Country music holds a special place in the hearts of millions of listeners worldwide, so take this 15-question quiz to test your knowledge about this beloved genre!
From classic hits to top chart-topping songs, this country music trivia quiz will hit all the right notes!
1. Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is an iconic figure with an ever-inspiring heart as big as her dreams. From singing on her front porch in Tennessee’s mountains barefoot, to commanding stages with six-inch heels – Dolly has shown us all that nothing is impossible.
Parton was a favorite on the Grand Ole Opry and her crossover hits led to increased fame as both a country and pop music star. She has also appeared in movies, won various awards and been nominated for various honors for her music.
Dolly Parton’s best-known song was You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, covered by many artists including Whitney Houston and The Righteous Brothers. Additionally, she is known as an entrepreneur and made numerous contributions to her community – she even wrote and starred in 9 to 5, an anti-feminist movie which promoted positive feminist ideals. Dolly won all accolades that the music industry could bestow upon her; truly making her one of its queens of country!
2. Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks: the best-selling solo artist in US history with an expansive catalogue that rivals any honky-tonk jukebox and an incredible career spanning decades. Sit back, relax, and take our challenging quiz about this country icon!
Brooks was heavily influenced by the 1970s singer-songwriter movement, particularly James Taylor whom he idolized and named his first child after. While country is his first love, he’s dabbled with rock, opera and pop genres – for instance recording an album under Chris Gaines with fictional backstories and goateed rocker persona – one song was recorded under this pseudonym, so take this quiz and find out which songs Chris Gaines recorded under this pseudonym! Good luck; don’t forget your stethat! This quiz contains 30 questions!
3. Garth Brooks’ Alter Ego
Not many pop stars take such drastic measures to reinvent themselves theatrically as country legend Garth Brooks did when he created Chris Gaines for an unproduced movie project; once released as an album under Gaines in 1999, Gaines quickly took hold.
This artistic experiment draws from a longstanding practice among musicians of using fictional personas as an avenue of exploration into diverse musical genres and pushing their own creative limits. Within classroom settings, this innovative art piece can serve as a catalyst for discussions regarding identity exploration and personal growth.
4. Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers may be best-known for his long-running television show, but he’s also an iconic country music singer. After making his solo debut, he first joined The First Edition before making an impressionary solo performance; later he continued bridging both genres throughout his career.
Rogers demonstrated his skill at writing narrative ballads with social relevance in “Ruby,” his signature melodramatic track that made him an instantaneous superstar on the country music scene. Later collaborating with David Foster for an album which reached #1 on country charts; Rogers died in 2020.
5. Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney has had several hit songs that reached number one on country music charts. What was the first song by him to reach that feat?
Who is the fiddler in KC and the Sunshine Band’s music video for “There Goes My Life?” In addition, he appeared alongside Billy Bob Thorton in a film called What Was it Called?
Country music has long been a beloved genre since its debut in the early 20th century. From Grand Ole Opry radio shows to Garth Brooks’ sold out world tours, this music is beloved worldwide. Are you up for a challenge to test your country music knowledge? Get strumming and let’s see if you can identify these popular country songs! Good luck and may the best performer win this musical battle royale! The suspense is mounting. Who will emerge victorious from this musical showdown?
6. Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn was an icon for women in country music and made history when it comes to country music. Born in a two-room log cabin in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky and married at 15 and having children before reaching 18; Crystal Gayle became a successful country singer herself as her younger sister!
Coal Miner’s Daughter was made into a movie starring Sissy Spacek. In 2000, she released Still Country as her memoir and went on to win Grammy awards with Jack White of the White Stripes (Van Lear Rose). Sadly she passed away at 90 on October 4, 2022, having recorded over 90 albums and 16 number one singles during her long career – she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988.
7. Clint Black
Players answer Country Music-related questions to build their “band.” Each time they answer correctly, they circle a band member on their scoresheet – for an inevitability win, players must build bands worth 15 points or more!
What well-known country song features lyrics like, “Hear that lonely whippoorwill calling?”?
Clint Black is married to Lisa Hartman Black of Knots Landing and Tabitha fame; together they share one daughter together named Lily Pearl Black. Clint is an avid Steely Dan fan and frequently performs their songs during concerts; in 2006 Keith Urban sought treatment for addiction related to substance use disorder.
8. Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley began his music career early, inspired by his grandfather who gave him a guitar as a present. Soon thereafter he started performing locally and earned a scholarship to Belmont University before making his Grand Ole Opry debut later that same year.
Players take turns answering Country Music-themed trivia questions and, when answering correctly, are awarded one band hat on their scoresheet and another question is asked of them. To win, a band worth 15 points or higher must be earned before forfeiting its turn and being replaced by someone who can answer. This entertaining trivia game promises lots of laughs and smiles! Perfect for parties or family get-togethers alike. Enjoy it solo if desired!
9. Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline was widely revered as “Queen of Country Music,” yet tragically died at just 30 in a plane crash. Her captivating vocal talent made her an enduring symbol in country music history.
Cline was born in Winchester, Virginia, and learned how to sing by listening to radio broadcasts of the Grand Ole Opry as a child. Soon thereafter she started performing locally before going on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts show (similar to American Idol).
Cline was catapulted into national fame with her appearance on this program and quickly established herself as one of the first female stars to sell records and headline concerts despite not knowing sheet music herself. Cline would go on to influence future country artists and was honored with being honored with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973.
10. Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard was a country music legend known for songs like “Okie from Muskogee” and “Mama Tried.” Born during the Great Depression in a remodeled boxcar in Oildale, California – Haggard often had trouble in school as a youth and often found himself unemployed.
He eventually rose to stardom, being honored with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994. A prolific singer-songwriter himself, he played an essential part in shaping outlaw country movements of the 1970s.
Merle Haggard’s life and career were full of surprises; to learn more, please see our article about Bakersfield where Haggard was raised; his humble roots here helped shape him into the renowned artist that he is today.