200 Music History and Genres Quiz – Trivia for All Levels

200 Music History and Genres Quiz – Trivia for All Levels

Explore Music History Trivia Topics

Classical Music Origins

Discover the foundation of classical music, from the Renaissance to the Baroque era. With questions that include major composers and instruments, explore how classical music set the groundwork for modern genres. Test your knowledge on Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, and see how well you understand the classical music timeline and its evolution.

Question #1

Who composed 'The Four Seasons'?

Question #2

Which composer wrote 'Swan Lake'?

Question #3

Who is known for composing 'Für Elise'?

Question #4

Which composer created 'The Magic Flute'?

Question #5

Who composed the 'New World Symphony'?

Question #6

Which composer wrote 'Carmen'?

Question #7

Who is known for creating 'Rhapsody in Blue'?

Question #8

Which composer is famous for 'Symphony No. 9'?

Question #9

Who composed the 'Peer Gynt Suites'?

Question #10

Which composer wrote 'Turandot'?

Question #11

Who is known for creating 'Ave Maria'?

Question #12

Which composer wrote 'The Barber of Seville'?

Question #13

Who composed the 'Blue Danube' waltz?

Question #14

Which composer is known for creating 'Symphony No. 5'?

Question #15

Who composed 'The Planets' suite?

Question #16

Which composer wrote 'La traviata'?

Question #17

Who is known for creating 'Canon in D'?

Question #18

Which composer wrote 'Symphony No. 6' ('Pathétique')?

Question #19

Who composed 'Carnival of the Animals'?

Question #20

Which composer is famous for 'Missa Solemnis'?

Jazz Age Evolution

This subtopic covers the rise of jazz from its roots in African American communities to becoming a major music genre worldwide. With questions on jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, learn about the improvisational spirit and the genre's influence on later music styles. Jazz enthusiasts and general quiz lovers alike will find something new and exciting here.

Question #21

Who is often considered the 'Father of Jazz Music'?

Question #22

Which iconic singer was known as the 'Queen of Jazz'?

Question #23

Which instrument is predominantly associated with jazz improvisation?

Question #24

Who composed the jazz standard 'Take Five'?

Question #25

In what city was the famous Cotton Club located?

Question #26

Which jazz musician was known for pioneering the bebop style?

Question #27

Who was a prominent jazz bandleader known for his 'Swing' style?

Question #28

Which jazz singer was nicknamed 'Lady Day'?

Question #29

Which musician popularized the use of scat singing in jazz?

Question #30

Who is known for their influential jazz album 'Kind of Blue'?

Question #31

Which jazz pianist was famous for his virtuosic playing and extravagant lifestyle?

Question #32

Who was a leading figure in the jazz fusion movement with his band 'Weather Report'?

Question #33

Which jazz saxophonist was known for his collaborations with pianist Gil Evans?

Question #34

Who was a pioneer of jazz guitar and popularized the use of amplified instruments?

Question #35

Which jazz trumpeter was a central figure in the development of cool jazz?

Question #36

Who was known for their innovative use of odd time signatures in jazz compositions?

Question #37

Which jazz drummer was famous for his work with the 'Modern Jazz Quartet'?

Question #38

Who was a prominent jazz composer and pianist associated with the 'Harlem Stride' style?

Question #39

Which jazz vocalist was known for her unique vocal improvisation style?

Question #40

Who is celebrated for their influential jazz album 'A Love Supreme'?

Rock and Roll Revolution

Test your knowledge of rock and roll's origins, from early pioneers like Chuck Berry to the rock icons of the 1960s and '70s. Learn about the cultural revolution that rock music sparked and the subgenres it inspired, including punk, metal, and alternative rock. Questions cover key events, albums, and answers to who made rock history.

Question #41

Who is known as 'The King of Rock and Roll'?

Question #42

Which band released the album 'Back in Black'?

Question #43

Who sang the rock anthem 'Bohemian Rhapsody'?

Question #44

What is the genre of music pioneered by Chuck Berry?

Question #45

Which iconic guitarist was known for playing a Fender Stratocaster nicknamed 'Lucille'?

Question #46

What rock band is famous for their epic song 'Stairway to Heaven'?

Question #47

Who was the lead vocalist of the band 'The Doors'?

Question #48

Which rock band released the hit song 'Hotel California'?

Question #49

What is the real name of the musician known as 'The Boss'?

Question #50

Which rock band is famous for the song 'Paint It Black'?

Question #51

What is the name of the legendary music festival held in 1969?

Question #52

Which artist is known for the album 'Born to Run'?

Question #53

Who was the guitarist for the band 'Queen'?

Question #54

What is the iconic symbol associated with the band 'The Who'?

Question #55

Which band released the album 'Rumours' in 1977?

Question #56

Who is known as the 'Lizard King'?

Question #57

Which rock band is famous for the song 'Sweet Child o' Mine'?

Question #58

What is the nickname of musician Sir Elton John?

Question #59

Which band released the album 'Dark Side of the Moon'?

Question #60

Who was the frontman of the band 'Nirvana'?

The Birth of Hip-Hop

Take a dive into the origins of hip-hop in 1970s New York, covering influential artists, groundbreaking tracks, and the genre’s expansion into global music culture. Quiz questions explore hip-hop's evolution, from rap battles to the mainstream, testing your general knowledge of hip-hop's influential rise.

Question #61

Who is considered the 'Godfather of Hip-Hop'?

Question #62

Which borough in New York City is often credited as the birthplace of hip-hop?

Question #63

Which DJ created the scratching technique that became a hallmark of hip-hop music?

