Love", and "Happy". Whilst few deny Leona's vocal abilities, some have called attention to her seeming "lack of personality", which manager Cowell puts down to shyness. Lewis holds several awards as well as many distinctions. Such distinctions include being the first British female ever to top the US album charts with her debut album, as well as being the first British female soloist to attain a number one single in the US since Kim Wilde in 1987.

From Quiz 'Sizzling Supersuns' - 50s Rock in Other Words

Answer: A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

This iconic US number-three, UK number-eight single made the flamboyant boogie-woogie pianist and singer an instant international sensation. There was an original version by blues singer Big Maybelle, but it bore little resemblance. Various people claim credit for the composition so best not to speculate here. It was followed by an even bigger hit, and the title motif for this quiz, 'Great Balls of Fire', number one on both sides of the Atlantic. Lewis's meteoric rise was nobbled at its zenith by his 'scandalous' marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, but that's another story. "Shake Your Moneymaker' was a 1961 recording by revered blues slide-guitarist/singer Elmore James, and a showstopper at his live dates. Grammy-nominated 'Ain't Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)' was a 1987 novelty dance hit for acrobatic 60s white 'soul man' Joe Tex, of 'Treat Her Right' fame (US Billboard 12, R & B seven, UK two). 'Earthquake Angel' (minus the quake) references the Penguins' 1954 R & B number-one hit, one of the earliest and most influential in the 'doo-wop' genre. It continued to sell steadily after first charting and over the years has notched an estimated ten million in sales.

From Quiz Early Song Titles in Other Words

Answer: Pennies From Heaven

When it was released in the US, "Pennies From Heaven", by Johnson and Burke, was brought to life by the great Bing Crosby, in the 1936 film of the same name. Performed by many others singers since that time, Bing's version proved to be the most popular, and was finally inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004. Some of its pleasant and optimistic lyrics follow: "Every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven Don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven You'll find your fortune fallin' all over the town Be sure that your umbrella is upside down Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers If you want the things you love, you must have showers So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree There'll be pennies from Heaven for you and me".

From Quiz What They Were Singing About

Answer: Black Eyed Peas

"A compromise of where they should rendezvous with another party" - "Meet Me Halfway". "A proclamation of an ambiguous sensation" - "I Gotta Feeling". "Some phrases often found in old comics" - "Boom Boom Pow!". The Black Eyed Peas were formed in 1995, but waited until 2003 to make their name with hit single, "Where Is the Love?". This success came with their third album "Elephunk", which was also the first to feature new vocalist, Fergie. Other members include will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo. Their next album was released in 2005 and spawned yet more successful tracks, such as "Don't Phunk With My Heart" and "Don't Lie". By now the Peas had become known for their original and humorous videos. Following short solo projects of members Fergie and will.i.am, the Peas came together once again, releasing their fifth album, "The E.N.D", in 2009. The album gave us predictably more number ones in the UK charts, but the real success was seen in the US, as the Peas were to hold the number one spot for an incredible 26 weeks, with singles, "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling".

From Quiz 'Sizzling Supersuns' - 50s Rock in Other Words

Answer: Lucille

Billboard number-one R & B, number 21 Pop, and ten in the UK, 'Lucille' was this wild, histrionic blues shouter's next effort in a blistering string of them since 1955, released in 1957 and covered by a plethora of artists ever since. None have matched the sheer energy and fearless drive of the original. Richard delivers every note like his life depends on it, and his grinning, slick-haired, baggy-suited figure at the piano has become one of the most indelible visual images of the period. 'I am that I am', he declared, and indeed he was. 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' should need no explanation - it's the Beatles a decade later. 'I Love Lucy' was the title of the beloved comedienne's TV sitcom, by far the most successful of the decade, and Long Tall Lucy is a play on 'Long Tall Sally', another Little Richard hit, in turn covered successfully by the Beatles with a wild Paul McCartney vocal for yet another 1964 hit (as if they needed one).

