The 1950s was a fantastic time for music! This decade brought us some of the most iconic songs and artists that are still loved today. From Elvis Presley’s unforgettable voice to Buddy Holly’s catchy tunes, the ’50s shaped the music industry in ways that are still felt. It was a time of great change, where rock and roll began to rise, and different styles started to mix together. You might even say it was the beginning of a musical revolution!
Today, we’re going to take a look at some fun trivia about 1950s music. We’ll share interesting facts about famous musicians, hit songs, and memorable moments from this amazing decade. Whether you’re a huge fan of ’50s rock and roll or just curious about the music of that time, you’ll learn something new. So, get ready to impress your friends with some cool music trivia from the ’50s!
50s Music Trivia
Rocking with Icons in 50s Music
1. Who was the King of Rock and Roll? (Answer: Elvis Presley)
2. Which 1950s singer had hits like “Johnny B. Goode”? (Answer: Chuck Berry)
3. What was Buddy Holly’s band called? (Answer: The Crickets)
4. Who famously sang “At the Hop”? (Answer: Danny and the Juniors)
5. What genre did Little Richard popularize? (Answer: Rock and Roll)
6. Who is known for the song “Tutti Frutti”? (Answer: Little Richard)
7. Which artist was known for his pompadour hairstyle? (Answer: Elvis Presley)
8. Who was the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958? (Answer: Connie Francis)
9. What song by The Platters was a huge hit in 1955? (Answer: “Only You”)
10. Who was known as “the Father of Rock and Roll”? (Answer: Chuck Berry)
Jiving to Dance Hits of the 50s
1. What dance craze emerged from rock and roll music? (Answer: The Twist)
2. Which song is associated with the dance “The Bop”? (Answer: “Let’s Go Bopping Tonight”)
3. What popular dance style originated in the 1950s? (Answer: Jive)
4. Who invented the dance move called “The Mashed Potato”? (Answer: Dee Dee Sharp)
5. Which song featured the lyrics “Shake, rattle, and roll”? (Answer: “Shake, Rattle and Roll”)
6. What was the name of the dance competition show that aired in the 1950s? (Answer: American Bandstand)
7. What was the name of the 1957 hit that made “The Twist” popular? (Answer: “The Twist” by Chubby Checker)
8. Which 1950s artist became famous for his dance moves too? (Answer: James Brown)
9. Which famous singer created the dance move “The Hully Gully”? (Answer: The Isley Brothers)
10. What song is known for its catchy “bop” in the title? (Answer: “Boppin’ the Blues” by Joe Turner)
Timeless Tunes of 50s Music
1. What was the first No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958? (Answer: “Poor Little Fool” by Ricky Nelson)
2. Which famous singer released “Ain’t That a Shame”? (Answer: Fats Domino)
3. Who had a hit with “Love and Marriage”? (Answer: Frank Sinatra)
4. What was the title of Elvis Presley’s first big movie hit? (Answer: “Heartbreak Hotel”)
5. Who recorded the classic “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth”? (Answer: Spike Jones)
6. Which 1950s song features the line “Bye Bye Love”? (Answer: Bye Bye Love by The Everly Brothers)
7. What genre blends blues and country music, popularized in the ’50s? (Answer: Rockabilly)
8. What song marked the arrival of the death of rock and roll star Buddy Holly? (Answer: “Summertime Blues”)
9. Who sang the inspirational anthem “What a Wonderful World”? (Answer: Louis Armstrong)
10. What classic song features the phrase “Blueberry Hill”? (Answer: “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino)
Memorable Moments in 50s Music History
1. What year did Elvis Presley first appear on The Ed Sullivan Show? (Answer: 1956)
2. Which tragic event happened during a rock and roll concert in 1959? (Answer: The plane crash that killed Buddy Holly)
3. What year was the Grammy Awards first held? (Answer: 1959)
4. Which famous concert was held in New York’s Apollo Theater? (Answer: The 1950s rock and roll concert series)
5. What milestone happened for Elvis Presley in 1956? (Answer: He became a national sensation)
6. What hit song was the first to sell over one million copies? (Answer: “You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog”)
7. Which pop song was used in the trailer for the movie “The Girl Can’t Help It”? (Answer: “The Girl Can’t Help It”)
8. What 1959 concert brought together several famous artists? (Answer: The “Biggest Show of Stars” tour)
9. Which record label launched the careers of many 50s rock stars? (Answer: Sun Records)
10. What iconic music festival began in the 50s? (Answer: The Newport Jazz Festival)
Chart-Busting Artists of 50s Music
1. Which singer is known as “The Queen of Rock and Roll”? (Answer: Tina Turner)
2. What song by Sam Cooke is a classic love ballad? (Answer: “You Send Me”)
3. Who originally recorded “I Walk the Line”? (Answer: Johnny Cash)
4. Which duo created the hit “Wake Up Little Susie”? (Answer: The Everly Brothers)
5. Who was the first African American artist to have a white artist cover their song in the ’50s? (Answer: Fats Domino)
6. Who was known for the hit song “Jailhouse Rock”? (Answer: Elvis Presley)
7. Who created the spiritual hit “Peace in the Valley”? (Answer: Mahalia Jackson)
8. Which group sang “Earth Angel”? (Answer: The Penguins)
9. Who was referred to as the “Sultan of Smooth”? (Answer: Nat King Cole)
10. What famous duo sang “Billboard’s Song of the Year” in 1957? (Answer: The Platters)
Stylistic Shifts in 50s Music Legends
1. What new style of music emerged from 1950s blues? (Answer: Rock and Roll)
2. Who was a pioneer of the jazz genre during the 1950s? (Answer: Miles Davis)
3. Which artist is best known for his unique play on guitar and voice? (Answer: Jimi Hendrix)
4. What style is characterized by fast tempos and energetic performances? (Answer: Rockabilly)
5. Who was known for their deep, smooth voice and romantic ballads? (Answer: Nat King Cole)
6. What style of music incorporates elements of rhythm and blues and gospel? (Answer: Doo-wop)
7. Which instrumental artist influenced countless musicians in the 1950s? (Answer: Les Paul)
8. What unique blend of music and culture began in Los Angeles in the 1950s? (Answer: Chicano rock)
9. Who became famous for their unique beat in the 1950s? (Answer: Buddy Holly)
10. Which music genre combined traditional pop with rock elements? (Answer: Jazz rock)
Final Thoughts
The 1950s was an era that produced timeless music and unforgettable artists. From the rise of rock and roll with icons like Elvis Presley to the dance crazes that captured the hearts of many, this decade shaped modern music as we know it. Artists pushed boundaries and blended styles, creating something truly special. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering the sounds of the 50s, there’s always something new to learn about this vibrant time in music history. To explore more interesting topics related to music, be sure to check out our 50s trivia or dive into the exciting world of the 60s music trivia.