Music trivia is a fascinating way to test your knowledge of classic hits and the legendary artists who brought them to life. Below, we dive deep into ten memorable songs, uncovering the stories behind each track and the remarkable performers who made them famous. Whether you are a music aficionado or just love to hum along with the radio, these trivia questions will both challenge and entertain you!
1. Who sang this song: Nobody Does It Better?
Nobody Does It Better is a sultry, sophisticated song immortalized as the theme for the 1977 James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me. The artist behind this iconic track is Carly Simon. With her smooth vocals and emotive delivery, Simon turned this song, written by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager, into a chart-topping hit. The song was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, cementing its place in pop culture. Carly Simon’s performance is often praised for its blend of sensuality and strength, making Nobody Does It Better one of the most beloved Bond themes of all time.
2. Who sang this song: My Cherie Amour?
This romantic ballad, with its dreamy melody and poetic lyrics, became a signature song for Stevie Wonder. Released in 1969, My Cherie Amour showcases Wonder’s extraordinary vocal range and innovative approach to songwriting. The track, inspired by Wonder’s unrequited love, features lush orchestration and a timeless Motown sound. Stevie Wonder was only in his late teens when he recorded the song, yet he imbued it with a maturity and tenderness that resonated with listeners worldwide. Today, My Cherie Amour remains a staple of both wedding playlists and oldies radio.
3. Who sang this song: One of These Nights?
One of These Nights is a classic rock anthem by the legendary band, The Eagles. Released in 1975, the song became the title track of their fourth studio album. With Don Henley on lead vocals, the track features a blend of rock, soul, and country influences, woven together by the band’s signature harmonies and Glenn Frey’s memorable guitar work. The haunting and seductive mood of One of These Nights captured the spirit of the mid-70s, earning the Eagles a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song continues to be a highlight in the band’s live performances and a favorite among classic rock fans.
4. Who sang this song: I Feel the Earth Move?
Few artists embody the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s like Carole King. I Feel the Earth Move is one of her best-known songs, featured on her groundbreaking 1971 album Tapestry. The song’s energetic piano riff and King’s soulful vocals blend to create a sense of urgency and excitement. The lyrics capture the exhilaration of falling in love, and King’s performance is both passionate and playful. I Feel the Earth Move helped propel Tapestry to multi-platinum success, making Carole King one of the most influential female artists of her generation.
5. Who sang this song: Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds?
A psychedelic classic, Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds was performed by none other than The Beatles. Featured on their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the song is renowned for its vivid imagery and experimental sound. John Lennon, inspired by a drawing his son Julian brought home from school, crafted the fantastical lyrics. While the song’s initials (LSD) fueled rumors of drug references, Lennon always insisted it was about a child’s imagination. The Beatles’ innovative production techniques and whimsical storytelling made Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds a defining track of the psychedelic era.
6. Who sang this song: Kung Fu Fighting?
Disco met martial arts in the 1974 international hit Kung Fu Fighting, performed by Carl Douglas. This upbeat, danceable track captured the world’s fascination with kung fu movies and became an instant sensation. With its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, Kung Fu Fighting soared to the top of the charts in both the UK and the US. The song’s distinctive “huh!” sound effects and funky rhythm made it a staple of dance floors everywhere. Though Carl Douglas had other songs, he is best remembered for this joyous, genre-blending hit.
7. Who sang this song: That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be?
This haunting and introspective ballad was performed by Carly Simon, marking her debut single in 1971. The song’s lyrics, co-written with Jacob Brackman, explore the complexities and uncertainties of marriage, resonating with listeners during a time of social change. Simon’s emotive voice and the song’s orchestral arrangement struck a chord, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be established Carly Simon as a powerful new voice in the singer-songwriter movement and paved the way for her illustrious career.
8. Who sang this song: The Twelfth of Never?
The Twelfth of Never is a timeless love song that has been covered by many artists, but it was Johnny Mathis who made it a classic in 1957. With his smooth, velvety vocals, Mathis brought sincerity and warmth to the song’s poetic lyrics, which speak of eternal love. The track became a staple in Mathis’s repertoire and has since become synonymous with romantic ballads. Later versions by artists such as Donny Osmond kept the song alive for new generations, but Johnny Mathis’s original rendition remains unmatched in its emotional impact.
9. Who sang this song: Midnight At the Oasis?
A sensual and jazzy hit from 1974, Midnight At the Oasis was performed by Maria Muldaur. Muldaur’s sultry vocals and the song’s evocative lyrics transport listeners to a dreamy, desert landscape. The track was written by David Nichtern and became Muldaur’s biggest hit, earning her a Grammy nomination. Its smooth blend of pop, jazz, and folk elements helped distinguish Midnight At the Oasis from other hits of the era. The song continues to be celebrated for its unique sound and playful, flirtatious vibe.
10. Who sang this song: Misty Blue?
While Misty Blue has been recorded by numerous artists, its most celebrated version is by Dorothy Moore, released in 1976. Moore’s soulful and heartfelt delivery turned this country-tinged ballad into an R&B classic. The song’s longing lyrics and Moore’s powerful voice struck a chord with audiences, reaching the top of the R&B charts and crossing over to pop success. Misty Blue remains a favorite among fans of classic soul and has been featured in films and TV shows, further cementing Dorothy Moore’s rendition as the definitive version.
Conclusion
From the smooth stylings of Carly Simon and Johnny Mathis to the groundbreaking sounds of The Beatles and Stevie Wonder, these songs represent some of the finest moments in popular music history. Each artist brought their unique voice and vision to the tracks, creating timeless works that continue to inspire new generations. Whether you’re reminiscing about the golden days of radio or discovering these hits for the first time, music trivia like this is a wonderful way to celebrate the art and artists who have shaped our cultural landscape.