Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This state, situated on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, has registered 16 earthquakes since 1974.

2) When naming aircraft, what do the letters "T," "F" and "B" stand for?

3) This jazz trumpet player was nicknamed the "Prince of Darkness" by interviewers thanks to his limited patience with uncomprehending critics and media representatives.

Answers:

1) Maine

2) "Trainer," "Fighter" and "Bomber."

3) Miles Davis

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This song was #1 on the Billboard Pop chart on this date in 1967. It bears the distinction of being the first father-daughter duet to top the charts. What was the name of the song and who sang it?

2) This popular American singer was attacked and severely beaten on this date in 1956 while onstage at the Municipal Hall in Birmingham, Alabama.

3) Who was the youngest player to hit 400 home runs?

Answers:

1) "Somethin' Stupid" was a hit for Frank Sinatra and his "Boots Were Made for Walkin'" daughter, Nancy.

2) Nat King Cole.

3) On this date in 2000, Ken Griffey, Jr. hit his 400th home run. He was 30 years and 141 days old, making him the youngest player to have achieved that milestone.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) The Golf Hal of Fame opened on this date in 1974 in what city?

2) This baseball park opened on this date in 1913. The fans had to wait an hour to get in, because no one had brought the key.

3) On this date in 2005, Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles. What became her title?

4) Professional baseball's first indoor game was played on this date in 1965. Where?

Answers:

1) Pinehurst, North Carolina

2) Ebbets Field which was home to the Brooklyn Dodgers.

3) The Duchess of Cornwall

4) The Houston Astrodome. President Lyndon Johnson was there, but Texas governor John Connally threw out the first ball.

4)

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1842, Dr. Crawford Long was the first physician to use this.

2) What precious metal is used in modern cars' catalytic converters?

3) Amerigo Vespucci, the man from whose name we have "America," made his living in what trade?

4) The TV game show, Jeopardy debuted on this date in 1964. Who was the show's original host?

Answers:

1) He was the first to use an anesthetic, specifically ether, in surgery.

2) Platinum

3) Mapmaking

4) Art Fleming hosted 2,500 consecutive daytime shows. Alex Trebek has been host since the show's syndication in 1984.

Alan Rock's Trivia

Questions:

1) Which former movie star served as a member of the U.N. delegation and as ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia?

2) What World War II fighter pilot was the first pilot to fly faster than the speed of sound on October 14, 1947?

3) What is the highest rank that any officer can earn in the U.S. military?

4) Who is the only person to have been named to the College Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and as a coach?


Answers:

1) Shirley Temple Black, the famed little dancing girl in movies.

2) Charles "Chuck" Elwood Yeager. By the way, Jackie Cochran was the first woman to break the speed of sound.

3) "General of the Armies of the United States" is the highest military rank of all time. George Washington and John J. Pershing are the only two military officers to reach this rank.

4) John Wooden holds that honor.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Which U.S. president purchased Alaska from Russia?

2) How many varieties of apples are there?

3) This North Carolina school was Trinity College until 1925. What is its current name?

4) Who was the only president to enter and complete his term as a bachelor?

Answers:

1) Andrew Johnson

2) There are more than 7,000 varieties of apples worldwide.

3) Trinity College is now Duke University

4) James Buchanan

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1512 Ponce de Leon landed in Florida. What was Ponce de Leon's first name?

2) They were the first U.S. team to win the Stanley Cup.

3) A women's size 3 shoe in the U.K. is equal to what size in the U.S.?

4) This Constitutional Amendment grants citizens the right to bear arms.

Answers:

1) Juan

2) The Seattle Metropolitans won in 1917.

3) 5

4) The 2nd amendment.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1885, something momentous occurred for the motion picture industry. What was it?

2) On this date in 1886, Asa Yoelson was born in Srednick, Russia. He later became famous by what name?

3) On this date in 1937 spinach growers in Crystal City, Texas unveiled a statue of a man who meant a great deal to them. Who was it?

4) Who wrote Waiting for Godot?

Answers:

1) The Eastman Dry Plate and Film Company of Rochester, New York manufactured the first commercial motion picture film.

2) Al Jolson

3) Popeye the Sailor (the statue remains today).

4) Samuel Beckett

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Actress Amanda Plummer's father is Christopher Plummer. Who is her mother?

2) On this date in 1965, this U.S. two-man crew launched into space on the Gemini mission. What were the astronauts' names?

3) On this date in 1983, this man was the world's first recipient of a permanent artificial heart.

4) On this date in 1983, this piano man married an uptown girl. Who were they?

Answers:

1) Tammy Grimes

2) Gus Grissom and John Young

3) Barney Clark in Seattle, Washibgton

4) Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What city became known as the "Second City" of jazz?

2) Dwight D. Eisenhower won both his presidential terms in landslide victories. Who did he defeat?

3) This state got its name from the French words for green and mountain.

Answers:

1) Chicago

2) Adlai Stevenson

3) Vermont

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Who are the two traveling companions in Of Mice and Men?

2) This famous painting by Edvard Munch was stolen in 2004.

3) On this date in 1934, radar was used for the first time in what country?

Answers:

1) George and Lennie

2) The Scream

3) Germany

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) The show Honey West featured television's first female private eye. Who played her on the show?

2) Actor and occasional musician Bruce Willis is celebrating his 57th birthday. What is the name of his blues band?

3) On March 19, 1988, Michael Jackson bought a ranch near Santa Ynez, California, and built his own personal zoo and amusement park. What did he call it?

4) On March 19, 1953, something happened with the Academy Awards ceremony? What?

Answers:

1) Anne Francis. It lasted only one season, from 1965-66.

2) Bruno

3) Neverland

4) The Academy Awards ceremony was televised for the first time from Hollywood and New York. The Greatest Show on Earth was named best picture of 1952; John Ford won as best director for The Quiet Man; Gary Cooper won best actor for "High Noon," while Shirley Booth received best actress for Come Back, Little Sheba.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Which musical instrument is Woody Allen most noted for playing?

2) What was Peter, Paul & Mary's only #1 song?

3) Which fruit is of the genus Pyrus?

