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About This Quiz
The 1950s were marked by the beginning of Rock and Roll which incorporated many aspects of other genres of music and dominated the mid to later parts of the decade. It was only the continuation of big band swing, jazz and the evolution of rhythm and blues, country music and pop, which dominated the charts for the first half of the decade. Folk and calypso music also saw an increase in popularity but not to the extent of the other genres.Some of the most popular songs of the decade include "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley, "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard, "How High the Moon" by Les Paul and Mary Ford and "Wake Up Little Susie" by The Everly Brothers. Â Some of the other popular artists include Johnny Cash, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.Â
How many of these icons can you identify if you were given an image of them? Would you also be able to tell what songs they sang? Ninety-three percent of people are not able to do so. Will you be one of the few who can? The only way to find out is to take this quiz!
By Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.Reproduction Number: LC-USZ6-2067Location: NYWTS -- BIOG, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Paul Anka
Joe Clay
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was an American singer and actor who has been nicknamed the “King of Rock and Roll.†He is one of the best-selling solo artists in the history of music, winning three Grammys, and being inducted into numerous halls of fame. Some of his best hits include “Jailhouse Rock,†“Hound Dog,†“Burning Love†and “Can’t Help Falling in Love."
Jimmy Jones
Public Domain Via WIkimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Johnny Ace
Buddy Holly
Charles Hardin Holley, better known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer and songwriter who was a leading figure in 1950s rock and roll. He is best known for hits like “That’ll Be the Day,†“I’m Looking for Somebody to Loveâ€, “Words of Love†and “Peggy Sueâ€.
Ernie Freeman
Vaughn Monroe
By Hank_Williams_publicity.jpg: MGM Recordsderivative work: GDuwenTell me!, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Ast Tatum
Dick Glasser
Anita Kerr
Hank Williams
Hank Williams was an American singer and songwriter who was known as one of the most influential singers of the 20th century. Thirty-five of his singles reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western charts. Some of his best songs include “Your Cheatin’ Heart,†“Hey, Good Lookin'," “Lovesick Blues†and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry."
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By Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Neil Sedaka
Lou Christie
Kitty Kallan
Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby was an American Grammy Award-winning singer and Academy Award-winning actor who was one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is best known for songs including, “White Christmas,†“Silver Bells†and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas."
By U.S. Air Force photo, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Mabel Scott
Ray Charles
Eddie Fisher
Edwin John Fisher, better known as Eddie Fisher, was an American singer and actor who had a string of pop singles during the 1950s. He sold millions of records for songs including “Cindy Oh Cindy,†“I’m Walking Behind You†and “I Need You Now†and he even hosted his own television show.
Little Willie John
I, Sumori, from Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Ike Turner
Ike Turner was an American musician, songwriter and record producer who is best known as one of the leaders in 1950s rock and roll. He is best known for singing songs like “Box Top†and “She Made My Blood Run Cold.†He is also known for being the husband of Tina Turner.
Gene Alison
Chubby Checker
Jimmy Jones
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Public Domain Via WIkimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Wes Montgomery
Pete Seegar
Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline was an American country music and pop singer in the late 1950s and early 1960s before her death in a plane crash. She is known for hits like “I Fall to Pieces†and “Walkin’ After Midnight.†She was listed as #11 on The Greatest Women in Rock and Roll by VH1 and 46th in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Louis Armstrong
By Roland Godefroy, from Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Pat Hare
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was an American singer, songwriter and musician who was one of the first people to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some of Berry’s most popular hits include “Maybellene,†“Roll Over Beethoven,†“Rock and Roll Music†and “Johnny B. Goode."
