The 1960s was an amazing time for music. It was a decade filled with catchy tunes, powerful lyrics, and unforgettable artists. From rock ‘n’ roll to folk songs, the music of the ’60s changed the world. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones became superstars, while solo artists like Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin inspired millions. This vibrant era also gave birth to new genres, shaping the way we listen to music today.
Today, we will take a fun look at some interesting trivia about 60s music. Whether you are a casual listener or a huge fan, there are surprising facts that even the most passionate music lovers might not know. You will learn about the stories behind famous songs, legendary festivals, and the artists who made a huge impact on music history. Get ready to test your own knowledge and impress your friends with cool facts about the music that defined a generation!
60S Music Trivia
Beatlemania: The Fab Four’s Impact on 60S Music
1. What year did The Beatles first come to America? (Answer: 1964)
2. Which Beatles album was the first to feature all original songs? (Answer: Please Please Me)
3. What was the title of The Beatles’ famous animated movie? (Answer: Yellow Submarine)
4. Who was the founder of Apple Corps, the Beatles’ multimedia company? (Answer: The Beatles themselves)
5. What song contains the lyrics “I want to hold your hand”? (Answer: I Want to Hold Your Hand)
6. Which member of The Beatles famously said, “I get by with a little help from my friends”? (Answer: Ringo Starr)
7. What was The Beatles’ last studio album released in 1970? (Answer: Let It Be)
8. Who did The Beatles famously meet with in 1967 at the height of their fame? (Answer: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi)
9. What style of music did The Beatles incorporate into their music in the mid-60s? (Answer: Psychedelic)
10. Which Beatles song was inspired by a dream of John Lennon’s? (Answer: Strawberry Fields Forever)
Rock and Roll Revolution: The Sound of the Sixties
1. Which band is known as the “greatest rock and roll band in the world”? (Answer: The Rolling Stones)
2. What piece of equipment is considered crucial for rock and roll music? (Answer: Electric guitar)
3. Who was the king of rock and roll? (Answer: Elvis Presley)
4. What was the title of the Rolling Stones’ first album? (Answer: The Rolling Stones)
5. Which band produced the iconic song “Light My Fire”? (Answer: The Doors)
6. What famous rock music festival took place in 1969? (Answer: Woodstock)
7. Who was the lead singer of The Who? (Answer: Roger Daltrey)
8. What song by Jimi Hendrix is known for its signature guitar solo? (Answer: Purple Haze)
9. Who was known for the music genre “surf rock”? (Answer: The Beach Boys)
10. Which song by the Byrds popularized the phrase “turn, turn, turn”? (Answer: Turn! Turn! Turn!)
The Voices of the Decade: Female Artists Who Shined in the 60S
1. Who is known as the “Queen of Soul”? (Answer: Aretha Franklin)
2. Which song did Dusty Springfield famously sing? (Answer: Son of a Preacher Man)
3. Who wrote the famous song “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ “? (Answer: The Righteous Brothers)
4. What influential music festival highlighted female artists in 1969? (Answer: Woodstock)
5. Who was the first woman to headline a major rock festival? (Answer: Janis Joplin)
6. What was Billie Holiday’s iconic song about racial injustice? (Answer: Strange Fruit)
7. Which artist sang “Piece of My Heart”? (Answer: Janis Joplin)
8. What artist was known for her hit “Respect” in 1967? (Answer: Aretha Franklin)
9. Who was the lead singer of The Supremes? (Answer: Diana Ross)
10. What 1961 song by Lesley Gore became an anthem for young girls? (Answer: It’s My Party)
Folk Music Flourish: The Sound of Protest and Change in 60S Music
1. Who is known for the song “Blowin’ in the Wind”? (Answer: Bob Dylan)
2. What folk group is famous for “The Sound of Silence”? (Answer: Simon & Garfunkel)
3. What event did Joan Baez perform at in 1963? (Answer: March on Washington)
4. Who wrote the protest song “For What It’s Worth”? (Answer: Buffalo Springfield)
5. Which singer is known as the “Voice of a Generation”? (Answer: Bob Dylan)
6. What is the title of Simon & Garfunkel’s album that features “Bridge Over Troubled Water”? (Answer: Bridge Over Troubled Water)
7. Who sang the famous song “If I Had a Hammer”? (Answer: Peter, Paul and Mary)
8. What popular 1960s protest song discusses racial injustice? (Answer: The Times They Are a-Changin’)
9. Who combined folk and rock in their music style with hits like “Mr. Tambourine Man”? (Answer: The Byrds)
10. What genre combines elements of folk and rock music famously in the 60s? (Answer: Folk-rock)
Cultural Movements: 60S Music and the Social Changes
1. What 1960s music festival became a symbol of counterculture? (Answer: Woodstock)
2. Which movement was reflected in many songs of the 60s, including “For What It’s Worth”? (Answer: Civil rights movement)
3. What was the main message of Edwin Starr’s song “War”? (Answer: War is not the answer)
4. Who led the youth movement that changed music and culture in the 60s? (Answer: The Baby Boomers)
5. What genre of music encapsulated the spirit of the 1960s’ cultural revolution? (Answer: Psychedelic rock)
6. Which female artist is known for her anti-war song “Give Peace a Chance”? (Answer: Joan Baez)
7. Which iconic song became the anthem for the counterculture movement? (Answer: The Times They Are a-Changin’)
8. What groundbreaking music event was held in 1969? (Answer: Woodstock Music Festival)
9. Who was the cultural icon and activist famously associated with the 1960s? (Answer: Bob Dylan)
10. What famous protest song became an anthem for peace during the Vietnam War? (Answer: Give Peace a Chance)
Legendary Lyrics: The Poetic Power of 60S Music
1. Who wrote the lyrics to the song “American Pie”? (Answer: Don McLean)
2. What famous Bob Dylan song includes the line “How many roads must a man walk down?” (Answer: Blowing in the Wind)
3. What song by The Rolling Stones is known for its lyric “You can’t always get what you want”? (Answer: You Can’t Always Get What You Want)
4. Which artist wrote the thought-provoking song “A Change is Gonna Come”? (Answer: Sam Cooke)
5. What phrase is repeated in the chorus of The Beach Boys’ hit “Good Vibrations”? (Answer: Good Vibrations)
6. Which psychedelic song features the line “Picture yourself in a boat on a river”? (Answer: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds)
7. What song contains the lyrics “Come together, right now, over me”? (Answer: Come Together)
8. Who wrote the song with the lyrics “It’s a hard rain gonna fall”? (Answer: Bob Dylan)
9. What song by The Doors features the line “This is the end, beautiful friend”? (Answer: The End)
10. Which classic song features the lyric “What a wonderful world”? (Answer: What a Wonderful World)
Final Thoughts
The 1960s was a remarkable decade in music, filled with revolutionary songs, powerful lyrics, and influential artists. From The Beatles to folk icons, the sound of the 60s continues to resonate today. Through this trivia exploration, you learned about the cultural impacts of the music from the era, how female artists shaped the scene, and the lyrics that spoke to a generation. The richness of 60s music invites everyone to explore more, including other decades. If you’re interested in more trivia, feel free to delve into 60s trivia or take a trip to the 70s music trivia. Discover all the fascinating layers of music history!