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.
 
 
Which singer became famous with the hit single "Blueberry Hill" in 1956?
Fats Domino
Ray Charles
Nat King Cole
Little Richard
 
 
Who sang "Peggy Sue," which became a major hit in 1957?
Buddy Holly
Ritchie Valens
Jerry Lee Lewis
Roy Orbison
 
 
What was the real name of Little Richard?
Richard Penniman
Richard Grave
Nick Brown
James Tyler
 
 
Complete the lyrics from Buddy Holly’s "That’ll Be the Day": "Well, that'll be the day when you say ___."
"I do"
"hello"
"goodbye"
"you will"
 
 
Which Elvis Presley song became his first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1956?
"Love Me Tender"
"Heartbreak Hotel"
"Hound Dog"
"Jailhouse Rock"
 
 
Which female artist had a hit with "Fever" in 1958?
Patti Page
Peggy Lee
Brenda Lee
Connie Francis
 
 
What piece of equipment became a symbol of teenage rebellion in the 1950s as rock 'n' roll spread across America?
Jukebox
Record player
Transistor radio
Electric guitar
 
 
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 Ed Sullivan Show
The Steve Allen Show
Shindig!
 
 
Complete this line from The Platters' "The Great Pretender": "Oh yes, I'm the great pretender, pretending that I'm doing ___."
"great."
"well."
"fine."
"time."
 
 
Who was known as "The Queen of R&B" in the 1950s and had hits like "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean"?
LaVern Baker
Etta James
Ruth Alston Brown
Dinah Washington
 
 
Who released the influential song "Shake, Rattle and Roll" in 1954, which was later covered by Bill Haley & His Comets?
Big Joe Turner
Jerry Lewis
Ray Charles
Chuck Berry
 
 
Which dance style became hugely popular in the 1950s, often associated with rock 'n' roll music?
Cool Jerk
The Jitterbug
The Charleston
The Lindy Hop
 
 
Complete this line from The Coasters' "Yakety Yak": ""Take out the papers and the trash, or you don't get..."
"no spending cash."
"a slash"
"no resting crash."
"to stop and crash."
 
 
Which music chart, introduced in 1958, became the definitive ranking for popular songs in the United States?
Billboard Hot 100
Cash Box Top 100
Record World Chart
The Top 40
 
 
What was the term used to describe the fusion of country music and rhythm and blues, which emerged in the 1950s?
Rockabilly
Skiffle
Doo-wop
Honky-tonk
 
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 to explore. You might have missed a few beats this time, but with a little more digging into the rich history of rock 'n' roll, doo-wop, and classic vinyl, you’ll be ready to take on this quiz again. Put on some oldies, dive back in, and you'll be jiving with the best of them in no time!
 
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 culture. Whether it’s the birth of rock 'n' roll or the rise of the jukebox hits, you’re well-versed in the sounds that shaped the decade. With just a little more fine-tuning, you could master the jukebox of knowledge. Keep the music playing, and you’ll soon be an expert on this timeless era of musical innovation!
 
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 incredible decade, from the first rock 'n' roll riffs to the classic dance crazes. You clearly have an ear for the history and evolution of the music that changed the world. Keep that record spinning, and continue to celebrate the golden age of music. Your knowledge would make even the biggest 1950s rockers proud!
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