Sidney Bechet
Jesse Belvin
Public Domain Via WIkimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Bill Monroe
Bill Monroe was an American singer and songwriter who was best known for creating the bluegrass style of music, hence the nickname “Father of Bluegrass.†Some of his best hits include “Blue Moon of Kentucky,†“Uncle Pen,†and “Footprints.â€
Eugene Church
Elvis Presley
Troy Shondell
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By Trailer screenshot (Rio Bravo trailer), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Judy Garland
Earl King
Ricky Nelson
Dean Martin
Dean Martin was an American singer, actor and recording artist who was given the nickname “King of Cool†because of how charismatic he was. Some of his chart-topping songs include “Memories Are Made of This,†“Everybody Loves Somebody†and “That’s Amore."
By The original uploader was ACT1 at English Wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Frank Avalon
Kay Starr
Katherine Laverne Starks, better known as Kay Starr, was an American jazz and pop singer in the late 1940s and 1950s. Some of her bestsellers include “The Rock and Roll Waltz,†“Riders in the Sky†and “The Wheel of Fortune."
Georgia Gibbs
Huey "Piano" Smith
By Unknown photographer (eBay), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Joan Sutherland
Sidney Bechet
Baker Knight
Doris Day
Doris Day is an American actress and singer whose career began after joining a band when she was just 17 years old. After embarking on a solo career, she produced hits like “A Secret Love,†“Que Sera Sera,†“Sentimental Journey†and “When I Fall in Love."
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By Sheldon Saltman, public relations (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Hank Thompson
Andy Williams
Andy Williams is an American pop singer and television host who was nominated for six Grammys and sold over 100 million records. He is best known for singing “Moon River,†“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year†and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You."
Tony Bennet
Lionel Hampton
By Seattle Packing Company-Bar-S Brand (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Charlie Parker
Art Pepper
Les Paul
Gene Autry
Gene Autry was an American singer, actor, rodeo performer and television host who was a pioneer in the country music scene. Some of his most popular songs include “Back in the Saddle Again,†“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,†“Riders in the Sky†and “Frosty the Snowman."
By Capitol Records. This was his recording company at the time. There's a partial ink stamp on back at left showing a portion of the old Capitol logo and the file number 15341. (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Ellis Larkins
The Ames Brothers
Glenn Campbell
Glen Campbell was an American singer, songwriter and television host best known for "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour." He sold more than 45 million albums worldwide and some of his best hits include “Rhinestone Cowboy,†“Gentle on My Mind†and “Try a Little Kindness."
The Pony-Tails
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Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Merle Travis
The Andrews Sisters
The Andrews Sisters were a harmony singing trio of sisters who were known for being one of the pioneers in rhythm and blues. They are also known for the songs “Pistol-Packin'​ Mama,†“Civilization†and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.†They also for inspired songs for other artists, including Christina Aguilera and Bette Midler.
Otis Blackwell
Dick Dale
By General Amusements Corporation (management) (eBayfrontback), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Perry Como
Pierino Ronald “Perry†Como was an American singer and television personality who sold millions of records. Some of the artist's best songs include “For the Good Times,†“Catch a Falling Star,†“It’s Impossible†and “Papa Loves Mambo."
The Big Bopper
The Ravens
The Impalas
By ABC-TVUploaded by We hope at en.wikipedia, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Wynonie Harris
Smiley Lewis
Phil Phillips
Jimmy Durante
James “Jimmy†Francis Durante was an American singer, comedian, and actor who was known for referring his nose as Schnozzola. Some of the artist's best songs include “Make Someone Happy,†“Ink Dinka Doo," “Old Man Time†and “The Glory of Love."
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By MCA-Management Corporation of America (management) Photographer:Maurice Seymour. (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Bobby Vee
T-Bone Walker
Eddy Howard
Eddy Howard was an American singer and bandleader who was extremely popular during the late 1940s to mid-1950s. Some of his most popular songs include “I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder,†“My Adobe Hacienda,†“Sin†and “Rickety Rickshaw Man."
Jimmy Bowen
By General Artists Corporation (management); photographer: James Kriegsmann, New York. (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Paul Anka
Paul Anka was Canadian-American singer and actor who rose to fame in the 1950s and was later inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. Some of his best songs include “Diana,†“Put Your Head on my Shoulder,†“Lonely Boy,†“You Are My Destiny†and “Puppy Love."