4) Which element is represented by the letter "B" in the periodic table of elements?

Answers:

1) Clarinet

2) "Leavin' On A Jet Plane," written by John Denver in 1966. "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "Blowin' in the Wind" peaked at #2.

3) Pears

4) Boron

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This MLB team had two players hit more than 50 home runs in the same season.

2) On this date in 1968, Life magazine proclaimed him as "the most spectacular guitarist in the world."

3) This baseball team was founded on this date in 1869. They were the first all pro team.

Answers:

1) The 1961 Yankees saw 61 home runs from Roger Maris; Mickey Mantle hit 54.

2) Jimi Hendrix

3) Cincinnati Red Sox - then called the Cincinnati Red Stockings.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What was the name of the fictional island that was King Kong's home?

2) Which state has these two natural attractions: "The Hangman Fossil Beds" and "Craters of the Moon"?

3) What is the difference between spirits and liqueurs?

Answers:

1) Skull Island

2) Idaho

3) Liqueurs have additional sugars

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Today is Ken Day. It was on this day in 1961, Mattel introduced a doll named Ken a boyfriend for Barbie. What was Ken's last name?

2) This corporation owns Kool-Aid, Cheez Whiz, Jell-O, Miller Beer, Marlboro cigarettes, Oscar Mayer, Post Cereal, Velveeta, Tombstone Pizza and Maxwell House.

3) What minerals make up brass?

4) Demi Moore artfully posed nude for the cover of this magazine twice.

Answers:

1) Ken Carson

2) Phillip Morris

3) Copper and zinc.

4) Vanity Fair

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1974 Wonder Woman debuted on television, with Lynda Carter starring as Wonder Woman. The series was based on the comic book character which was created by Charles Moulton. What else was he known for?

2) What is Yogi Berra's real first name?

3) He was the only astronaut to fly in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space missions.

4) Juliette Gordon Low founded this organization on this date in 1912.

Answers:

1) He also invented the lie detector.

2) Lawrence

3) Wally Schirra

4) Girl Scouts

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This Billie Holiday staple became a hit on the pop/rock charts in the 60's. Who recorded it?

2)The FCC (Federal Communications Commission), responsible for broadcast transmissions and telecommunications is one of two government agencies. What is the other agency?

3) This government program was modeled after the British Poor Law of 1601.

Answers:

1) "God Bless the Child" was a hit for Blood, Sweat and Tears, with David Clayton Thomas on the lead vocal.

2) The FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

3) Social Security

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1988, the TV series, The Heat of the Night. It starred Carroll O'Connor as Chief Gillespie and Howard Rollins as Mr. Tibbs. Who played these roles in the 1967 film?

2) On this date in 1982, Willie Nelson's song, "Always On My Mind" entered the charts at #88. It was recorded ten years earlier by another singer. Who?

3) What was Ed McMahon's first regular network TV show?

Answers:

1) Rod Steiger was Chief Gillespie and Sidney Poitier was Tibbs.

2) Elvis Presley

3) The show, on CBS in 1950, was Big Top. Unsurprisingly, the show featured circus acts.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1960, Elvis Presley was discharged honorably from the U.S. Army. What was his rank?

2) Who was the first American president to host a radio talk show?

3) On March 5, 1946 he said this in reference to the threat of Soviet Communism: "An Iron curtain has descended across Europe." Who was it?

4) John Schrank was born on this date in 1876. What was he known for?

Answers:

1) Sergeant

2) Jimmy Carter became the first president to host a radio talk show when he took questions from 42 listeners in 26 states on Ask President Carter. Walter Cronkite co-hosted the program.

3) Winston Churchill

4) He shot President Roosevelt, claiming McKinley's ghost told him to as a warning to anyone thinking of running for a third term.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Which jazz vocalist started her career thanks to having been discovered by bandleader Chick Webb?

2) He was the only person to have been elected governor of two states.

3) On this date in 1939, these states were the last to ratify the U.S. Bill of Rights.

Answers:

1) Ella Fitzgerald

2) Sam Houston (Tennessee and Texas)

3) Massachusetts, Connecticut and Georgia actually ratified the Bill of Rights in 1939 in an anniversary ceremony, and in doing so made the adoption of the bill (finally) official.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1780, this state was the first to abolish slavery.

2) The radio program, The Lone Ranger, was also a hit on television. The part of the Lone Ranger was played by Clayton Moore on TV, but who was the most memorable of the radio portrayals of the character?

3) What city hosted the United Nations' first assembly?

4) Currently there are no countries that begin with this letter.

Answers:

1) Pennsylvania

2) Brace Beemer - he was the radio voice Of the Lone Ranger from 1941-1954.

3) London hosted; the meeting took place in January 1946.

4) No countries begin with the letter, "X."

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Leap Year Day is the day added to the month of February every four years to bring the earth in line with the actual time it takes to orbit the sun. How does the time break down in terms of actual days?

2) What animal was the first to be a football team's live mascot?

3) Who was the first African-American to receive an Oscar?

4) People born on February 29th are called what?

Answers:

1) 365.2422 days

2) A billygoat named Bill was the U.S. Naval Academy's mascot in 1890.

3) Hattie McDaniel

4) "Leaplings"

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1977 comedian Eddie Anderson passed away at the age of 71. His radio career lasted 20 years before he transitioned to TV.

2) What are the most common and uncommon symbols used on a national flag?

3) Established in 1804, this was the world's first black republic.

Answers:

1) He played the character Rochester, Jack Benny's personal valet.

2) The star is the most commonly used with fifty countries using it on their flags; the Dominican Republic is the only country to have a Bible represented on its flag.

3) Haiti was the first black republic.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu is in which country?

2) Chromatics is the science of what?

3) In the acronym NASA, what does "S" stand for?

4) On this date in 1963, Mickey Mantle signed on with the Yankees for another year. How much did they agree to pay him?

Answers:

1) Peru

2) Colors

3) Space

4) $100,000, making him the highest-paid player. At the beginning of his career in 1949, he was earning $1,100.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Alto sax man, Paul Desmond, had an agreement with his quartet leader, Dave Brubeck, that prevented him from what?