From Quiz Early Song Titles in Other Words

Answer: Give My Regards to Broadway

This excellent old song was written by the extremely talented George M. Cohan for his 1904 stage production of "Little Johnny Jones" which premiered in the United States. The song went on to become one of the biggest hits of that era, and has been included in the National Public Radio's US list of the top 100 songs of the century. My favourite version is that performed by the great Al Jolson. The fascinating thing about this song is the combination of its catchy upbeat melody with its rather sad lyrics that tell of a longing for home. Part of these lyrics follow: "Did you ever see two Yankees part upon a foreign shore When the good ship's just about to start for Old New York once more? With a tear-dimmed eye they say goodbye, they're friends without a doubt When the man on the pier shouts, "Let them clear!", as the ship strikes out... Give my regards to Broadway, remember me to Herald Square Tell all the gang at Forty-Second Street, that I will soon be there Whisper of how I'm yearning to mingle with the old time throng Give my regards to old Broadway and say that I'll be there ere long".

From Quiz What They Were Singing About

Answer: Kings of Leon

"Utilizing a person for whatever reason" - "Use Somebody". "A flaming passionate embrace" - "Sex on Fire". The Kings of Leon are made up of four members of the Followill family (three brothers and a cousin) and were formed in 1999 in Nashville Tennessee. The band's music in the early days saw more success in the UK than in the USA, however, their releases were still arguably only enjoyed by a small number of devoted fans. The band made a name for themselves in 2008 with chart releases, "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody". "Use Somebody" featured in both the 2008 and 2009 top 40 selling singles in the UK.

From Quiz Re-Named 80's Bands & Singers (In Other Words...)

Answer: Fine Young Cannibals

As well as with their many other UK hits, they went to number 7 in April 1989 with 'Good Thing', which featured on the soundtrack to the film 'Tin Men', with Danny De Vito and Richard Dreyfuss. ('Longpig' is the word cannibals used to use for human beings by the way...eugh!)

From Quiz 'Sizzling Supersuns' - 50s Rock in Other Words

Answer: Summertime Blues

Cochran's legendary status as a rock'n'roll pioneer is based on only a few hits, before his untimely and tragic 1960 death in a car crash in Wiltshire UK, which also badly injured Gene Vincent (for the second time in the latter's case - he already had a prosthetic leg). Eddie was only 22. His first US Top 20 was 1956's 'Sittin in the Balcony', but his career took off after an appearance in the 1957 Jayne Mansfield movie 'The Girl Can't Help It' singing 'Twenty Flight Rock'. 'Summertime Blues' was his biggest and most enduring success (number eight US, 18 UK). Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, voice-over man (the impersonations in the song are his), and handsome to boot, there's no telling what he could have achieved, had he lived. 'Summer Nights' is a song from the 50s-retro movie/musical 'Grease' (1978). 'V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N' was an upbeat 1962 Connie Francis Top Ten in both the UK and US, and Brian Hyland's 'Sealed with a Kiss', also about teen summer blues, reached number three on both sides of the Atlantic the same year.

From Quiz Early Song Titles in Other Words

Answer: The Way You Look Tonight

"The Way You Look Tonight" was first released as a duet between Bing Crosby and his then wife, Dixie Lee, in 1936, and has been performed by many, many artists ever since. It also appeared in the movie "Swing Time" in the same year as it was released, and in which it was sung by the inimitable Fred Astaire, going on to win an Oscar for the Best Original Song that year. I really love that old song, and every time I hear it, I get a lump in the throat. It captures perfectly the sense of time passing too quickly, and the sweet, elusive memories that are its heritage. Some of its lovely lyrics follow: "Some day, when I'm awfully low, When the world is cold, I will feel a glow just thinking of you And the way you look tonight. Oh you're so lovely, with your smile so warm And your cheeks so soft, There is nothing for me but to love you, And the way you look tonight".

From Quiz What They Were Singing About

Answer: Rihanna

"Deadly game of chance" - "Russian Roulette". "An object of uncertain origin which may be of interest to a brolliologist" - "Umbrella". "A sign of respect to someone in a position of power" - "Take a Bow". The Barbadian Rihanna was said to be "discovered" by US rapper, Jay-Z. She debuted in 2005 with the song, "Pon de Replay". Singles which followed include, "SOS" and "Unfaithful". Rihanna's big success was "Umbrella", which featured Jay-Z and reached number one in numerous countries. The song broke records by staying in the top spot in the UK charts for an amazing ten weeks! Many blamed the bad weather that summer on the song, until we realised we were just being British :). Rihanna's success has continued into later years, with songs such as "Disturbia" and "Don't Stop the Music".