Jackie Brenston
Bo Diddley
Chuck Higgins
NRRArchives2 via youtube
Who is this singer?
Peggy Lee
Prez Prado
Jimmy Boyd
Jimmy Boyd was an American singer and actor who rose to fame at the age of 13 for singing the song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,†which sold more than 2 million copies in its first week. He is also known for singing “Tell Me a Story,†“Dennis the Menace†and “God’s Little Candle."
Paul Anka
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By The Library of Congress, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Sammy Davis Jr.
Dean Martin
June Christy
June Christy was an American singer best known for her work in the jazz genre. She has often been called “one of the finest and most neglected singers of her time.†Christy is known for songs including, “How High the Moon,†“Midnight Sun,†“It Could Happen to You", and “Willow Weep for Me."
Tampa Red
By NBC Television (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Elmore James
Rosemary Clooney
Rosemary Clooney was an American singer and actress whose career skyrocketed in the early 1950s only to plummet less than a decade later due to drug addiction. She is best known for songs including, “Mambo Italiano,†“Tenderly,†“Half as Much,†“Hey There†and “Come On-A My House."
Sam Butera
Maria Callas
Victor Diaz Lamich, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Martha Carson
Erskine Butterfield
Jack Dupree
Ray Charles
Ray Charles is an American singer and one of the pioneers in soul music during the 1950s. He was listed as #10 on the 2002 Rolling Stones’ list of “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.†Some of his best-sellers include “Georgia on my Mind,†“Hit the Road Jack,†“I Got a Woman†and “Mess Around.
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By Allan warren, from Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Debbie Reynolds
Debbie Reynolds was an American singer, actress, humanitarian and the mother of actress Carrie Fisher. She is a Golden Globe nominee and is known for hits such as “Tammy," “A Very Special Love,†“Am I That Easy to Forget†and “Good Morning."
Ivory Joe Hunter
Clyde McPhatter
Max Merritt
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
The Counts
Billie Holiday
Eleanora Fagan, better known as Billie Holiday, was an American singer, songwriter and jazz musician whose career lasted for almost three decades. Some of her most popular songs include “Gloomy Sunday,†“Strange Fruit,†“Blue Moon†and “God Bless the Child."
Fats Domino
The Wrens
By Cleary, Strauss, Irwin & Goodman-publicity (eBay itemfrontback), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Bill Haley
Elvis Presley
Frankie Laine
Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole was an American jazz singer, pianist, vocalist and actor who is rumored to have recorded at least 100 songs. He was also the first African-American to have hosted an American television series. Some of his most popular songs include “The Christmas Song,†“Unforgettable,†“Mona Lisa†and “When I Fall in Love."
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By MCA-Music Corporation of America (management) (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Marian Anderson
Eddie Arnold
Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis is an America singer who has sold more than 360 million records worldwide. More than 70 of his songs have made the Billboard charts and he has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame three times. Some of Mathis’ best songs include “Chances Are,†“Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,†“It’s Not for Me to Say†and “Wonderful! Wonderful."
Hank Ballard
By General Artist Corporation-management/photographer-James Kriegsmann, New York. (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Patti Page
Clara Ann Fowler, better known as Patti Page, was an American country singer who later crossed over into the pop world. Some of her best songs include “Tennessee Waltz,†“The Doggie in the Window,†“With My Eyes Wide Open, I’m Dreaming†and “I Went to Your Wedding."
Bo Diddley
Loretta Lynn
Lionel Hampton
By IISG (02-18-1961_17865 Ella Fitzgerald), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Odetta
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer who has often been called the “Queen of Jazz†and the “First Lady of Song.†Throughout her career, she has won 14 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Some of her most successful songs include “Dream a Little Dream of Me,†“It Don’t Mean a Thing†and “Cheek to Cheek."
