Rock Around The Clock With This Legendary 1950s Music Quiz

By Media Feed | Published 6 days ago

One of the most iconic sounds to come from 1950s music was rock and roll. Artists such as Elvis Presley and Little Richard gave fans an entirely new listening experience, complete with electric guitars, snazzy keyboards, and powerful vocals.

The songs from the 1950s defined an entire generation because it was a reflection of the nation after coming out of the Second World War. If you can’t get enough of the toe-tapping music from this decade, then you should have no problem getting a perfect score on this quiz. Good luck!

Which singer was behind the 1957 hit “Diana”?

A. Paul Anka

B. Johnny Ace

C. Gene Vincent

D. Chuck Miller

Answer: Paul Anka

Paul Anka released his first single at the age of 14 called “I Confess.” About a year later, he became one of the best-selling artists in history after releasing “Diana.”

His hits include “What a Wonderful World” and “La Vie en Rose.”

A. Lionel Hampton

B. Louis Armstrong

C. B.B. King

D. Cliff Richard

Answer: Louis Armstrong

When it comes to trumpeters, Louis Armstrong is one of the most iconic in history. Also known as Satchmo, Satch, and Pops, Armstrong released many hits, including “What a Wonderful World” and “La Vie en Rose.”

Which Frankie Avalon song became a number one single for five consecutive weeks in 1959?

A. “Beauty School Dropout”

B. “Dede Dinah”

C. “Venus”

D. “A Boy Without a Girl”

Answer: “Venus”

Frankie Avalon was one of the teen heartthrobs of the 1950s and got his start with a guest spot on The Honeymooners. His first big break was the release of his single “Venus,” which was a number-one chart-topper for five consecutive weeks.

What kind of music was Harry Belafonte known for?

A. Doo-wop

B. Rockabilly

C. Skiffle

D. Calypso

Answer: Calypso

Harry Belafonte was an actor and singer best known for popularizing Trinbagonian Calypso music. His breakthrough album Calypso became the first LP to sell a million copies by a solo artist.

Much of his music included jazz singing.

A. Tony Bennett

B. Bobby Rydell

C. Ike Turner

D. Mario Lanza

Answer: Tony Bennett

After fighting in the final stages of World War II, Tony Bennett was able to hone his act and become a professional singer. Many of his songs include jazz singing.

Who was nicknamed the “Father of Rock and Roll”?

A. Eddie Fisher

B. Chuck Berry

C. Jimmy Nelson

D. Perry Como

Answer: Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry pioneered a new music genre of the 50s, which gave him the nickname of the “Father of Rock and Roll.” Some of his famous songs include “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Johnny B. Goode.”

Which of these songs is not by Johnny Cash?

A. “Folsom Prison Blues”

B. “I Walk the Line”

C. “La Bamba”

D. “Ring of Fire”

Answer: “La Bamba”

Johnny Cash has quite a collection of hit songs, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Ring of Fire.” He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Which music genre was pioneered by Ray Charles?

A. Hip-hop

B. Funk

C. Swing

D. Soul

Answer: Soul

Often referred to as “The Genius,” Ray Charles was a singer, songwriter, pianist, and alto saxophonist who revolutionized the soul music genre. He did this by combining blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel styles.

Who is this jazz and pop singer?

A. Nat King Cole

B. Jimmy Preston

C. Art Pepper

D. Sonny James

Answer: Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole was one of the most accomplished jazz pianists and singers of the early 20th century. During the mid-1950s, he became the first person of color to host a nationally broadcast television show.

His nickname was “Mr. C.”

A. Glen Campbell

B. Perry Como

C. Bobby Charles

D. Joe Clay

Answer: Perry Como

Perry Como was one of the most prominent figures in music, with a career that lasted five decades. Nicknamed Mr. C, Como primarily recorded pop and easy-listening music that sold millions of copies.

Miles Davis was one of the first to record this kind of music.

A. Jazz

B. Gospel

C. Hard bop

D. Blues

Answer: Hard bop

Miles Davis was one of the most well-known trumpeters, bandleaders, and composers of the 20th century. During the early 1950s, he became one of the first musicians to record hard bop music, which is a subgenre of jazz.

Which Broadway musical did Sammy Davis Jr. star in during the 1950s?

A. The King and I

B. Guys and Dolls

C. My Fair Lady

D. Mr. Wonderful

Answer: Mr. Wonderful

There were many great Broadway musicals that originated during the 1950s. Sammy Davis Jr. had the opportunity to star as the lead in Mr. Wonderful in 1956, which ran for 383 performances.

