Pop Culture Music Trivia: How Much Do You Know?

How much do you know about pop culture music trivia? Take this quiz and find out!

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band in history. They are also one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of over 800 million records worldwide.

Formed in 1960 in Liverpool, England

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they became widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band of the 20th century. They were integral to the development of 1960s counterculture and popular music’s recognition as an art form. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, their sound incorporated elements of classical music and traditional pop in innovative ways; the band later explored auto-tune and other electronic instrumentation. Their songs contain elements of pop, rock, classical, ragtime, gospel, ska music, blues and Indian classical music.

During their time together, the Beatles produced what many consider to be some of the greatest songs ever written. Among these are “Eleanor Rigby”, “Here Comes the Sun”, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, “A Day in the Life”, “I Am the Walrus” and ” Let It Be”. They also appear in headlines for drug use controversy surrounding Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono, Harrison’s exploration of Hindu spirituality and Starr’s infatuation with American television personality Ed Sullivan. As musicians they received numerous awards throughout their careers including seven Grammy Awards (out of 13 nominations) and 15 Ivor Novello Awards from Britain’s Academy of Composers & Songwriters. Following their break-up in 1970, all four former Beatles continued to have highly successful musical careers both together and separately.

The Beatles are one of the best-selling bands in history and have had a widespread influence on popular music. According to Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), they are the best-selling recorded music artists in the US with 178 million sales exceeding that of Elvis Presley who is second with 138 million sales. In terms of album sales globally, according to International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI), they have sold more than 800 million physical copies which is more than any other artist or band ever. In 2004 Rolling Stone ranked them number one on its list of The Greatest Artists of All Time which was voted by a panel of 273 artists as well as 144 critics and industry figures making them third overall behind Bob Dylan at number two and Rolling Stones himself at number one. According to Billboard magazine, they are also ranked as the all-time top recording artist surpassing Elvis Presley who had been at number one since 1958 when Billboard began compiling such lists

Members: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr

John Lennon (1940-1980) was the Beatles’ primary songwriter and passed away tragically after being shot outside his New York City apartment. Paul McCartney (b. 1942) is the only living member of the original group and is considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time. George Harrison (1943-2001) was the group’s lead guitarist and wrote some of their most iconic hits, including “Here Comes the Sun” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Ringo Starr (b. 1940) was the band’s very popular drummer.

Albums: Please Please Me, With the Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night, Beatles for Sale, Help!, Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles, Abbey Road, and Let It Be

Please Please Me
The Beatles’ first album was Please Please Me, recorded in a single day on 22 March 1963 and released on the same day in the United Kingdom. It reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart for 30 weeks, making it the longest consecutive run at No. 1 by any artist to date. In the United States, the album was released on Vee-Jay Records as Introducing… The Beatles, and later by Capitol Records as The Beatles’ Second Album afterCapitol gained the rights to release Beatles material. Please Please Me was voted number 381 in Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums 3rd Edition (2000).

With the Beatles
With The Beatles, recorded in just over four weeks in August and September 1963, took just six days to reach No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart following its release on 22 November that year, spending 30 of its 81 weeks in total either at or near the top of that listing until July 1965. In December 1963 it entered Billboard magazine’s Top LPs listing for pop albums at No. 35, where it spent 71 weeks before reaching No. 1 again in February 1965 – for 11 consecutive weeks – and remained there until May that year; it would spend a total of 59 weeks on various Billboard charts between 1963 and 1967.

A Hard Day’s Night
A Hard Day’s Night is the third studio album by English rock band the Beatles, released on 10 July 1964 by Parlophone, with side one containing songs from

the soundtrack to their film A Hard Day’s Night; side two featured unrelated tracks. It topped record charts in Britain—for 11 weeks—and America—for 14 weeks—and became their best-selling album up to that time. In 1988 it was voted number 33 of “The 100 Greatest Albums of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine; and according to British music critic Ian MacDonald it is “the greatest pop album ever made”.

