Are You a Rock Trivia Master? Test Yourself Now

Significance of Rock ‘n’ Roll Songs

Rock ‘n’ roll emerged in the 1950s, revolutionizing the music scene with its energetic rhythms and rebellious spirit. It blended elements of blues, country, and gospel, giving birth to a genre that would influence countless artists and shape popular culture.

This quiz celebrates iconic rock ‘n’ roll tracks and the legends behind them. Let’s get started!

Question 1

Which song by Chuck Berry is known as the anthem of rock ‘n’ roll?

A) “Johnny B. Goode”

B) “Roll Over Beethoven”

C) “Maybellene”

About the Artist:

Chuck Berry, also known as the “Father of Rock and Roll” because of his songs like “Maybellene” (1955), “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956), “Rock and Roll Music” (1957), and “Johnny B. Goode” (1958). His innovative style and storytelling lyrics laid the foundation for rock music.

Question 2

Which 1955 hit made Bill Haley & His Comets a defining force in rock ‘n’ roll?

A) “Rock Around the Clock”

B) “Shake, Rattle and Roll”

C) “See You Later, Alligator”

About the Artist:

Bill Haley & His Comets were one of the first bands to introduce rock ‘n’ roll to a general audience combining R&B and country influences. He was born in Highland Park, Michigan, on July 6, 1925, and passed away in Harlingen, Texas, on February 9, 1981.

Question 3

Elvis Presley’s breakout hit in 1956 was:

A) “Heartbreak Hotel”

B) “Hound Dog”

C) “Jailhouse Rock”

About the Artist:

Elvis Presley is known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis was inducted into five Halls of Fame: the Rock ‘n’ Roll, Country, Gospel, Rockabilly, and R&B Halls of Fame. Worldwide, Elvis has sold more than one billion recordings globally.

Question 4

Which song by Little Richard features the famous lyric “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom”?

A) “Tutti Frutti”

B) “Long Tall Sally”

C) “Good Golly, Miss Molly”

About the Artist:

Little Richard set the standard for rock and roll’s future by exploding the fifties music scene with his booming piano and captivating stage presence. Audiences had never witnessed such passionate rhythms and uncontrolled performances.

Question 5

Buddy Holly’s band was named:

A) The Crickets

B) The Fireballs

C) The Comets

About the Artist:

American singer, songwriter, and musician Buddy Holly was a key player in the development of rock & roll in the middle of the 1950s. Future rock bands were influenced by Buddy Holly’s work with The Crickets.

Question 6

Which Fats Domino song begins with the line “I found my thrill on..?

A) “Blueberry Hill”

B) “Ain’t That a Shame”

C) “I’m Walkin'”

About the Artist:

Fats Domino, with his powerful voice and smooth piano style, was one of the best-selling rock ‘n’ roll artists of the 1950s. He was called Fats Domino because both his weight and his fan base were increasing.

A bandleader nicknamed him ‘Fats,’ and from there, he quickly reached his first million-selling album ‘The Fat Man.’

Question 7

Jerry Lee Lewis is best known for which fiery hit?

A) “Great Balls of Fire”

B) “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”

C) “Breathless”

About the Artist:

Jerry Lee Lewis was renowned for his ferocious intensity and virtuoso piano performances, which elevated songs to levels that would have been impossible without his distinct voice and soul. As ‘The Killer,’ he revived the raw energy and emotion of rock ‘n’ roll.

Question 8

Which song by The Everly Brothers features harmonized vocals about a romantic dream?

A) “All I Have to Do Is Dream”

B) “Wake Up Little Susie”

C) “Bye Bye Love”

About the Artists:

The Everly Brothers are well-known for their tight harmonies and ability to combine country and rock ‘n’ roll. The brothers started making solo recordings in the early 1970s; they broke up as a band in 1973 and got back together as the Everly Brothers in 1983.

Question 9

Which Bo Diddley song introduced the “Bo Diddley beat” to rock ‘n’ roll?

A) “Bo Diddley”

B) “Who Do You Love”

C) “Mona (I Need You Baby)”

About the Artist:

Bo Diddley’s inventive guitar effects and rhythms had a long-lasting influence on rock music. As a result of his groundbreaking driving, distorted guitar technique, and syncopated rhythm, Diddley became renowned as “the father of rock-and-roll.” 

Question 10

Which Ray Charles song is credited with pioneering soul music by blending gospel and R&B?

A) “What’d I Say”

B) “Hit the Road Jack”

C) “Georgia on My Mind”

About the Artist:

Artist Ray Charles (1930–2004) invented soul music. He had a significant impact on a variety of other musical genres. Often referred to as “The Genius,” Ray Charles blended various musical styles.

Question 11

Which song by The Beatles was a cover of a Chuck Berry hit?

A) “Roll Over Beethoven”

B) “Rock and Roll Music”

C) “Johnny B. Goode”

About the Artist:

The Beatles, hailing from Liverpool, became one of the most influential bands in history, often covering American rock ‘n’ roll songs in their early years.

Question 12

Which song by The Rolling Stones features the iconic line “I see a red door and I want it painted black”?

A) “Paint It Black”

B) “Sympathy for the Devil”

C) “Gimme Shelter”

About the Artist:

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in 1962. The band’s original members were Mick Jagger as lead vocalist and Keith Richards as a lead guitarist, Brian Jones as a multi-instrumentalist Bill Wyman as a bassist, and Charlie Watts as a drummer.

Question 13

Which song by The Beach Boys is an anthem celebrating the surfing culture?

A) “Surfin’ USA”

B) “Good Vibrations”

C) “California Girls”

About the Artist:

The original Beach Boys were formed by the three Wilson brothers; Brian, Carl, and Dennis, as well as their cousin Mike Love and schoolmate Al Jardine. In July 1962, the Beach Boys inked a record deal with Capitol Records.

Question 14

Which song by The Who is known for its powerful opening chord and rebellious lyrics?

A) “My Generation”
B) “Pinball Wizard”
C) “Baba O’Riley”

About the Artists:

The Who were pioneers of the rock opera and known for their energetic performances and innovative compositions. Their rebellious spirit and powerful anthems captured the voice of youth and defined the essence of classic rock.

Speaking of rock legends, check out how Jelly Roll Shines at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Answers

The correct answers are, “Johnny B. Goode” – Chuck Berry, 2. “Rock Around the Clock” – Bill Haley & His Comets, 3. “Heartbreak Hotel” – Elvis Presley, 4. “Tutti Frutti” – Little Richard, 5. The Crickets (Buddy Holly’s band), 6. “Blueberry Hill” – Fats Domino, 7. “Great Balls of Fire” – Jerry Lee Lewis.

8. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” – The Everly Brothers, 9. “Bo Diddley” – Bo Diddley, 10. “What’d I Say” – Ray Charles, 11. “Roll Over Beethoven” – The Beatles, 12. “Paint It Black” – The Rolling Stones, 13. “Surfin’ USA” – The Beach Boys, 14. “My Generation” – The Who, 15. “That’ll Be the Day” – Buddy Holly & The Crickets.

Speaking of legends, Urban, Jelly Roll, and Chesneyare set to perform at the 2024 Rock Hall, keeping rock’s spirit alive for a new generation!

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