2) What was Ben Webster's nickname?

3) What is the best-selling jazz record of all time?

Answers:

1) Brubeck had Desmond agree to not have a piano player on any of Desmond's solo recordings.

2) Famous for having a quick temper and an even quicker punch, Webster was known as "The Brute."

3) Miles Davis's Kind of Blue, which still sells 5,000 copies a week.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1997, the first adult mammal was successfully cloned. What kind of animal was it and what name was it given?

2) Which former planet got demoted from its planet status, making the official number of planets in our solar system eight instead of nine?

3) Which animal has the largest brain in terms of its weight when compared to the animal's total weight?

Answers:

1) She was a lamb named Dolly.

2) Pluto was reclassified as a "dwarf" planet.

3) The squirrel monkey's brain accounts for roughly 5% of its body weight. The human brain makes up about 2.3% of total body weight.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1965, filming began for the Beatles second movie. What was the film's title?

2) Before Clint Eastwood got the lead role in Dirty Harry, the role was originally for another. Who turned down the part?

3) What is a whelk?

4) Who was Johnny Cash's second wife?

Answers:

1) It was a nice location too - the Bahamas. The film was Help.

2) It was intended for Frank Sinatra. Sinatra passed and the role was offered to John Wayne who also passed, then to Paul Newman who declined. Eastwood accepted.

3) A whelk is a mollusk.

4) June Carter

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This president was our tallest president. This president was our shortest president.

2) Who was the only grandchild of a president to become president?

3) Who are the only presidents buried at Arlington National Cemetery?

4) Which president began the tradition of throwing the first pitch to kick off baseball season?

Answers:

1) Lincoln was tallest at 6'4". James Madison was the shortest president at only 5'4".

2) Benjamin Harrison

3) John Kennedy and William Taft

4) William Taft was the first to throw out the first pitch on April 4, 1910.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) When Rod Serling wrapped up The Twilight Zone, he wrote the screenplay for a movie. Which movie was it?

2) Born this date in 1874, Thomas J. Watson took over the bankrupt Computing Tabulating Recording Company in 1914. He changed the company name and today it is known as ________.

3) Gene Roddenberry originally hoped one or the other of these two actors would assume the role of Captain James T. Kirk.

Answers:

1) Planet of the Apes

2) IBM

3) Jeff Hunter or Jack Lord

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What was Count Basie's theme song?

2) Archie Bleyer was musical director for what television show?

3) What instrument did Eubie Blake play?

4) Frank Bettancourt was a notable player of this instrument.

Answers:

1) "One O'Clock Jump

2) Arthur Godfrey

3) Eubie Blake played the piano, even celebrating his 100th birthday performing live on television. He was also on a stamp in the USPS Jazz Legends series.

4) Bettancourt played the trombone.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Merv Griffin, Ted Knight, Soupy Sales, Adam West and Ernest Borgnine all started their careers in what job?

2) On this date in 1948, NBC became the first network to broadcast what would become a daily program. What was it?

3) Who was the first female to star in a television crime dram series?

Answers:

1) They all started out as children's television show hosts.

2) NBC began broadcasting a daily news program.

3) Anne Francis was the star of Honey West. It lasted a year, debuting in 1965.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Louis Armstrong came to New Orleans in 1922 to play with what band?

2) This president gave his State of the Union Address in the usual fashion of delivering a live speech. His last two were in written form.

3) This president was the first to be photographed while in office.

4) This Creole musician proclaimed himself to have invented jazz.

Answers:

1) King Oliver

2) Woodrow Wilson. The last two were written due to his having suffered a debilitating stroke.

3) James Polk was the first to have had his photograph taken - on this date in 1849 - while in office.

4) Jelly Roll Morton. Though he was one of the first musicians to play jazz and was very influential, it is doubtful that he was its "inventor."

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1795 this university became the first state university in the country.

2) Whose portrait appears on the two-dollar bill?

3) This was the first novel to have been written entirely on a typewriter.

Answers:

1) The University of North Carolina.

2) Thomas Jefferson

3) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1897, this publication began including the slogan "All the News That's Fit to Print."

2) On this date in 1942, the record industry awarded the first gold record for this song.

Answers:

1) The New York Times

2) The Glenn Miller Orchestra received the first gold record for the song "Chattanooga Choo-Choo."

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This president was born on this date in 1773 and served the shortest term of any president before or since.

2) This baseball player was the first African-American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The year was 1962.

3) On this date in 1960, the Hollywood Walk of Fame was instituted. Who was the first to receive a star?

4) Alexander H. Stephens served as a vice-president - for what?

Answers:

1) William Henry Harrison

2) Jackie Robinson

3) Joanne Woodward

4) He was VP to Jefferson Davis in the Confederacy

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1968 Planet of the Apes opened. Who were its three main stars?

2) Gary Coleman starred in this big screen flop from 1977.

3) Which president was the first to install a radio in the White House?

4) According to the Rochester Institute of Technology, your risk of being in an accident increases by 34% if you have this item in your car.

Answers:

1) Charlton Heston, Roddy MacDowell and Kim Hunter

2) Lear's remake of The Little Rascals tanked badly at the box office.

3) Warren G. Harding

4) a mobile phone

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) The 1998 Winter Olympics opened on February 7th that year. What city hosted?

2) The last bare-knuckle boxing championship was held this date in 1882. Who was the winner?

3) Which actor did Gene Rodenberry want for the part of Spock?

4) Which state has no caves?

Answers:

1) Nagano, JApan

2) John Sullivan

3) Martin Landau

4) Delaware

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1943 this singer made his singing debut on Your Hit Parade.

2) This vocalist had these hits: "Lover," "Fever," "Manana," "Somebody Else Is Trying to Take My Place," and "Is That All There Is?"

3) This big band leader and pianist wrote "Snowfall" and greatly influenced the "Cool" movement in jazz music.

4) This "lady of 6,000 songs" was made famous by the book and movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. She was well into her 70's at the time. Who was she?

