33 60s Music Trivia Questions

The 1960s were a pivotal era in the world of music. This decade saw the rise of iconic artists, groundbreaking albums, and memorable hits that continue to influence generations of music lovers.

If you’re a fan of 60s music or just looking to test your knowledge, we’ve put together a set of trivia questions that will take you on a journey through this groovy decade.

So, grab your bell-bottoms and let’s get started!

60s Music Trivia Questions

Which groundbreaking 1967 album, famous for its psychedelic rock sound, featured an iconic cover designed by Peter Blake and Jann Haworth, showcasing the band with a host of historical figures, celebrities, and other notable individuals in a unique collage?
In 1969, a legendary music festival was held in Bethel, New York, known for its embodiment of the peace and music movement of the 1960s. Can you name this festival, which featured performances from legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, and became a symbol of the counterculture movement?
The Beatles’ 1965 album “Rubber Soul” marked a significant shift in the band’s musical style, incorporating elements of folk rock and more complex lyricism. Which song from this album, famous for its sitar introduction played by George Harrison, signaled the band’s foray into more experimental music?
Which Motown female singing group, led by Diana Ross, became one of the most successful musical acts of the 1960s, with hits like “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love”?
At the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, Bob Dylan famously ‘went electric’, shifting from acoustic folk to a rock sound, which initially received mixed reactions. What was the name of the electric song he opened his set with, signaling this dramatic shift in his musical style?
The “British Invasion” refers to the influx of British rock bands into the American music scene in the mid-1960s. Which band, apart from The Beatles, became incredibly popular during this period, known for their song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”?
This 1967 song by The Doors, featured on their debut album, became an anthem for the psychedelic rock movement and is known for its organ intro and Jim Morrison’s poetic lyrics. Can you name this song, often associated with the counterculture of the 60s?
Who was the artist that memorably closed the Woodstock Festival in 1969 with an improvisational rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on his electric guitar, symbolizing the anti-war sentiment of the era?
This 1960 hit by Chubby Checker popularized a dance craze that had everyone twisting. Can you name this song that led to a series of similar dance songs and became one of the most popular singles of the early 60s?
This artist, known for his poignant and politically charged folk songs, released “Blowin’ in the Wind” in 1963, a track that became an anthem for civil rights and anti-war movements. Who is this influential singer-songwriter?
In 1968, Elvis Presley reasserted his relevance in the music world with a televised special that came to be known simply by his first name. This event is often referred to as his ‘Comeback Special’. What was the official title of this TV program?
In 1969, which British rock band released a double album that was a rock opera, telling the story of a “deaf, dumb, and blind” boy who becomes a pinball champion? This groundbreaking album included the hit song “Pinball Wizard.”
Which American rock band, formed in Hawthorne, California, became famous for their harmonious pop songs about the California lifestyle, including surfing and cars, with hits like “Surfin’ USA” and “Good Vibrations”?
Known as the Queen of Soul, this artist released “Respect” in 1967, a song that became a landmark recording for the feminist and civil rights movements. Who is this legendary soul singer?
Jimi Hendrix stunned the music world with his innovative guitar playing and his performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, where he famously set his guitar on fire. Can you name the song he was playing during this iconic moment?
In 1969, Jim Morrison of The Doors was arrested on stage during a concert in Miami, leading to a notorious trial. What was the charge that Morrison faced following this controversial performance?
This 1967 album by The Beatles, featuring the tracks “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “A Day in the Life,” is often cited as one of the most influential albums of all time, heralding the Summer of Love. What is the name of this album?
Which artist, known as the “Queen of Rock and Roll,” made waves in the late 1960s with her powerful, raspy voice and dynamic stage presence as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company, and later as a solo artist with hits like “Piece of My Heart”?
Eric Clapton, known for his exceptional guitar skills, was a member of which influential band before embarking on a successful solo career, known for songs like “White Room” and “Sunshine of Your Love”?
Which folk-rock duo, consisting of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “The Sound of Silence” and “Mrs. Robinson,” often noted for their harmonious vocals and thoughtful lyrics?
This Motown male group, led by Smokey Robinson, was known for its smooth harmonies and classic hits like “The Tracks of My Tears” and “My Girl.” Who are they?
On February 3, 1959, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of three young musicians, a pivotal event in music history often referred to as “The Day the Music Died.” Can you name these three artists?
Pink Floyd debuted with their album “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” in 1967. Who was the original leader and principal songwriter of the band during this period, known for his innovative and psychedelic compositions?
Which influential soul and funk musician released the live album “Live at the Apollo” in 1963, showcasing his dynamic performance style and contributing significantly to his rise to fame?
Which 1963 album by Bob Dylan, featuring songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” is often credited with revitalizing the folk music genre and bringing social issues into the mainstream music scene?
The Jimi Hendrix Experience released this seminal album in 1967, featuring groundbreaking guitar work and classics like “Purple Haze” and “The Wind Cries Mary.” What is the name of this influential album?
Known for their mod style and hits like “My Generation,” which British band became famous in the 1960s for their energetic performances and is often associated with the youth and mod culture of that era?
This instrumental surf rock band, led by guitarist Dick Dale, is known for their 1962 hit “Misirlou,” which gained renewed popularity in the 1990s as part of the “Pulp Fiction” soundtrack. Who are they?
This artist’s 1961 hit “Stand by Me” became one of the most enduring soul classics of the 1960s, later becoming an anthem for civil rights and human solidarity. Who is this legendary soul singer?
Which famous jazz trumpeter released the album “Kind of Blue” in 1959, widely considered a masterpiece and one of the greatest jazz albums of all time, influencing musicians across various genres including rock and classical?
Held in 1967 in California, this festival is often considered the first major rock festival, setting the stage for future music festivals like Woodstock. It featured performances by Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, and The Grateful Dead. What is the name of this festival?
Which 1967 album by The Beatles, featuring tracks like “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane,” is celebrated as one of the first and most influential concept albums, experimenting with innovative studio techniques?
This songwriting team, working out of Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studio, wrote numerous hits for artists like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and The Four Tops. Known as “The Corporation,” who were these three prolific songwriters?

Answers

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles.
Woodstock Music & Art Fair.
“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”.
The Supremes.
“Maggie’s Farm”.
The Rolling Stones.
“Light My Fire”.
Jimi Hendrix.
“The Twist”.
Bob Dylan.
“Elvis” (commonly known as the ’68 Comeback Special).
The Who, with the album “Tommy”.
The Beach Boys.
Aretha Franklin.
“Wild Thing”.
Indecent exposure.
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”.
Janis Joplin.
Cream.
Simon & Garfunkel.
The Miracles.
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.
Syd Barrett.
James Brown.
“The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”.
“Are You Experienced”.
The Who.
Dick Dale and his Del-Tones.
Ben E. King.
Miles Davis.
The Monterey Pop Festival.
“Magical Mystery Tour”.
Holland-Dozier-Holland (Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland).