Music of the 1950s

Step back in time to the golden age of music with our 1950s Music Quiz. Taking on this challenge will test your knowledge of the era that gave birth to rock 'n' roll, doo-wop, and some of the most influential artists and trends in music history. From iconic dance crazes to groundbreaking technologies, this quiz covers the full spectrum of 1950s music culture. So let's test your knowledge of the music from one of the most revolutionary decades of the 20th century.
 
1 of 15
Which singer became famous with the hit single "Blueberry Hill" in 1956?
Fats Domino
Nat King Cole
Ray Charles
Little Richard
 
2 of 15
Who sang "Peggy Sue," which became a major hit in 1957?
Roy Orbison
Ritchie Valens
Jerry Lee Lewis
Buddy Holly
 
3 of 15
What was the real name of Little Richard?
James Tyler
Nick Brown
Richard Penniman
Richard Grave
 
4 of 15
Complete the lyrics from Buddy Holly’s "That’ll Be the Day": "Well, that'll be the day when you say ___."
"goodbye"
"I do"
"hello"
"you will"
 
5 of 15
Which Elvis Presley song became his first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1956?
"Jailhouse Rock"
"Love Me Tender"
"Heartbreak Hotel"
"Hound Dog"
 
6 of 15
Hint
Which female artist had a hit with "Fever" in 1958?
Patti Page
Brenda Lee
Peggy Lee
Connie Francis
 
7 of 15
What piece of equipment became a symbol of teenage rebellion in the 1950s as rock 'n' roll spread across America?
Jukebox
Electric guitar
Transistor radio
Record player
 
8 of 15
What was the name of the television show that popularized many rock 'n' roll acts in the 1950s, hosted by Dick Clark?
American Bandstand
The Steve Allen Show
Shindig!
The Ed Sullivan Show
 
9 of 15
Complete this line from The Platters' "The Great Pretender": "Oh yes, I'm the great pretender, pretending that I'm doing ___."
"time."
"great."
"fine."
"well."
 
10 of 15
Hint
Who was known as "The Queen of R&B" in the 1950s and had hits like "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean"?
Dinah Washington
LaVern Baker
Ruth Alston Brown
Etta James
 
11 of 15
Hint
Who released the influential song "Shake, Rattle and Roll" in 1954, which was later covered by Bill Haley & His Comets?
Chuck Berry
Ray Charles
Big Joe Turner
Jerry Lewis
 
12 of 15
Which dance style became hugely popular in the 1950s, often associated with rock 'n' roll music?
Cool Jerk
The Lindy Hop
The Charleston
The Jitterbug
 
13 of 15
Complete this line from The Coasters' "Yakety Yak": ""Take out the papers and the trash, or you don't get..."
"no spending cash."
"no resting crash."
"to stop and crash."
"a slash"
 
14 of 15
Which music chart, introduced in 1958, became the definitive ranking for popular songs in the United States?
The Top 40
Billboard Hot 100
Cash Box Top 100
Record World Chart
 
15 of 15
What was the term used to describe the fusion of country music and rhythm and blues, which emerged in the 1950s?
Skiffle
Doo-wop
Honky-tonk
Rockabilly
 
Try Again...
Not quite rockin' yet, but don't let that stop you! The 1950s was an era of groundbreaking music, and there’s so much... READ MORE
 
You Remember
You’ve got the rhythm! Your score shows that you have a solid grasp of 1950s music and its unforgettable impact on pop... READ MORE
 
You Know-It-All!
Bravo! You're a true 1950s music aficionado. Your impressive score shows that you know the ins and outs of this... READ MORE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Rate:
Sign Up for a Free Daily Quiz!
Did you mean:
Continue With: Facebook Google
By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy