1960s music Trivia
1960s music trivia explores a decade when popular music changed rapidly, as rock, soul, folk, and pop expanded their audiences and influence around the world. The era saw landmark acts such as The Beatles, The Supremes, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones reshape charts, style, and youth culture. Expect questions that range from familiar hits to deeper cuts about the performers and moments that made the 1960s unforgettable.
Easy 1960s Music Trivia
13 questions
These easy 1960s music trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.
Question 1
What was the title of the Beatles' debut album, released in 1963?
Answer: Please Please Me
The Beatles released their debut album, Please Please Me, in 1963.
Question 2
Which famous band stopped touring in 1966?
- A.The Byrds
- B.Cream
- C.The Beatles
- D.The Doors
Answer: The Beatles
The Beatles stopped touring in 1966.
Question 3
Who managed the Beatles during the 1960s?
Answer: Brian Epstein
Brian Epstein was the Beatles' manager during the 1960s.
Question 4
Which producer worked on many of the Beatles' 1960s recordings?
- A.Jack Bruce
- B.George Martin
- C.Brian Epstein
- D.Roger McGuinn
Answer: George Martin
George Martin produced many of the Beatles' recordings in the 1960s.
Question 5
Bob Dylan released which album in 1965?
Answer: Highway 61 Revisited
Highway 61 Revisited is a Bob Dylan album released in 1965.
Question 6
Which Bob Dylan song was released in 1965: 'Like a Rolling Stone' or 'Purple Haze'?
- A.Satisfaction
- B.You Really Got Me
- C.Rolling Stone
- D.Purple Haze
Answer: Like a Rolling Stone
Like a Rolling Stone was released by Bob Dylan in 1965.
Question 7
The Rolling Stones released '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' in what year?
Answer: 1965
The Rolling Stones released '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' in 1965.
Question 8
Who was the lead singer of the Rolling Stones in the 1960s?
Answer: Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger is identified is the Rolling Stones' lead singer in the 1960s.
Question 9
Which Rolling Stones member was a guitarist and songwriter in the 1960s?
- A.Pete Townshend
- B.Dave Davies
- C.Keith Richards
- D.Mick Jagger
Answer: Keith Richards
Keith Richards was a guitarist and songwriter for the Rolling Stones in the 1960s.
Question 10
Jimi Hendrix released which album in 1967?
Answer: Are You Experienced
Are You Experienced was released by Jimi Hendrix in 1967.
Question 11
Which Jimi Hendrix Experience single came out in 1967?
Answer: Purple Haze
Purple Haze was released is a Jimi Hendrix Experience single in 1967.
Question 12
Which band released its self-titled debut album in 1967: the Doors or Cream?
- A.The Byrds
- B.The Doors
- C.Cream
- D.The Kinks
Answer: The Doors
The Doors released their self-titled debut album in 1967.
Question 13
Whose powerful voice was central to the Mamas & the Papas' vocal blend?
Answer: Cass Elliot
Cass Elliot's powerful voice became central to the Mamas & the Papas' vocal blend.
1960s Music Family Trivia
12 questions
These family 1960s music trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.
Question 1
Who built Motown around a hit-making system in Detroit?
Answer: Berry Gordy built Motown around a hit-making system in Detroit.
Motown's Detroit-based hit-making system was built by Berry Gordy.
Question 2
At which event did Bob Dylan's move toward electric backing in 1965 spark controversy among some folk purists?
Answer: It happened at the Newport Folk Festival.
Dylan's 1965 shift toward electric backing caused controversy at Newport.
Question 3
Which Beach Boys member stopped regular touring in the mid-1960s to focus more on writing and recording?
Answer: Brian Wilson.
Brian Wilson stepped away from regular touring so he could concentrate more on studio work.
Question 4
Who became the focal lead singer of the Supremes during the 1960s?
Answer: Diana Ross became the focal lead singer of the Supremes.
The Supremes' central lead presence in the 1960s was Diana Ross.
Question 5
Before becoming a solo star, Janis Joplin first rose to fame with which group?
Answer: Big Brother and the Holding Company.
Janis Joplin first became widely known is a member of Big Brother and the Holding Company.
Question 6
'White Rabbit' borrowed imagery from the writings of which author?
Answer: Lewis Carroll.
Jefferson Airplane's 'White Rabbit' drew lyrical inspiration from Lewis Carroll imagery.
Question 7
Who was the lead singer and lyricist most associated with the Doors' dark image?
Answer: Jim Morrison.
Jim Morrison was the Doors member most closely tied to the band's dark image is lead singer and lyricist.
Question 8
True or false: Did Jimi Hendrix become a major star in the UK before breaking through in the United States?
Answer: True
His first major stardom came in the UK, followed later by his breakthrough in the U.S.