Some of her hits include “Whatever Will Be, Will Be” and “Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps.”

A. Doris Day

B. Kay Starr

C. Dinah Shore

D. Joni James

Answer: Doris Day

Doris Day proved that she could do more than sing. Not only did she release hit singles such as “Whatever Will Be, Will Be” and “Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps,” but she also became one of the most popular film actresses of the 50s and 60s.

Who released the first rock and roll single that sold over one million copies?

A. Hal David

B. Fats Domino

C. Chubby Checker

D. Al Hibbler

Answer: Fats Domino

Fats Domino was one of the original rock and roll artists in history. His single “The Fat Man” became the first rock and roll single to sell over one million copies.

What was Eddie Fisher’s first hit single?

A. “Oh! My Papa”

B. “Any Time”

C. “Thinking Of You”

D. “Lady of Spain”

Answer: “Thinking Of You”

Eddie Fisher had his first hit song in 1950 with “Thinking of You.” Many fans followed his personal life with him being married to several A-list stars, including Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor.

What kind of singing was Ella Fitzgerald known for?

A. Opera

B. Acapella

C. Beatboxing

D. Scatting

Answer: Scatting

Ella Fitzgerald had many nicknames, including the “First Lady of Song,” “Queen of Jazz,” and “Lady Ella.” She had a unique style of singing and would often scat, which is a vocal improvisation with wordless vocables.

He was known for playing the trumpet with a 45 degree raised bell.

A. Dizzy Gillespie

B. Lee Morgan

C. Chet Baker

D. Clifford Brown

Answer: Dizzy Gillespie

Dizzy Gillespie was one of the most well-known jazz trumpeters of his time. His signature trademark was playing the trumpet with a 45-degree raised bell. This happened by accident when the bell got bent upwards at a party, but he liked the sound and stuck with it.

She was nicknamed “Lady Day.”

A. Diana Ross

B. Billie Holiday

C. Dinah Washington

D. Josephine Baker

Answer: Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday was given the nickname “Lady Day” by her friend and music partner Lester Young. She was one of the most influential music figures for pop and jazz singing.

Who did Buddy Holly open for before becoming a solo artist?

A. Dean Martin

B. Bobby Mitchell

C. Elvis Presley

D. The Coasters

Answer: Elvis Presley

Before going solo, Buddy Holly formed a music group called Buddy and Bob with his friend Bob Montgomery. The group opened for Elvis Presley in 1955, which caused Holly to focus on a solo career.

What was Elvis Presley’s first number-one single?

A. “Jailhouse Rock”

B. “Burning Love”

C. “Hound Dog”

D. “Heartbreak Hotel”

Answer: “Heartbreak Hotel”

While Elvis Presley’s music career began at age 19, he was able to score a number-one hit a couple of years later with “Heartbreak Hotel.” Presley also had a wildly successful film career.

Her greatest hits were “At Last” and “The Wallflower.”

A. Etta James

B. Connie Francis

C. Mindy Carson

D. June Christy

Answer: Etta James

Etta James began her music career at age 16 and was known for performing gospel, blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and soul music. Some of her greatest hits include “At Last” and “The Wallflower.”

He was “The King of the Blues” on the electric guitar.

A. Merle Travis

B. B.B. King

C. Mac Curtis

D. Johnny Rivers

Answer: B.B. King

B.B. King was also known as “The King of the Blues” for perfecting his sound on the electric guitar. He would usually perform at least 200 concerts per year up until his 70s.

Which Peggy Lee song was nominated at the First Annual Grammy Awards?

A. “It’s a Good Day”

B. “Big Spender”

C. “Fever”

D. “Johnny Guitar”

Answer: “Fever”

In 1958 Peggy Lee recorded her own version of “Fever,” which was originally done by Little Willie John. Her version was nominated for three Grammys, including Record and Song of the Year.

Finish this Jerry Lee Lewis song title: “Great Balls of _______”

A. Love

B. Guitar

C. Rock

D. Fire

Answer: Fire

Jerry Lee Lewis was one of the original rock and roll music innovators and was known for his rockabilly style. Some of his hits included “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

Name this country superstar.

A. Loretta Lynn

B. Jean Shepard

C. Webb Pierce

D. Kitty Wells

Answer: Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, and followed her roots to become one of America’s top country performers. She had numerous hits, including “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

His appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957 helped him become popular.

A. Clyde McPhatter

B. Johnny Mathis

C. Ben E. King

D. Jackie Wilson

Answer: Johnny Mathis

Johnny Mathis soon started to gain popularity after a 1957 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. A lot of his discography includes pop, Brazilian, Spanish, soul, rhythm and blues, and show tunes.