Beatles for Sale
Beatles for Sale is the fourth studio album by English rock band the Beatles, released on 4 December 1964 by Parlophone with side onecontaining eight original compositions and side two featuring covers of songs earlier performed live or recorded by other artists.[1] It is notable for being their first LP release where all four members of The Beatles did not receive writing credits together on every song; John Lennon would later state that this was due largely because he had not been interested or motivated during much of 1964 as he had recently married his first wife Cynthia Powell.[2][3] Despite this stance from Lennon about his own songs for this record being poor and weak,[4] many – including “No Reply”, “Eight Days a Week”, “I’m a Loser”, “Rock and Roll Music” and especially “I Feel Fine” (later acknowledged as being some of his best work) – are regularly cited as among his finest work particularly from a songwriting standpoint.[5][6] The album marked a fair artistic progression from their previous effort AHard Day’s Night but lacked many elements which defined Revolver seven months later such as innovative recording technology,[7] effects-laden production,[8] deliberately complex songwriting[9], tape loops[10], psychedelic drugs,[11] Harrison contributing lead vocals[]12[]13[]14[]15[]16[]17[18][19], thematic unity (), oriental instrumentation () etcetera[21].

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Presley (née Smith) and Vernon Presley (Vernon Elvis Presley). He had a twin brother who was stillborn. As a child, Presley and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee. His music career began there in 1954, when he recorded a song with producer Sam Phillips at Sun Records.

Born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi

Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vernon Elvis (1916–1979) and Gladys Love Presley (née Smith; 1912–1958). He had a twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, who was stillborn. His parents wed on September 24, 1933, in Tupelo.

Vernon moved his family into a two-room house in Tupelo’s sold-after Mississippi flood of 1936. Gladys gave birth to twins Jesse Garon and Elvis Aaron Presley on January 8, 1935. The boys were delivered by midwife Martha Mangum in the front room of the family’s shotgun house. Both parents displays of affection were listed as contributing factors in leading to their son’s later problems with substance abuse. In 1948 the family moved to Memphis where they lived in public housing at 184 Sonny Street.

Member of the “Million Dollar Quartet” with Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash

On December 4, 1956, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash came together for what would later be known as the “Million Dollar Quartet.” The impromptu jam session took place at Sun Studios in Memphis.

The group was brought together by Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Studios and the man responsible for launching Elvis’ musical career. The quartet played a mix of gospel songs and classic rock and roll hits.

The session was not originally planned as a recording, but Phillips decided to record it when he realized how well the group was playing together. The recordings were later released as an album in 1990.

The “Million Dollar Quartet” session is now considered to be one of the most important moments in rock and roll history.

Albums: Elvis Presley, Loving You, Jailhouse Rock, King Creole, G.I. Blues, Flaming Star, Wild in the Country, Blue Hawaii, Follow That Dream, Kid Galahad, It Happened at the World’s Fair, Fun in Acapulco, Viva Las Vegas, Kissin’ Cousins, Roustabout, Girl Happy, Tickle Me, Harum Scarum, Frankie and Johnny, Paradise, Hawaiian Style, Spinout, Clambake, Double Trouble, Easy Come, Easy Go, Speedway, Live a Little, Love a Little, Stay Away, Joe, Charlie’s Angels, This Is Elvis, and Elvis Sings Flaming Star

Elvis Presley – (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as “the King of Rock and Roll” or simply “the King”. Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African-American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley’s classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by manager Colonel Tom Parker. Presley’s first RCA single, “Heartbreak Hotel”, was released in January 1956 and became a number-one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll

Michael Jackson

He was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Called the “King of Pop”, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion along with his publicized personal life made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.

Born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana

Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958, and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Katherine Jackson (née Katherine Esther Scruse). Together they prodded their growing brood—Michael, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, and Marlon—into show business.

The “King of Pop”

Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Called the “King of Pop”, his contributions to music and dance, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. His sound and style have influenced artists of various genres.

