The 1980s and 1990s were two incredible decades for music. From catchy pop hits to unforgettable rock anthems, these years gave us some of the most iconic songs and artists in history. Bands like Nirvana and Duran Duran created sounds that defined the era, while solo superstars like Michael Jackson and Madonna ruled the charts. The music videos were as memorable as the songs, filled with bold fashion choices and creative storytelling. Who could forget the excitement of a world where cassette tapes and MTV were the norm?
Today, we’re diving into some fun trivia about the music from the ’80s and ’90s. Did you know that the first music video played on MTV was “Video Killed the Radio Star”? Or that iconic songs like “I Will Always Love You” topped the charts, but were originally written decades earlier? Whether you’re a fan of grunge, hip-hop, or pop, there’s something special about the tunes from these decades. Get ready to test your knowledge and see how much you remember about the sounds that shaped our lives back then!
80S And 90S Music Trivia
Totally Awesome 80s Music Jam
1. What song did Michael Jackson famously moonwalk to during a televised performance in 1983? (Answer: “Billie Jean”)
2. Which band sang the hit song “Take On Me”? (Answer: A-ha)
3. What 1985 movie featured the song “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News? (Answer: Back to the Future)
4. Who is known as the “Queen of Pop” in the 1980s? (Answer: Madonna)
5. What iconic synth-pop song began with the lyrics “You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar”? (Answer: “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League)
6. Which rock band recorded the anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer”? (Answer: Bon Jovi)
7. What was the first album to feature the song “Like a Virgin”? (Answer: Like a Virgin by Madonna)
8. Who sang the theme song for the movie “Ghostbusters”? (Answer: Ray Parker Jr.)
9. What is the title of the famous song by Whitney Houston that was originally recorded by Dolly Parton? (Answer: “I Will Always Love You”)
10. Which 80s song begins with the lyrics “We don’t need no education”? (Answer: “Another Brick in the Wall” by Pink Floyd)
Grunge and Alternative 90s Music Scene
1. Which band is credited with bringing grunge music to the mainstream in the early 90s? (Answer: Nirvana)
2. What was the title of Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking album released in 1995? (Answer: Jagged Little Pill)
3. Which song contains the famous lyrics, “It’s fun to lose and to pretend”? (Answer: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana)
4. Who fronted the band Pearl Jam? (Answer: Eddie Vedder)
5. What was the name of the 1994 rock festival that featured prominent grunge bands? (Answer: Lollapalooza)
6. Which female artist’s music video featured the song “You Oughta Know”? (Answer: Alanis Morissette)
7. Who was the lead singer of the band Soundgarden? (Answer: Chris Cornell)
8. What band is known for their hit song “Black Hole Sun”? (Answer: Soundgarden)
9. Which song by Nine Inch Nails became famous for its heavy, industrial sound? (Answer: “Closer”)
10. What was the name of the 1991 album by Red Hot Chili Peppers that included “Give It Away”? (Answer: Blood Sugar Sex Magik)
Iconic Music Videos of the 80s and 90s
1. What was the first music video played on MTV? (Answer: “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles)
2. Which Michael Jackson music video is famous for its groundbreaking dance sequences and effects? (Answer: “Thriller”)
3. Who directed the iconic music video for “Sledgehammer”? (Answer: Peter Gabriel)
4. Which song features the infamous “dancing in a cage” music video by George Michael? (Answer: “Freedom! ’90”)
5. What 1996 song by Spice Girls had a music video featuring a bus? (Answer: “Wannabe”)
6. Which song’s video featured a dancing cat and became a viral sensation? (Answer: “The Crazy Frog Song”)
7. What did Madonna wear in her “Like a Virgin” music video that sparked controversy? (Answer: A wedding dress)
8. Which pop group’s music video set in outer space included the song “Intergalactic”? (Answer: Beastie Boys)
9. What 1991 music video by Nirvana features a chaotic, surreal party? (Answer: “Smells Like Teen Spirit”)
10. Which artist used visual storytelling in their music video for “November Rain”? (Answer: Guns N’ Roses)
The Rise of Hip-Hop in the 80s and 90s
1. Who is known as the “Godfather of Hip-Hop”? (Answer: DJ Kool Herc)
2. What iconic 1986 album is considered a landmark in hip-hop? (Answer: Licensed to Ill by Beastie Boys)
3. Which group released the 1989 hit song “Fight the Power”? (Answer: Public Enemy)
4. Name the hip-hop artist who coined the phrase “mo’ money, mo’ problems”. (Answer: The Notorious B.I.G.)
5. Which artist is famous for the song “U Can’t Touch This”? (Answer: MC Hammer)
6. Who released the critically acclaimed 1991 album “Death Certificate”? (Answer: Ice Cube)
7. What 90s hip-hop group is known for hits like “Regulate”? (Answer: Warren G and Nate Dogg)
8. Which rapper was known for their album “The Chronic”? (Answer: Dr. Dre)
9. What female rapper broke barriers with her hit song “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”? (Answer: Eve)
10. Which 90s hip-hop artist’s career was cut short with his untimely death in 1996? (Answer: Tupac Shakur)
Chart-Topping Hits of the 80s and 90s
1. What song by Whitney Houston spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992? (Answer: “I Will Always Love You”)
2. Which artist had a number one hit with the song “Ice Ice Baby”? (Answer: Vanilla Ice)
3. What event did the song “We Are the World” support in the 1980s? (Answer: African famine relief)
4. What 1982 song features the lyrics “Just beat it”? (Answer: “Beat It” by Michael Jackson)
5. Who sang the iconic song “Vogue,” known for its catchy beat and dance moves? (Answer: Madonna)
6. What hit song by Celine Dion was featured in a famous movie about a ship sinking? (Answer: “My Heart Will Go On”)
7. Which song by Britney Spears made her a pop sensation in 1998? (Answer: “…Baby One More Time”)
8. Who had a number one single with “Livin’ La Vida Loca”? (Answer: Ricky Martin)
9. What is the title of the 1999 hit by Backstreet Boys that features the lyrics “Tell me why”? (Answer: “I Want It That Way”)
10. What song coined the phrase “Bye, Bye, Bye”? (Answer: “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC)
Memorable Music Moments in the 80s and 90s
1. What year did Live Aid, the famous charity concert, take place? (Answer: 1985)
2. Who famously performed the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII in 1993? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
3. What touring music festival debuted in 1991 and featured multiple rock acts? (Answer: Lollapalooza)
4. Which Rolling Stones concert in 1981 was a defining moment in rock history? (Answer: The “Tattoo You” tour)
5. What year did the first Grammy Awards take place? (Answer: 1980)
6. Who was the first female artist to win a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1991? (Answer: Natalie Cole)
7. In what year did Elvis Presley die, resulting in a massive outpouring of grief? (Answer: 1977)
8. What 90s music video by Nirvana included a chaotic prom party? (Answer: “Smells Like Teen Spirit”)
9. Who was the iconic supermodel featured in George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90” video? (Answer: Naomi Campbell)
10. Which artist called out presidential policies in their 1989 hit “Fight the Power”? (Answer: Public Enemy)
Final Thoughts
The trivia shared today captures the incredible vibe of the 80s and 90s music scene. From the rise of hip-hop to the unforgettable pop anthems, these decades gave us such remarkable artists and songs. Whether you’re reminiscing about the catchy tunes or iconic music videos, it’s clear that the influence of this era still resonates with us today. If you enjoyed these questions, consider exploring more about the music of the 90s with this 90s music trivia or dive into the fun of 80s pop culture trivia. There’s plenty to discover and enjoy!