What show did Ricky Nelson appear on before becoming a musician?

A. Leave It to Beaver

B. I Love Lucy

C. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

D. Father Knows Best

Answer: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

Ricky Nelson grew up on television with his real-life family in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. He went on to become a famous musician starting at the age of 18.

Why did Roy Orbison stand out as a 1950s musician?

A. His songs were vulnerable

B. He would perform motionless

C. He dyed his hair black to match his black clothes and sunglasses

D. All of these are correct

Answer: All of these are correct

Roy Orbison stood out for a multitude of reasons during the 1950s. Most of his songs had vulnerable lyrics, which went against the machismo act of many male singers. He would also perform motionlessly, dressed in all black.

Her signature song was “Tennessee Waltz.”

A. Patti Page

B. Teresa Brewer

C. Toni Arden

D. Anita Bryant

Answer: Patti Page

Patti Page was a singer and actress who primarily performed pop and country music. Some of her greatest hits included “Tennessee Waltz,” “All My Love (Bolero),” and “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?”

A guitar was named after him.

A. John Lee Hooker

B. Les Paul

C. Jimmy Raney

D. Hank Marvin

Answer: Les Paul

Les Paul was one of the pioneers of the solid-body electric guitar, which he called the Log. This served as the inspiration for the Gibson Les Paul. Also, Paul and his wife, Mary Ford, sold millions of copies of records.

What was Little Richard’s number one single in 1955?

A. “Good Golly Miss Molly”

B. “Long Tall Sally”

C. “Tutti Frutti”

D. “Keep A-Knockin'”

Answer: “Tutti Frutti”

Little Richard had many hit singles over the course of his career and was described as the “Architect of Rock and Roll.” He shot to superstardom after the release of his 1955 single “Tutti Frutti.”

Finish the title of this Bobby Rydell song: “Kissin’ ________”

A. You

B. Me

C. Hour

D. Time

Answer: Time

While Bobby Rydell had a few flops at the start of his music career, his first big success was 1959’s “Kissin’ Time.” He soon became one of the teen idols of the 50s and 60s.

His biggest hit is “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.”

A. Neil Sedaka

B. Brook Benton

C. Billy Vaughn

D. Don Gibson

Answer: Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka got his start in the music business at 19 years old and has gone on to sell millions of records worldwide. One of his most famous songs is “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.”

Name this blues singer.

A. Baby Boy Warren

B. Muddy Waters

C. Skeets McDonald

D. Werly Fariburn

Answer: Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters was known as the “father of modern Chicago blues.” He grew up playing the guitar and harmonica and would try to emulate famous blues singers of the 20s and 30s.

Which of these songs is by The Chordettes?

A. “Walkin’ After Midnight”

B. “Only You”

C. “Mr. Sandman”

D. “You Send Me”

Answer: “Mr. Sandman”

The Chordettes were an all-female vocal quartet that specialized in pop songs. Two of their biggest hits were “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop.” The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.

What kind of music did The Drifters perform?

A. Doo-wop

B. R&B

C. Soul

D. all of these are correct

Answer: all of these are correct

The Drifters were a doo-wop, rhythm and blues, and soul vocal group. They originally formed as the backup group for Clyde McPhatter and later were the backing group for Ben E. King.

Which group sang “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock”?

A. Bill Haley & His Comets

B. Joey Dee & The Starliters

C. Johnny & The Hurricanes

D. Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers

Answer: Bill Haley & His Comets

If you remember the classic song “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock,” then you may know that it is by the rock and roll band Bill Haley & His Comets.

Some of their hits include “Wake Up Little Susie” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream.”

A. The Righteous Brothers

B. The Everly Brothers

C. Deep River Boys

D. The Spinners

Answer: The Everly Brothers

The Everly Brothers were one of the most popular music duos of the 1950s, with hit singles such as “Wake Up Little Susie” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream.”

What song was the first to reach number one for The Platters?

A. “Twilight Time”

B. “The Great Pretender”

C. “Only You”

D. “You’ll Never Never Know”

Answer: “Only You”

The Platters were a singing group with a distinctive sound that earned a branding tag of “Many Voices One Name.” Their first number-one single was the release of “Only You” in 1955.

The Isley Brothers rose to fame after releasing this song.

A. “In the Still of the Night”

B. “La Bamba”

C. “Little Darlin'”

D. “Shout”

Answer: “Shout”

The Isley Brothers began as a vocal trio of brothers in Cincinnati, Ohio. The group rose to prominence in the late 1950s after the release of their fourth single, “Shout.” Some of their later hits include “Twist and Shout” and “It’s Your Thing.”