Answers:

1) Sinatra

2) Peggy Lee

3) Claude Thornhill

4) Emma Kelly

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Louis Armstrong's nickname is _________________.

2) On this date in 1690, what changed as far as type of currency used in the U.S.?

3) Roland Berrigan's nickname is ___________________.

Answers:

1) "Satchmo"

2) The first paper currency was issued.

3) "Bunny"

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1653 New Amsterdam was incorporated. New Amsterdam changed names; what do we know it as today?

2) Which former resident banned smoking in the White House?

3) On this date in 1936 the five charter members of the new Baseball Hall of Fame were announced at Cooperstown, New York. Who were they?

Answers:

1) New York City

2) Hillary Clinton

3) Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Matthewson and Walter Johnson.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1964 the first doll for boys (or "action figure") was introduced. What was the doll's name?

2) On this date in 1940 Frank Sinatra had his first recording session with the Tommy Dorsey Band. Who did Sinatra replace?

3) Who was Duke Ellington's most prolific collaborator?

Answers:

1) G.I. Joe

2) Jack Leonard

3) Billy Strayhorn

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1949 the first daytime television soap opera was broadcast on NBC. What was the show's name?

2) On this date in 1961 a chimpanzee became the first U.S. animal sent into space. What was the chimp's name?

3) Nolan Ryan turns 65 today. How many no-hitters did he pitch?

4) The Milky Way candy bar copied another candy bar's recipe. What candy bar was it?


Answers:

1) These Are My Children. The show's creator, Irna Phillips, went on to produce As the World Turns and The Guiding Light.

2) "Ham"

3) 7

4) It was copied from a candy bar that was made in Minneapolis in the 1920's called "Fat Emma."

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1958, The Yogi Bear Show debuted. Yogi first appeared in a "cameo" role on what other Hanna-Barbera cartoon show?

2) On this date in 1917, The Original Dixieland Jazz Band made what many consider to be the first jazz recording. What was the name of the song?

3) On this date in 1933, the first broadcast of The Lone Ranger aired in Detroit. On that first program what was the name of Tonto's horse?

4) On this date in 1936 the Boston Braves baseball team changed their name to what?


Answers:

1) Huckleberry Hound

2) "The Darktown Strutters Ball"\

3) "White Feller"

4) They became the "Boston Bees." The thinking was the name "Braves" had been responsible for their losing streak. After the first two years of success as the Bees, the team started losing consistently so they returned to being the Braves.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1976,the popular TV show Laverne and Shirley, debuted as a spin-off of what show?

2) On this date in 1785, the first state university in the U.S. was chartered. Which university was it?

Answers:

1) Happy Days

2) Dawgs were the first. UGA - the University of Georgia.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What is trumpeter Harry Edison's nickname?

2) This great tenor player is often called the "father of the saxophone." Who was he?

3) Who was the vibraphone player in the Modern Jazz Quartet?

Answers:

1) "Sweets"

2) Coleman Hawkins

3) Milt Jackson

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What is the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered?

2) Who inaugurated U.S. transcontinental telephone service?

3) Who held the first presidential press conference to be broadcast live on radio and television?

Answers:

1) The Cullinan diamond at 3,106 carats is the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered.

2) Alexander Graham Bell

3) President John F. Kennedy

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1908, Robert Baden Powell founded this organization.

2) The Department of Homeland Security was instituted on this date in 2003. Who served as their first director?

3) what instrument did jazz musician Gerry Mulligan play?

4) How many songs did the prolific Irving Berlin write in total?

Answers:

Answers:

1) England's Robert Baden-Powell organized the first Boy Scout troop.

2) Former Pennsylvania governor, Tom Ridge.

3) Baritone saxophone

4) He wrote more than 900 songs, 19 musicals, and the scores for 18 movies.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Today is "Cold, Cold, Cold Day." The coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States was at Prospect Creek Camp, Alaska on this date in 1971.

2) On this date in 1964, the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. What did it do?

3) This mini-series, based on the Alex Haley book of the same name, began on this date in 1977.

4) On this date in 1985, the first Heisman trophy winner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Who was he?

Answers:

1) Prospect Creek Camp reached a record 79.8 degrees below zero. Today they are reporting a balmy 8 degrees below zero.

2) It eliminated the poll tax.

3) Roots

4) O.J. Simpson

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Neil Armstrong was the first man to step foot on the moon, saying "That's one small step for man, and one giant leap for mankind." Who was the second man to step foot on the moon?

2) On January 20, 1885, LaMarcus Thompson patented the first roller coaster at New York's Coney Island. What did he call it?

3) Actor Lorenzo Lamas is having a birthday today. He is the son of actor Fernando Lamas. Who was Lorenzo's mother?

4) Did you know that on January 20, 1929 the first full-length talking movie shot entirely outdoors was released? What was its title? By the way, Warner Baxter won an Oscar for his role in this film.


Answers:

1) Buzz Aldrin (born on January 20, 1920) was the second man to set foot on the moon.

2) The scenic railway.

3) Arlene Dahl.

4) In Old Arizona.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On January 19th, a presidential news conference was filmed for television for the first time, with the permission of which President?

2) Which jewel is considered most successful?

3) Which two U.S. cities are both known for producing some of the best thoroughbred horses in the world?

4) Which snack is most popular?


Answers:

1) President Eisenhower, on January 19, 1955.

2) The emerald (the birthstone for May) is perceived as a symbol of success. Even more than the diamond, this jewel has been a favorite of emperors and kings.

3) Ocala, Florida and Lexington, Kentucky.

4) Potato chips are the number 1 selling snack in the United States. Statistics show that they accompany lunch 32 percent of the time and dinner 18 percent of the time.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This president said that 50 years would have to elapse before he and his administration could be properly judged.

2) Every president, except for one, has had both a library dedicated in their name and a published memoir. Who was the exception?

3) Ruth Lee Jones sang jazz and soul with equal ease and was successful in both genres. Her most famous hit was "What a Difference a Day Makes." We know her better as _____________________.

Answers:

1) Richard Nixon

2) John F. Kennedy has a library, but not a memoir.