From Quiz Re-Named 80's Bands & Singers (In Other Words...)

Answer: Toto

Toto's highest UK chart success was when they went to number 3 with 'Africa' in February 1983. (But any band who can squeeze the lyrics "Kilimanjaro rising above the Serengeti" into a pop tune and get away with it deserves a mention I reckon lol).

From Quiz 'Sizzling Supersuns' - 50s Rock in Other Words

Answer: That'll Be the Day

White preppie sport coats and thick black glasses were suddenly 'cool for cats' when Buddy Holly and the Crickets burst on the national scene with their appearance on the 'Ed Sullivan Show' in January 1958, slinging their electric guitars. 'That'll Be the Day', independently recorded in Norman Petty's Clovis, New Mexico studio, climbed to number one in both the UK and the US Hot 100, as well as number two R & B. More moderately charting hits were to follow in the year or so until Holly's death in the much-eulogized light plane crash that also killed the 'Big Bopper' (J P Richardson) and 17-year-old LA Chicano rocker Ritchie Valens, while on tour in Iowa. The follow-up, 'Peggy Sue', did best, making Top Ten on all charts both sides of the pond. But the legacy of this unique Texan singer goes far beyond chart performance and is too profound to document here. As far as I'm concerned, that fateful day in Iowa was 'the day that music didn't die'. 'Devil in Disguise' was a 1963 UK number one, US number three for Elvis Presley, one of his last before he was swamped by Beatlemania. 'Little Devil' peaked at number nine US Cashbox for 'Brill Building' singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka in 1961. What's the connection with the Eagles? 'Hell Freezes Over' was the title of their 1994 comeback album.

From Quiz What They Were Singing About

Answer: Eminem

"Damaging a liquid container" - "Crack a Bottle". "Striking an indistinct object" - "Smack Dat". "An assertion that he, along with his entourage, is the reason for your existence" - "We Made You". Eminem has had numerous successful singles, leading him to be nominated for the title of T4's, "The World's Greatest Popstar". This series pitted Eminem against several other musical acts, many of whom perhaps fit in the pop genre more than the American rapper. Celebrity Peter Andre put forward the reasons why Eminem should be voted as the World's Greatest Popstar in this series. Early singles of Eminem included, "The Real Slim Shady", "Stan" and "Lose Yourself". Number one singles continued until 2006 - a year when Eminem was notably absent from the music scene. Suggestive album titles such as "The Funeral" and "Curtain Call" led many to put two and two together and assume he had left the music industry for good. However, their answer appeared to be five, as the rapper returned in 2009 with new album, "Relapse". Eminem is known for being controversial and has entered many public feuds. For more information about this topic, please feel free to take my quiz, "Shots Fired and CDs Burned - Rap Feuds".

From Quiz Re-Named 80's Bands & Singers (In Other Words...)

Answer: Al Jarreau

Al Jarreau charted at number 8 in March 1987, singing the theme tune for the completely brilliant TV series "Moonlighting", starring Cybil Sheppard and Bruce Willis (in the days before he was wooed away to Tinsel Town and vest-ripping megastardom).

From Quiz 'Sizzling Supersuns' - 50s Rock in Other Words

Answer: Bye Bye Love

After signing with Nashville's Acuff-Rose song-publishing company in 1956, these talented close-harmony Kentuckian siblings struggled at first, but hit paydirt with this Boudleaux and Felice Bryant vehicle in early 1957. It made US Country number one, Pop number two and Top Ten UK. Many more hits were to follow, include several widely charting number-ones like 'Wake Up Little Suzie', "All I Have to Do Is Dream', and 'Cathy's Clown'. 'Dream', with lyrics by Felice Bryant, was inspired by a vision of her husband's face before she had even met him, according to her. 'Jamaica Farewell' was a 1954 hit for Jamaican-American 'King of Calypso' Harry Belafonte, and 'See You Later' is one of the best-known Bill Haley and the Comets swing boogies. The other alternative is a play on 'Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen', a 1961 US Cashbox number-nine hit for Neil Sedaka.