Question 9
At which famous festival did Jimi Hendrix perform 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in one of the event's defining moments?
Answer: Woodstock.
Hendrix's performance of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is remembered is one of Woodstock's defining moments.
Question 10
Which folk singer helped introduce Bob Dylan to broader folk audiences early in his career?
Answer: Joan Baez.
Joan Baez helped bring Bob Dylan to wider folk audiences early on.
Question 11
Which songwriting duo was the creative core of the Rolling Stones in the 1960s?
Answer: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
The Rolling Stones' core songwriting partnership during the decade was Jagger/Richards.
Question 12
On The Velvet Underground & Nico, who sang lead on several tracks?
Answer: Nico.
Nico sang lead on several tracks on that album.
Fun 1960s Music Trivia
13 questions
These fun 1960s music trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.
Question 1
Which Aretha Franklin album arrived in 1967 with the dramatic title I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You?
Answer: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin released I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You in 1967.
Question 2
What 1968 album was released by Big Brother and the Holding Company with a title that sounds like a bargain-bin promise?
- A.My Generation
- B.Light My Fire
- C.Cheap Thrills
- D.Surrealistic Pillow
Answer: Cheap Thrills
Cheap Thrills was released by Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1968.
Question 3
Which trio formed after David Crosby left the Byrds and Stephen Stills' Buffalo Springfield ended?
Answer: Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash formed after David Crosby left the Byrds and Stephen Stills' Buffalo Springfield ended.
Question 4
Whose famous TV return arrived in the 1968 NBC special commonly called the '68 Comeback Special?
Answer: Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley made his television comeback in the 1968 NBC special commonly called the '68 Comeback Special.
Question 5
Which singer brought lead vocals to Jefferson Airplane and one of the coolest names in 1960s rock?
Answer: Grace Slick
Grace Slick was a lead singer of Jefferson Airplane.
Question 6
Before going solo, Janis Joplin sang with which band?
Answer: Big Brother and the Holding Company
Janis Joplin sang with Big Brother and the Holding Company before her solo work.
Question 7
Jefferson Airplane released which album in 1967: Surrealistic Pillow or Cheap Thrills?
- A.Respect
- B.Surrealistic Pillow
- C.Cheap Thrills
- D.My Girl
Answer: Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane released Surrealistic Pillow in 1967.
Question 8
Who was Creedence Clearwater Revival's lead singer and principal songwriter?
Answer: John Fogerty
John Fogerty was the lead singer and principal songwriter of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Question 9
Which Doors song burst into major-hit status in 1967 and sounded like a very dramatic request to the electrician?
Answer: Light My Fire
Light My Fire became a major hit for the Doors in 1967.
Question 10
Which Velvet Underground founder is the correct answer here: Lou Reed or John Fogerty?
- A.John Fogerty
- B.Otis Redding
- C.Marvin Gaye
- D.Lou Reed
Answer: Lou Reed
Lou Reed was a founding member of the Velvet Underground.
Question 11
Which duo released Ain't No Mountain High Enough in 1967?
Answer: Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell released Ain't No Mountain High Enough in 1967.
Question 12
Which record label was founded in Detroit in 1959 and became a defining force in 1960s popular music?
Answer: Motown Records
Motown Records was founded in Detroit in 1959 and became a defining label of 1960s popular music.
Question 13
The Who released which snarling generational anthem in 1965?
Answer: My Generation
My Generation was released by the Who in 1965.
Funny 1960s Music Trivia
13 questions
These funny 1960s music trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.
Question 1
Which Beatles song is basically two strong musical opinions sharing one trench coat, combining mostly separate sections by John Lennon and Paul McCartney?
Answer: A Day in the Life
The fact states that "A Day in the Life" combines mostly separate song sections written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Question 2
On "Gimme Shelter," whose guest vocal arrives so prominently that it practically kicks the door open?
Answer: Merry Clayton
"Gimme Shelter" features a prominent guest vocal by Merry Clayton.
Question 3
If the Who sounded like they were gleefully chasing a musical thunderstorm, which drummer gets credit for that more chaotic and explosive feel?
- A.Ringo Starr
- B.Keith Moon
- C.Charlie Watts
- D.Ginger Baker
Answer: Keith Moon
Keith Moon's drumming gave the Who a more chaotic and explosive feel than many of their British peers.
Question 4
After a big run in the 1960s, which duo released "Bridge over Troubled Water" in 1970, just to keep the calendar on its toes?
Answer: Simon & Garfunkel
The fact states that Simon & Garfunkel released "Bridge over Troubled Water" in 1970 after major success in the 1960s.
Question 5
True or false: Soul Train was already on TV during the 1960s, handing out groove passports before the decade ended.?
Answer: False
Soul Train did not debut until 1971, after the 1960s music era had ended.
Question 6
Which film soundtrack prominently featured songs by Simon & Garfunkel, giving moviegoers extra folk-rock with their existential confusion?
Answer: The Graduate
The Graduate soundtrack prominently featured songs by Simon & Garfunkel.
Question 7
What Rolling Stones album is often linked to the late-1960s psychedelic boom, as if the title itself already arrived wearing swirling colors?
Answer: Their Satanic Majesties Request
The Rolling Stones' "Their Satanic Majesties Request" is often linked to the late-1960s psychedelic boom.
Question 8
The late-1960s "San Francisco sound" was closely associated with which city, in a twist nobody saw coming?
Answer: San Francisco
The fact directly states that the San Francisco sound was closely associated with the city's late-1960s rock scene.
Question 9
Which singer's success helped establish a model for soul artists seeking greater business control, proving the microphone and the ledger can coexist?
Answer: Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke's success helped establish a model for soul singers pursuing greater business control.
Question 10
Name the producer whose 1960s work connected Bob Dylan on one side and the Velvet Underground on the other, like a very cool studio bridge.?
Answer: Tom Wilson
Tom Wilson is having worked on recordings by both artists in the 1960s.
Question 11
Which duo, after major success in the 1960s, showed up in 1970 with "Bridge over Troubled Water" instead of politely stopping at December 31, 1969?
Answer: Simon & Garfunkel
The fact says Simon & Garfunkel released "Bridge over Troubled Water" in 1970 after major success in the 1960s.
Question 12
Which show is the wrong answer if someone claims it debuted during the 1960s music era, because it actually arrived in 1971?
- A.Hullabaloo
- B.Soul Train
- C.American Bandstand
- D.Shindig!
Answer: Soul Train
Soul Train did not debut until 1971, after the 1960s music era had ended.
Question 13
Which movie borrowed prominent Simon & Garfunkel songs for its soundtrack, basically inviting folk-rock to co-star?
- A.In the Heat of the Night
- B.The Graduate
- C.The Apartment
- D.Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Answer: The Graduate
The Graduate soundtrack prominently featured songs by Simon & Garfunkel.
Hard 1960s Music Trivia
14 questions
These hard 1960s music trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.
Question 1
Which London recording facility served as a major site for many Beatles sessions during the 1960s?
Answer: Abbey Road Studios
Many Beatles sessions in the 1960s were recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Question 2
Who improvised the organ part on Bob Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone'?
Answer: Al Kooper
The organ part on 'Like a Rolling Stone' was improvised by Al Kooper.
Question 3
During her major late-1960s breakthrough, Aretha Franklin recorded for which label?
Answer: Atlantic Records
Aretha Franklin's major late-1960s breakthrough came while recording for Atlantic Records.
Question 4
Who produced Aretha Franklin's breakthrough Atlantic recordings?
Answer: Jerry Wexler
Jerry Wexler produced Aretha Franklin's breakthrough recordings for Atlantic.
Question 5
Which Rolling Stones founder was dismissed from the band in 1969?
Answer: Brian Jones
Brian Jones founded the Rolling Stones and was dismissed from the band in 1969.
Question 6
What group had broken up by 1968 despite helping launch the visibility of both Stephen Stills and Neil Young?
Answer: Buffalo Springfield
Buffalo Springfield broke up in 1968, even though it had raised the profile of Stephen Stills and Neil Young.
Question 7
Who played a key role in bringing Jimi Hendrix to England and helping launch the Experience?
Answer: Chas Chandler
Chas Chandler was instrumental in bringing Jimi Hendrix to England and helping start the Experience.
Question 8
Creedence Clearwater Revival released which album in 1969?
Answer: Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival released Green River in 1969.
Question 9
Within Cream, which drummer had a notoriously tense relationship with Jack Bruce?
Answer: Ginger Baker
Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce were known for a notoriously tense relationship within Cream.
Question 10
Which songwriting-production team was responsible for many major Motown hits before leaving the label in the late 1960s?
Answer: HollandāDozierāHolland
HollandāDozierāHolland wrote and produced many major Motown hits before departing in the late 1960s.
Question 11
After playing in the Yardbirds, who went on to found Led Zeppelin?
Answer: Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page played in the Yardbirds before founding Led Zeppelin.
Question 12
Who produced the Mamas & the Papas' major 1960s recordings?
Answer: Lou Adler
Lou Adler produced the Mamas & the Papas' major recordings of the 1960s.
Question 13
Before his solo recordings fully defined him, Marvin Gaye first became widely known at Motown through what additional format?
Answer: Duets
Marvin Gaye first became widely known at Motown through duets is well as solo recordings.
Question 14
Which Simon & Garfunkel hit reached audiences in 1968 with a title that sounds like it should be answering your doorbell?
Answer: Mrs. Robinson
'Mrs. Robinson' was a hit for Simon & Garfunkel in 1968.
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