3) Dinah Washington

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What was the first Civil Rights movement protest King participated in?

2) Which country is the second largest in terms of land?

3) These four states have capitals whose names begin with the same letter as their respective states.

4) Which part of the human body has the greatest concentration of bones?

Answers:

1) Montgomery Bus Boycott

2) Canada is the second largest - Russia is the largest.

3) The four states with capitals starting with the same first letter as their states are Dover, Delaware, Honolulu, Hawaii, Indianapolis, Indiana and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

4) Of the 206 bones in the average adult body, 106 are in the hands and feet (54 are in the hands, 52 in the feet).

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This bestseller by Peter Benchley, published this date in 1974, made everyone skittish about wading too far into the surf. What was the book?

2) What was the name of the famous Harlem nightclub where the Duke Ellington Orchestra played for years?

3) The 18th Amendment to the Constitution went into effect this date in 1920. It was repealed in 1933. Also known as the Volstead Act, what did this amendment do?

4) This tenor saxophonist first came to fame in Count Basie's Big Band. Who was he?

Answers:

1) Jaws

2) The Cotton Club

3) The National Prohibition Act

4) Lester Young

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Musca domestica has been a nuisance to everyone at one time or another. What is its common name?

2) What was the first foreign conflict for the U.S. military?

3) What determines the date of the Chinese New Year?

Answers:

1) Musca domestica is the Latin designation for the common housefly.

2) The Tripoli or Barbary Wars (1800 - 1815). The conflict was precipitated by acts of piracy.

3) After the winter solstice, the Chinese New Year begins at the date of the second new moon.

Alan Rock's Post!

Questions:

1) What does "auld lang syne" actually mean?

2) On this date in 1951, Joe DiMaggio announced his retirement from the Yankees. He had two lesser known brothers who also played in the Majors. Who were they?

3) Marvin Middlemark invented this device that used to be used to help television reception. What was it?

Answers:

1) Literally translated, "auld lang syne" in English would be "old long since." In context idiomaticatically, it means "long, long ago," "days gone by," or "old times." The song's lyric, "for auld lang syne" is meant to indicate happy thoughts of the the past, "for old times' sake."

2) Vince and Dom

3) He invented the dipole antenna, familiar as "rabbit ears."

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) The classic 1970's jazz staple "Birdland" became a hit for the vocal ensemble, Manhattan Transfer. The group that composed the tune and first recorded it had a hit as well with their instrumental version. Who were they?

2) The jazz group, Fourplay scored a hit in 1991 with a cover of the Marvin Gaye tune, "After the Dance." Their keyboardist charted in the 70's with his theme for the show Taxi. Who was he?

3) On this date in 1946, the first general assembly of the United Nations convened. In what city was the meeting held?

Answers:

1) Weather Report

2) Bob James

3) London

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1987, actor Arthur Lake died. He played this character in some 27 movies, a TV show and radio program.

2) What decade saw Bebop emerge?

3) Dizzy and Bird were prime innovators of the Bebop movement. We know Dizzy Gillespie. Who was "Bird"?

4) Instrumental in style, this is a wordless, improvisational vocal solo is known as what?

Answers:

1) He played Dagwood Bumstead in the Blondie movies, created from the comic strip.

2) The 1940's.

3) Charlie Parker was "Bird."

4) "Vocalese."

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Today is Wheel of Fortune Day, marking the debut of The Wheel in 1975. Since 1981the show has been hosted by Pat Sajak and assisted by Vanna White. Who were the first host and letter turner?

2) This lovely lady is a wonderful pianist in addition to being one of today's greatest female jazz vocalists. Who is this lady, who's married to singer Elvis Costello?

3) This female singer was one of the great vocalists of the swing era, as a regular at the famous Cotton Club and with Duke Ellington's band. Who was she?

4) This bop artist with the bass voice was born and died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Who was this singer/bandleader known as Mr. B?

Answers:

1) Chuck Woolery was the original host, with letter-turner Susan Stafford.

2) Diana Krall.

3) Ivie Anderson who, sadly, passed away in 1949 having recorded very little solo work. Whenever her name comes up in jazz interviews and documentaries, those who knew her all say she was a real class act. Her numbers with Ellington, such as "Stormy Weather" and "It Don't Mean A Thing," are classics.

4) Billy Eckstine, with hits including "Jelly Jelly" and "Everything I Have Is Yours." But my favorite is his version of "Laura." Man, this guy could sing!

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Scat singing is a form of jazz vocalization where nonsense syllables are substituted for either words or instrument notes. Ella Fitzgerald was often called the "Queen of Scat." Who was referred to as the "King of Scat"?

2) On January 5, 1961, the TV comedy Mr. Ed, starring a talking horse, debuted in syndication. In the fall it moved to CBS. Alan Young starred as Wilbur Post, and Connie Hines as his wife Carol. Who was the voice of Mr. Ed?

3) As hard as it is to believe, this drummer first performed professionally at the age of 18 months on the vaudeville stage. By 13, he was the leader of his own band. He entered into the Big Band era by drumming for Tommy Dorsey and Harry James, among others. He traveled successfully with his own big band even after the genre declined in popularity. Who was this percussionist?

4) Who was the first female governor in U.S. history?

Answers:

1) Mel Torme.

2) Allan "Rocky" Lane was the voice of Mr. Ed.

3) Buddy Rich.

4) Nellie T. Ross succeeded her late husband as governor of Wyoming on January 5, 1925, becoming the first female governor in U.S. history.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Who are the only two U.S. presidents buried in Arlington National Cemetery?

2) Harrisonburg, Virginia has a large state university named for which U.S. president?

3) They say the largest living thing on earth is a 275-foot sequoia tree in California, named for which Civil War general?

4) Williamsburg, Virginia was named in honor of whom?

Answers:

1) William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy.

2) James Madison.

3) William Sherman.

4) William III, king of England at the time.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) In which world religion would a swami normally be a teacher?

2) Where is the MICEX-RTS stock exchange based?

3) In humans, about what percentage of lean body mass is water?

Answers:

1) Hinduism.

2) Russia.