Jackson began his solo career in 1971 while at Motown Records with the release of the album Got to Be There. His 1972 album, Ben, contained his first number-one single, “Ben”. In 1973, Jackson released his eponymous second album, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and produced the number-one singles “Billie Jean” and “Beat It”. He next released Bad in 1987, which became the first album to have five Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. Its title track “Man in the Mirror” topped the charts in 1988. Jackson’s eighth studio album Dangerous (1991) followed; it sold 32 million copies worldwide and produced international hits such as “Black or White”, “Heal the World”, and “Gone Too Soon”. From Bad onwards he incorporated elements of rhythm and blues into his recordings giving them a more pop feel.

In 1996, Jackson released HIStory: Past, Present and Future—Book I. The double album included HIStory Begins, a greatest hits compilation; a second disc containing 15 new songs; and a third disc consisting of remixes by contemporary artists including Steve Aoki and Nile Rodgers. The album sold 26 million copies worldwide. In December 1995 he was accused of child sexual abuse; he settled out of court for $23 million in November 1996 but maintained his innocence until 2005 when he admitted that the claims were true but said they were consensual acts between him and young boys aged between thirteen to fifteen.

Albums: Got to Be There, Ben, Music & Me, Forever, Michael, Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory, Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, Invincible, and Xscape

-Got to Be There (1972)
-Ben (1972)
-Music & Me (1973)
-Forever, Michael (1975)
-Off the Wall (1979)
-Thriller (1982)
-Bad (1987)
-Dangerous (1991)
-HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I(1995)
-Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix(1997)
-Invincible (2001)

Xscape is the second posthumous album of previously unreleased tracks by American singer Michael Jackson, released on May 13, 2014 by Epic Records and MJJ Music.

Madonna

Madonna is a pop culture icon who has been around for decades. She has reinvented herself multiple times and has remained relevant in the music industry. Take this quiz to see how much you know about Madonna!

Born in 1958 in Bay City, Michigan

Madonna Louise Ciccone (/tʃɪˈkoʊneɪ/ chi-KOH-nay; Italian: [tʃiˈkɔːne]; born August 16, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Referred to as the “Queen of Pop” since the 1980s, Madonna is known for pushing the boundaries of songwriting in mainstream popular music and for the visuals she uses onstage and in music videos. She has frequently reinvented her music and image while maintaining autonomy within the recording industry. Although having sparked controversy, her works have been praised by music critics.

The “Queen of Pop”

Madonna is a pop culture icon who has influenced the music industry for decades. She is known as the “Queen of Pop” and has sold more than 300 million records worldwide. Madonna has also been nominated for numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Albums: Madonna, Like a Virgin, True Blue, Like a Prayer, Erotica, Bedtime Stories, Ray of Light, Music, American Life, Confessions on a Dance Floor, Hard Candy, MDNA, Rebel Heart, and Madame X

Madonna has released 14 studio albums, 3 movie soundtracks, 5 live albums, and 12 compilation albums. Her debut album, Madonna was released in 1983, and she has since released a further 13 studio albums. These are titled: Like a Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986), Like a Prayer (1989), Erotica (1992), Bedtime Stories (1994), Ray of Light (1998), Music (2000), American Life (2003), Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005), Hard Candy (2008), MDNA (2012), Rebel Heart (2015) and Madame X (2019). She has also released three movie soundtracks and five live albums.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé rose to fame in the early 2000s as the lead singer of the R&B group Destiny’s Child. Since then, she has become one of the most successful solo artists of all time. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

Born in 1981 in Houston, Texas

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Their hiatus saw Beyoncé pursue a successful solo career with the release of her debut album Dangerously in Love (2003), which featured the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy”.

The “Queen Bey”

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, simply known as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the R&B group Destiny’s Child. Managed by her father, Mathew Knowles, the group became one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time. Their hiatus saw Beyoncé embark on a solo career, during which she established herself as a successful recording artist and actress with hits such as “Crazy in Love” and “Dreamgirls”.

Albums: Dangerously in Love, B’Day, I Am… Sasha Fierce, 4, Beyoncé, Lemonade, and Everything Is Love

Dangerously in Love (2003)
B’Day (2006)
I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008)
4 (2011)
Beyoncé (2013)
Lemonade (2016)
Everything Is Love (2018)