From Quiz Early Song Titles in Other Words

Answer: Heart And Soul

The popular US hit, "Heart and Soul" was written in 1938 by Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser. Such is its great foot-tapping, lively rhythm and its fun words that, by 1939, three separate versions of this song had made their way up the US charts. That's pretty amazing. This number is still going strong after all these years. Part of its popularity can be accounted for by the fact that it can be played as a duet by piano students, or just for fun by anyone at all who is capable of holding a rhythm, and its use in tap-dancing routines. Some of its lyrics follow: "Heart and soul, I fell in love with you Heart and soul, the way a fool would do Maddddddddly Because you held me tight And stole a kiss in the night Da, da, dum Heart and soul, I begged to be adored Lost control, and tumbled overboard Gladddddly That magic night we kissed There in the moon mist".

From Quiz Re-Named 80's Bands & Singers (In Other Words...)

Answer: Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five

This outstanding line-up of talent charted at number 8 in August 1982 with the brilliant track "The Message".

From Quiz 'Sizzling Supersuns' - 50s Rock in Other Words

Answer: Chantilly Lace

Chantilly lace is a traditional handmade bobbin lace, usually in black, from the northern French town of that name, popular among 18th century aristocratic women for mourning shawls and the like. It was a favorite of Marie Antoinette and Mme Du Barry's, and after their execution during the French Revolution the lacemakers of Chantilly were also killed. C'est la guerre! Bet you didn't know it was a dangerous revolutionary occupation, did you? Later versions were machine produced. A large man and former high-school linebacker, J P Richardson was a successful Houston radio personality who assumed his exuberant 'Bopper' persona behind the mike, but was said to be quite shy and quietly spoken away from it. He died on 'the day the music died' (see Q6 above) before he had a chance to see this iconic 1958 hit go gold. He made us all feel like long-necked gooses, er, geese. Goodbye, B-a-a-a-aybeee! 'Leather and Lace' was a 1981 Don Henley/Stevie Nicks duet which made Adult Country Top Ten and US Pop number six. 'Auprès de ma Blonde' ('With my Best Gal at my Side', more or less) dates back to 17th century France. 'Petticoat Junction' was a popular Paul Henning-produced 1960s TV series starring Bea Benaderet as a country hotel keeper with three teenage daughters.

From Quiz Early Song Titles in Other Words

Answer: Blue Moon

Written by Rodgers and Hart, and released in the US in 1935, it would be hard to find a smoother instrumental number than the song "Blue Moon". Its lyrics, however, haven't particularly survived the test of time. They're just a tad corny by today's standard. However, back then and for years after, "Blue Moon" was extremely popular. Even today, it continues to be performed by various singers, and is far more appealing as a doo-wop presentation than its original slow ballad. Interestingly the composers for this number had quite a bit of bother finding suitable lyrics. Three different versions were produced, all of which went nowhere. Hart was reluctant to try again with other lyrics - who could blame him - but was convinced to do so by the head of MGM's studio publishing arm. Since that time, with the lyrics we are familiar with today, the song continues to be performed by many singers, and has appeared in various movies, including the fantastic 1978 musical comedy "Grease" which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. A few of its lyrics follow: "Blue moon, you saw me standing alone, doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop Without a dream in my heart, doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop Without a love of my own Doo wop doo wop doo wop da doo wop doo wop Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for, doo wop doo wop You heard me saying a prayer for, doo wop doo wop Someone I really could care for Doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop".

From Quiz What They Were Singing About

Answer: Paolo Nutini

"An American word which incorporates sweets and chocolate" - "Candy". "A phrase which alludes to a frequent misconception about a common writing implement" - "Pencil Full of Lead". Paulo Nutini is a Scottish singer/songwriter who first appeared on the scene in 2005. Both "Candy" and "Pencil Full of Lead" come from his 2009 album, "Sunny Side Up". "Pencil Full of Lead's" music video depicted a plasticine Paolo Nutini being chased around a set by a group of female dancers, who eventually catch him and punish him for his pervy behaviour. Paolo also appeared on the "Hollyoaks Music Show", where he performed on set of the channel 4 soap.

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Last Updated Apr 20 2024 5:52 AM

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