3) 70 percent.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) The presidential act to reduce the 70 mph speed limit to 55 mph was signed by which U.S. President on January 2?

2) How old was Bobby Fisher when he won the U.S. Chess Championship on January 2, 1960?

3) On January 2, 1953, The Life of Riley debuts on NBC for the second time. Who played the title character, Chester A. Riley?

4) On January 2, 1888, Marvin Chester Stone of Washington D.C. patents his invention. What did he invent?

Answers:

1) Richard Nixon signed the act, intended to save fuel in response to the 1973 oil crisis. The act was repealed in 1995.

2) 16.

3) William Bendix.

4) Drinking straw.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) In the song, "Jingle Bells," one of the verses mentions this person as being seated "next to me a day or two ago." Who was it?

2) What did "Frosty the Snowman" do when the magic hat was placed on his head?

3) In "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" what item do Janice and Jen both want?

4) What did "my true love give to me" on the 11th day of Christmas?

Answers:

1) Miss Fanny Bright

2) He began to dance around

3) dolls that will talk and go for a walk

4) 11 pipers piping

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) In The Polar Express, what is "the first gift of Christmas"?

2) What is the name of the rabbit in Frosty the Snowman?

3) Lucy charged this much for a psychiatric session.

Answers:

1) A bell from Santa's sleigh

2) Hocus Pocus (he had a magic hat)

3) 5 cents

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) In A Christmas Story, what gift did Ralphie's mom give his dad?

2) What was Ralphie's little brother's name?

3) Who wrote and performed the music for A Charlie Brown Christmas?

4) What was the name of George Bailey's guardian angel (It's a Wonderful Life)?

Answers:

1) a bowling ball

2) Randy

3) Vince Guarladi

4) Clarence Oddbody

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) In the movie, A Christmas Story, Ralphie asked Santa for the Daisy Red Ryder BB gun he was obsessed with. What did Santa have to say about this request?

2) In A Christmas Story, what was Ralphie's favorite radio show?

3) Children often leave a plate out on Christmas Eve with Santa's favorite snack. What is it?

4) One foggy Christmas Eve, Santa needed helping guiding his sleigh. To whom did he turn for help?

Answers:

1) Santa told Ralphie the same thing everyone else had told him: "You'll shoot your eye out!"

2) Little Orphan Annie

3) Milk and cookies

4) Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What was the name of Ebeneezer Scrooge's deceased business partner?

2) How many times does Santa check his "naughty" and "nice" list?

3) What was Tiny Tim's father's name?

4) According to the song, how many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh on a clear night?

Answers:

1) Jacob Marley

2) twice

3) Bob Cratchit

4) 8 (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen)

Alan Rock's Trivia

Questions:

1) In the song "Winter Wonderland," who do we pretend the snowman is?

2) Robert May wrote a poem that was illustrated for a Montgomery Ward Christmas pamphlet in 1939. Eight years later John Marks composed music for the poem. Can you name that poem?

3) In the movie Miracle on 34th Street, a man is on trial for claiming to be Santa Claus. What convinces the judge to rule in the man's favor?

4) What famed cartoonist's drawing became the most popular image of St. Nicholas?


Answers:

1) Parson Brown

2) "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

3) The U.S. Postal Service delivers mail to him.

4) German-born artist Thomas Nast created the most common Santa Claus image.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What did Frosty the Snowman have for a nose?

2) How many gifts would you receive in total, if you got all the gifts described in "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?

3) In A Charlie Brown Christmas, the characters are engaged in this winter activity in the opening scene.

4) What was the name of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story?

Answers:

1) a button

2) 364 presents

3) ice skating

4) A Christmas Carol

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Which two of Santa's reindeer have names starting with the letter, "C"?

2) What animal served as the Grinch's reindeer?

3) What Christmas carol has the singers demanding "figgy pudding"?

4) This cartoon, based on a newspaper editorial, won an Emmy award.

Answers:

1) Comet and Cupid

2) His dog.

3) "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

4) Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus."

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What was the gift my true love sent on the sixth day of Christmas?

2) What "Saturday Evening Post" artist was known for his whimsical pictures of Santa Claus?

3) Which reindeer is never mentioned in "The Night Before Christmas"?


Answers:

1) Six geese a-laying.

2) Norman Rockwell.

3) Rudolph.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Can you name the three reindeer whose names begin with "D"?

2) In It's a Wonderful Life, how did Clarence cleverly save George's life?

3) What was Rudolph's punishment for his red nose?


Answers:

1) Dasher, Donner, and Dancer.

2) He jumped into the river first.

3) He could not play in reindeer games.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Which character in It's a Wonderful Life lost $8000?

2) In Frosty the Snowman, a washed-up magician was looking for his magic hat. What was his name?

3) Who tells you she's in town by "tap, tap, tapping at your windowpane"?

4) What was Scrooge's first name?

Answers:

1) Uncle Billy

2) Professor Hinkle

3) Suzy Snowflake

4) Ebenezer

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) In the 1964 Christmas classic Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, what did Rudolph's elf friend, Hermey want to be?

2) In the "Twelve Days of Christmas," how many drummers are drumming?

3) In what country are outdoor barbecues a traditional part of the Christmas holiday?

4) What physical defect made Dr. Seuss's Grinch so mean?

Answers:

1) Hermey wanted to be a dentist.

2) There were 12 drummers.

3) Australia

4) His heart was two sizes too small.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) The real Saint Nicholas was born in what country?

2) Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created as a promotion for what department store?

3) In A Charlie Brown Christmas, which character builds a gray snowman?

4) The first known time anyone in the U.S. drank eggnog was when?

Answers:

1) Turkey. He was born some time around 280, A.D. in Patara, which is near the modern city of Myra. The legend about him is that he gave away his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside seeking out and helping the sick and impoverished.

2) Montgomery Ward

3) Pigpen

4) According to the historical accounts of Captain John Smith, the first eggnog made in the U.S. was consumed in his Jamestown settlement in 1607. Nog was a variation of "grog," which refers to any drink made with rum.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Who narrated the 1966 television special "How the Grinch Stole Christmas?"