What singer was known for his passionate performances?

A. Lloyd Price

B. Johnnie Ray

C. Dave Berry

D. Guy Mitchell

Answer: Johnnie Ray

Sometimes considered one of rock and roll’s forebears, this ’50s crooner stood out for his animated performance style that arguably laid the blueprint for future legends like Elvis Presley. At the time, the Oregon-born singer-songwriter had the popularity to match his significant historical influence.

Who penned beloved country songs like “Big Iron” And “El Paso?”

A. Don Gibson

B. Bill Monroe

C. Marty Robbins

D. Webb Pierce

Answer: Marty Robbins

Although he was also known as an accomplished race car driver, Robbins’ legacy is also based on his enduring country singles that often centered around life in the Old West. Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs from 1959 remains one of his most celebrated records.

What jazz legend had to record his political ode without lyrics?

A. Art Blakey

B. Max Roach

C. Count Basie

D. Charles Mingus

Answer: Charles Mingus

When legendary jazz bassist and composer Charles Mingus recorded the 1959 classic Mingus Ah Um, he had intended to include a blistering anti-segregation tune called “Fables of Faubus,” named for the Arkansas governor at the time. However, Columbia Records refused to allow him to include his intended lyrics and made him leave it at his instrumentals.

What future legends notched their first Ed Sullivan taping in 1956?

A. Dion And The Belmonts

B. The Duprees

C. The Skyliners

D. The Four Seasons

Answer: The Four Seasons

Although they were known as The Four Lovers at the time, Frankie Valli’s famous group secured a minor hit in 1956 with “You’re the Apple of My Eye.” This gave the group enough momentum to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time that year, but they would return several more times throughout the 1960s as The Four Seasons.

Why was the romantic classic “Unchained Melody” written?

A. The Righteous Brothers were clamoring for a hit

B. To soundtrack the 1955 prison movie, Unchained

C. Alex North and Hy Zaret wrote the song to shop it around

D. Todd Duncan was friends with the songwriters

Answer: To soundtrack the 1955 prison movie, Unchained

Although the most famous version of “Unchained Melody” was performed by The Righteous Brothers in the ’60s, the song was originally written as part of the soundtrack for the 1955 prison film, Unchained. Although a producer asked lyricist Hy Zaret to include the word “unchained” in the lyrics, he refused.

Who still remains one of history’s most respected songwriters?

A. Lefty Frizzell

B. George Jones

C. Hank Williams

D. Buck Owens

Answer: Hank Williams

Although he notched lighthearted hits that still spark joy like “Hey, Good Lookin'” and “Jambalaya (On The Bayou),” Hank Williams was most respected for the soulful and poetic way he wrote about heartbreak. That songwriterly rigor is why songs like “So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Cold, Cold Heart” stand out as all-time classics.

Who famously sang the 1955 work song, “Sixteen Tons?”

A. Tennessee Ernie Ford

B. Johnny Desmond

C. Edmund Hockridge

D. Frankie Laine

Answer: Tennessee Ernie Ford

Although all of these people recorded their own version of this classic song about the tribulations of life as a coal miner, the most famous of these versions came from the country singer and humorous television host, Tennessee Ernie Ford. The clarinet driven score, his finger snapping, and his deep baritone voice all made his version stand out.

What jazz saxophonist was on the cusp of his masterpiece?

A. Charlie Parker

B. John Coltrane

C. Sonny Rollins

D. Milt Jackson

Answer: John Coltrane

By the end of 1959, John Coltrane already had about 30 records to his name, including sought-after jazz classics like 1958’s Blue Train and his 1959 full-album collaboration with Milt Jackson called Bags & Trane. However, the following two years would see him reach new heights with his 1960 masterpiece Giant Steps and his commercial breakout record, My Favorite Things.

What soul legend released the romantic R&B hit “You Send Me?”

A. James Brown

B. Jackie Wilson

C. Ben. E. King

D. Sam Cooke

Answer: Sam Cooke

From 1957 until his sudden passing in 1964, the endlessly soulful Sam Cooke notched 30 Top 40 hits, and the first of them to hit big was the sweet, relaxing “You Send Me.” In addition to securing his place in the annals of pop history, Cooke was also active in the Civil Rights Movement. That was what inspired his song “A Change Is Going To Come,” and Cooke also refused to sing at a segregated concert in a landmark move.

What easy-listening singer scored his only Number One in 1957?

A. Gene Autry

B. Andy Williams

C. Burl Ives

D. Arthur Prysock

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