Louis Prima
Ritchie Valens
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By NBC Television (eBayfront backfull release), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Baby Boy Waren
Ben E. King
Big Mama Thorton
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra was an American Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning actor and Grammy Award-winning singer who rose to fame in the 1940s but also saw considerable success in the 1950s. Some of his most popular songs include “My Way,†“Fly Me to the Moon," “New York, New York†and “Moon River."
By TV Guide, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Rufus Thomas
Big Joe Turner
Washboard Sam
Les Paul and Mary Ford
Les Paul and Mary Ford were a husband and wife musical team where Mary sang and her husband played the guitar. Together, they sold 6 million records just in 1951 and later scored 16 top 10 hits. Some of their most popular songs include “How High the Moon,†“The World is Waiting for Sunrise†and “Vaya Con Dios."
By TGC-Topps Gum Cards-photo from Decca Records (eBayfrontback), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
The Four Aces
The Four Aces are an American male pop quartet who rose to fame in the 1950s, selling millions of records and winning numerous gold records. Some of their most successful songs include “Love is Many-Splendored Thing,†“Three Coins in the Fountain,†Stranger in Paradise†and “Tell Me Why."
The Isley Brothers
The Lettermen
The Regents
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By Anna Bleke, from Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Johnny "Man" Young
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard, is an American singer, actor and musician who has been one of the most celebrated artists for almost seven decades. Some of his most popular songs include “Tutti Frutti,", “Rip It Up,†“Long Tall Sally “and “Slippin' and Slidin'," all of which were released in the 1950s.
Charles Mingus
Sonny Fisher
By Flickr user J&R Music World, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Eddie Cochran
Nervous Norvus
Ben E. King
Ben E. King was an American soul and R&B singer who was also one of the best-selling artists of all time. Some of Ben E. King’s most popular songs include “Stand by Me,†“Don’t Play That Song,†“Supernatural Thing†and “I."
Donald O'Conner
By Heinrich Klaffs, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Connie Francis
Willie Love
Lee Dorsey
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor and author who has sold more than 90 million records worldwide. Best known for his work in rock and roll, country and folk music, some of the Hall of Famer's​ most successful songs include “Ring of Fire,†“I Walk the Line,†“Get Rhythm†and “Man in Black."
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By U.S. Information Agency. Press and Publications Service. (ca. 1953 - ca. 1978), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
James Brown
Roy Orbison
Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte is an American singer, songwriter an activist who was called the “King of Calypso†as he often paid​ homage to his Caribbean roots in his music. His most popular songs include “Day-O,†“Island in the Sun,†“Jump in Line†and “Jamaica Farewell."
Charlie Parker
By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America (Pat Boone), via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Pat Boone
Charles Eugene “Pat†Boone is an American singer, actor and motivational spokesperson who has sold more than 45 million records. Some of the singer’s best songs include “Speedy Gonzales,†“Letters in the Sand†and “Moody River."
Ricky Nelson
Memphis Slim
Chet Atkins
By Raph_PH (TBennettRAH280617-16, via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
The Bobbettes
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett is an American singer who won 19 Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards. He was one of the biggest stars of the 1950s with quite a number of hits, including “The Way You Look Tonight,†“I Left My Heart in San Francisco,†“The Lady is a Tramp†and “Rags to Riches."
Peppermint Harris
Peggy Lee
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By Silvio Tanaka from Sao Paulo, Brazil (Jerry Lee Lewis @ São Paulo) , via Wikimedia Commons
Who is this singer?
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis was an American singer-songwriter and pianist who was given the nickname, “The Killer.†Some of his greatest hits include “Great Balls of Fire,†“Breathless†and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.†His success took a nose dive once people learned that at the age of 22, he married his 13-year-old cousin, once removed.
Oscar Peterson
Jack Gurthie
Pee Wee Crayton
You Got:
/40
By Roland Godefroy, from Wikimedia Commons / By Seattle Packing Company-Bar-S Brand (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back), via Wikimedia Commons / By NBC Television (eBayfront backfull release), via Wikimedia Commons