2) Which sport has what's called a "sin bin"?

3) She was born on this day in 1981. Raised in Kentwood, Loisiana, when she was 9 she competed at the state level in this sport.

Answers:

1) Boris Karloff

2) The "sin bin" is a slang term for hockey's penalty box.

3) Britney competed at the state level in gymnastics.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Bette Midler was born on this date in 1945. In 1992 she won an Emmy for her guest appearance on this show.

2) Christmas Island is located in which ocean?

3) The first telephone in the White House was installed on this date in 1878. The first call was from a storm window salesman. Who was president at the time?

4) Where is the world's roller skating museum located?

Answers:

1) She appeared on the Johnny Carson's final episode of The Tonight Show. She sang "One for My Baby, and One More for the Road" to him, causing him to get tearful - a sweet moment.

2) Christmas Island is in the Indian Ocean.

3) Rutherford B. Hayes

4) Lincoln, Nebraska

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Today is the anniversary of Mark Twain's birthday. On one of the Star Trek series of television shows, "Mark Twain" met the crew. Which show was it?

2) This European set sail in 1778 and was the first European to visit Hawaii.

3) In colonial America, people in this profession were called upon to make flags.

4) What is Africa's longest river?

1) Star Trek: The Next Generation

2) Captain James Cook

3) Upholsterers

4) The Nile is longest; it is 4,160 miles in length.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Who was Duke Ellington's first and long-time drummer?

2) How much did Lucy charge for her psychiatric sessions?

3) In whose band did Dizzy Gillespie play?

4) When is Canada Day celebrated?

Answers:

1) Sonny Greer

2) Five cents

3) Cab Calloway

4) July 1st is now known as Canada Day; prior to 1982, it was called Dominion Day.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Singer Tom Jones Woodward was born in Pontypridd, South Wales. What other famous person hailed from that same small village?

2) John Lennon maintained that the greatest rock-n-roll record ever made was what?

3) On this date in 1929, the Cardinals, then in Chicago (now in AZ), defeated the Chicago Bears 40 - 6. Their fullback was responsible for all 40 points. Who was he?

4) The Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act was a bill in the U.S. Congress that enacted the National Maximum Speed Law. States had to agree to the limit if they wanted federal funding for highway repair. This uniform speed limit was signed into law by which president? Which president mandated a federal speed limit of 55 mph and which president ended the 55 mph limit?

Answers:

1) Richard Burton

2) Jerry Lee Lewis's "Whole Lotta Shakin.'"

3) Ernie Nevers

4) Nixon signed into law the 55 mph limit out of safety and fuel economy concerns; Clinton ended the 55 mph limit on this date in 1995.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) The largest cereal maker is Kellogg's. Who is the second largest cereal maker?

2) Which Constitutional Amendment promises a speedy public trial?

3) Glenn Miller had a regular gig in the mid 1930's playing in what band?

4) The Glenn Miller Orchestra received its first gold record with this song February 2, 1942.

Answers:

1) General Mills

2) The 6th Amendment promises a speedy public trial

3) He played in the Dorsey Brothers band during that period.

4)"Chattanooga Choo Choo"

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) In what year did the first American Thanksgiving celebration take place?

2) Where was the first American Thanksgiving celebration held?

3) How many pilgrims were on board the Mayflower?
4) How long did the first American Thanksgiving celebration last?

5) Which beverage was brought along on the Mayflower?
6) Approximately how many feathers does a mature turkey have?

Answers:

1) 1621

2) Plymouth, MA

3) 102

4) 3 days (complete with games and food)

5) beer

6) 3,500

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) William H. Bonney was born on this date in 1859. If his given name doesn't ring a bell, perhaps you remember his nickname.

2) This movie star's given name was Archibald Leach.

3) On this date in 1942, FDR signed into law the creation of SPARS. What was it?

Answers:

1) Billy the Kid

2) Cary Grant

3) SPARS was the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve. The acronym stood for the Latin "Semper Paratus" and its English translation: "Always Ready." This service, as well as similar women's divisions of other armed forces, was created to free up men from stateside duty in order to fight overseas.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What is a caper?

2) What state consumes the most turkey?

3) Butterball recommends that a turkey should thaw for how long for every 4 pounds?

4) Eisenhower won both his elections handily, facing the same opponent for both elections. Who was his opponent?

Answers:

1) A caper is the unopened flower of the bush Capparis Spinosa, which grows mainly in southern France, Itlay and Algeria as well as California.

2) California

3) Thaw the turkey one day for every 4 pounds.

4) Adlai Stevenson

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) On this date in 1980, a TV show ended its season with a famous cliffhanger. What was the cliffhanger and the show?

2) On this day in 1934, this teenager, dressed in borrowed clothes, won the Amateur Night award at New York's Apollo Theater, beginning a very successful career.

3) Which U.S. president was the first to travel in a submerged submarine?

4) Goldie Hawn had a job at the 1964 World's Fair; what was it?

Answers:

1) The show was Dallas, and the season ended with the lead character having been shot. It wasn't revealed until the first episode of the following season who had shot him. All summer the headlines asked, "Who Shot J.R.?"

2) Ella Fitzgerald

3) Harry Truman

4) Ms. Hawn had a job as a dancer in a chorus line. This led to her go-go gig with Laugh-In, where her comedic talents emerged, leading to her film career.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Who wanted the wild turkey to be designated as the U.S. national bird?

2) In what year was a turkey first issued a "presidential pardon"?

3) Marlon Brando patented two innovations for use with a musical instrument. Which instrument?

Answers:

1) Benjamin Franklin

2) 1947

3) Drum (specifically, the conga drum)

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This president established the third Thursday in November as the national day to celebrate Thanksgiving.

2) Being acquitted of treason and escaping prosecution for murder were not enough to deter this Vice President from his goal to establish a North American kingdom over which he would rule as emperor.

3) Which domesticated animal is distantly related to the hyena?

4) Which tenor sax man often played with Kenny Burrell and Jimmy Smith?

Answers:

1) Franklin D. Roosevelt

2) Aaron Burr

3) Hyenas belong to a family of their own, hyaenidae, but they are more closely related to cats than they are dogs.

4) Stanley Turrentine

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Which cartoon character was the first to be made into a Macy's Thanksgiving Day balloon?

2) Which president established Thanksgiving as a national holiday?

3) Macy's put on its Thanksgiving Day parade for the first time in what year?

Answers:

1) Felix the Cat

2) Abraham Lincoln

3) 1924

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Cats walk by moving their front and hind legs, first on side, then the other. Only two other species do the same. What are they?

2)The average dog makes about 10 different vocal sounds. How many, on average, can a cat make?

3) The world's first streetcar began operating on this date in 1832 in what city?

4) Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber composed this long-running musical in the early 80's.

Answers:

1) Camels and giraffes

2) A cat is able to make about 100 distinct sounds.

3) New York. The street car was pulled by horses.

4) Cats, which was named after T.S. Eliot's book, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Which New Testament verse is the briefest sentence in the Bible?

2) Which state was first to ratify the Constitution?

3) This land mammal is born underwater and grows to be 8,000 pounds.

4) In what year did the Little League Baseball World Series begin?

Answers:

1) John 11:35 - "Jesus wept."

2) Delaware

3) Hippotamus

4) 1947.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Which president issued the first Veteran's Day Proclamation?

2) Which individuals does Veteran's Day honor?

3) Veteran's Day in other countries is known by other names such as ____________ and ___________.

4)Which president said, "...to care for him [veteran] who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan."

Answers:

1) Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill in 1954.

2) All who have served in the U.S. military in times of war and peace.

3) Armistice Day and Remembrance Day are used in the UK and commonwealth countrries.

4) Abraham Lincoln

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) How many of Elvis's hits did he write?

2) Whose picture is on the $2 bill?

3) What breed of dog has the sharpest eyesight?

Answers:

1) None - Elvis's fame was before Dylan ushered in the era of the singer-songwriter.

2) Thomas Jefferson

3) Greyhounds have the sharpest eyesight.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What are the three most populous cities in the world?

2) Which three countries are the most populated?

3) Which six states established the CSA at a meeting in Montgomery, February 4, 1861?

4) Which U.S. library has the highest number of volumes?

Answers:

1) Shanghai (17.8M), Karachi (12.9M) and Istanbul (12.9M)

2) China (1.3B), India (1.2B) and the United States (312M)

3) Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina.

4) The Library of Congress, with more than 147 million items.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What has always been the theme song for the Glenn Miller Orchestra?

2) What was trumpeter Harry Edison's nickname?

3) Who was the Modern Jazz Quartet's vibraphone player?

4) Who is often thought of as the "father of jazz saxophone"?

Answers:

1) "Moonlight Serenade"

2) "Sweets"

3) Milt Jackson

4) Coleman Hawkins

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) This city was founded in 1820 and was a leading manufacturer of home furniture until the 1960s. It remains a major manufacturer of office furniture and is commonly referred to as "Furniture City."

2) This famous author once said this of Huckleberry Finn: "All American writing comes from that. There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since."

3) The first English settlers to set foot in America did so at this tourist destination.

4) This river basin contains evidence of the earliest known human culture in Europe.

Answers:

1) Grand Rapids, MI

2) Ernest Hemingway

3) Virginia Beach, VA

4) The Danube

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) In what year did women win the right to vote in the U.S.?

2) Losing this item in 1951 made Thelonious Monk's life extremely problematic. What was it?

3) On this date in 1957, the same six songs topped both the pop and R&B charts. What were they?

Answers:

1) In 1920 the nineteenth amendment to the constitution was passed, granting women the right to vote.

2) He lost his cabaret card as a result of being charged with possession of narcotics. In New York the cabaret card permitted musicians to play wherever alcohol was served.

3)
1) Elvis - "Jailhouse Rock"
2) Everly Bros. - "Wake Up, Little Susie"
3) Sam Cooke - "You Send Me"
4) The Rays - "Silhouettes"
5) Ricky Nelson - "Be-Bop Baby"
6) Jimmie Rodgers - "Honeycomb"

Alan Rock's Trivia

Questions:

1) Name the traditional wedding anniversary gifts given for the 25th and 50th years.

2) Can you name the National Football League teams that faced off in the first Super Bowl in 1967? Who won?

3) Jazz can be hot or cool. One of the first to define "cool" jazz was this piano virtuoso. Noted mostly as a big band leader, he greatly influenced jazz by his less frantic approach to the genre. And what could be cooler than a "Snowfall"? Miles Davis was one of his admirers. What was his name?


Answers:

1) The 25th anniversary gift is silver, and the 50th is gold.

2) The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 35 to 10 in Los Angeles.

3) Claude Thornhill. Thornhill worked as a band musician for most of the 1930s with such notables as Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and Paul Whiteman. As a studio musician, he worked with Andre Kostelanetz on his studio recording arrangements. It was not until about 1940 that he created his own big band. But his was different in that he sought a new sound. He included French horns and a tuba. He also had a choir of six clarinets that played in unison. Thornhill's piano styling flourished among the brass. His band was interrupted by WWII, but reorganized afterward. "Snowfall" was his theme song and most noted recording.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) What's the difference between a nook and a cranny?

2) Which is the oldest letter in the Phoenician alphabet?

3) This tenor saxophonist was key to moving the bop genre forward.

4) In 1847, the first US postage stamps were sold. Whose images were on the 5 and 10-cent stamps?

Answers:

1) A nook is a corner and a cranny is a crack.

2) The letter, "O." It dates back to 1300 BC.

3) Sonny Rollins

4) Ben Franklin was on the 5-cent stamp and Washington's was on the 10-cent stamp.

Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1) Set to the tune of a once-popular British drinking song, this tune was inspired by an 1814 poem, called "The Defence of Fort McHenry."

2) Who are, to date, the top three best-selling recording artists?

3) This alto/soprano saxophone player achieved fame in the 70s with his jazz/pop ensemble, Spyro Gyra.

Answers:

1) "The Star-Spangled Banner."

2) The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.

3) Jay Breckenstein