Question #64

What was the name of the first commercially successful hip-hop song?

Question #65

Who was the first solo female rapper to release a full album?

Question #66

Which hip-hop group released the iconic album 'Straight Outta Compton'?

Question #67

What famous rapper starred in the movie '8 Mile'?

Question #68

Which record label was founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin in 1984?

Question #69

Which artist released the album 'The Chronic' in 1992?

Question #70

Which rapper famously declared 'I ain't no joke' in a 1987 hit?

Question #71

What DJ pioneered the use of sampling and remixing in hip-hop music?

Question #72

Which rapper is known for the album 'Illmatic' released in 1994?

Question #73

What is the term for the vocal style of hip-hop that involves speaking or chanting rhythmically?

Question #74

Which hip-hop artist is credited with popularizing the use of Auto-Tune in music?

Question #75

Which female rapper won a Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2019?

Question #76

What was the name of the group with pioneer rapper Flavor Flav and Chuck D?

Question #77

Which hip-hop dance style originated in the 1970s in New York City?

Question #78

Who was the first hip-hop artist to win a Pulitzer Prize for music in 2018?

Question #79

What is the term for the rhythmic pattern in hip-hop music that is repeated throughout the song?

Question #80

Which rapper is known for the phrase 'It Was All a Dream' in a hit song?

Electronic Music Innovation

Electronic music emerged with the invention of new technology and has since evolved into a major genre. This section tests knowledge on pioneers like Kraftwerk and Daft Punk, and the impact of electronic music on other genres. Perfect for those who enjoy the beats of techno, house, and EDM, this topic provides answers to how technology shaped music.

Question #81

Who is considered the pioneer of sampling in Electronic Music?

Question #82

Which electronic music artist is known for developing the 'wobble bass' sound?

Question #83

What is the name of the synthesizer invented by Robert Moog?

Question #84

Which electronic music duo popularized the use of vocoders in their music?

Question #85

What is the technique of manipulating audio signals to create new sounds in Electronic Music called?

Question #86

Which electronic music genre emerged in Detroit in the 1980s?

Question #87

What is the name of the electronic instrument that generates rhythmic patterns?

Question #88

Who was the first electronic music artist to win a Grammy Award for Album of the Year?

Question #89

Which electronic music artist is known for introducing glitch music techniques?

Question #90

What is the process of layering multiple sounds to create a fuller sound in Electronic Music called?

Question #91

Which electronic music artist is credited with popularizing the use of sidechain compression?

Question #92

What is the name of the electronic music style characterized by its repetitive beats and hypnotic melodies?

Question #93

Who is known as the 'Father of House Music'?

Question #94

What is the technique of altering the speed of a track to match the tempo of another track called?

Question #95

Which electronic music artist is known for incorporating classical elements into their compositions?

Question #96

What is the name of the device used to control sound parameters in real-time during a performance?

Question #97

Which electronic music artist is credited with pioneering the use of modular synthesizers in performance?

Question #98

What is the term for a rapid alteration between two sounds in Electronic Music production?

Question #99

Who composed the groundbreaking album 'Selected Ambient Works 85-92'?

Question #100

What is the name of the electronic music genre characterized by its broken beats and syncopated rhythms?

Pop Music's Golden Era

Trace the journey of pop music from the '60s to today, with questions on iconic artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles. Covering pop culture trends, albums, and industry milestones, this quiz section provides a fun and engaging challenge for pop music lovers. Explore how pop evolved and dominated music worldwide.

Question #101

Which iconic singer is known as 'The King of Rock and Roll'?

Question #102

What pop group is known for hits like 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' and 'Hey Jude'?

Question #103

Who is the legendary artist behind the album 'Purple Rain'?

Question #104

Which singer is known for the song 'Respect' and her powerful voice?

Question #105

Which band's frontman is Bono and is famous for songs like 'With or Without You'?

Question #106

Who is the 'Material Girl' known for hits like 'Like a Virgin' and 'Vogue'?

Question #107

This singer released the album 'Thriller' and is known as the 'King of Pop'.

Question #108

Which band is known for the song 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and the voice of Freddie Mercury?

Question #109

Who sang 'Hit the Road Jack' and 'Georgia on My Mind'?

Question #110

Which female artist is known for hits like 'Simply the Best' and 'What's Love Got to Do with It'?

Question #111

This artist is famous for the song 'Sweet Child o' Mine' and was the lead guitarist for Guns N' Roses.

Question #112

Who is the 'Godfather of Soul' known for hits like 'I Got You (I Feel Good)'?

Question #113

Which band is known for the song 'Like a Rolling Stone' and the voice of Bob Dylan?

Question #114

Who is the 'Queen of Disco' and known for hits like 'I Feel Love' and 'Last Dance'?

Question #115

Which singer released the album 'Back in Black' and is known for 'Highway to Hell'?

Question #116

Who is the artist behind the album 'Hounds of Love' and known for hits like 'Running Up That Hill'?

Question #117

Which band is known for the song 'Every Breath You Take' and the voice of Sting?

Question #118

Who is the 'Queen of Soul' known for hits like 'Natural Woman' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman'?

Question #119

Which artist created the album 'Rumours' and is known for hits like 'Go Your Own Way'?

Question #120

Who is the singer-songwriter behind the hit 'Imagine' and was a member of The Beatles?

Country Music Roots

This quiz section covers the origins and growth of country music, from folk influences to modern chart-toppers. Questions span from legends like Johnny Cash to contemporary stars, offering insights into the genre’s unique blend of storytelling and culture. Answer questions on the genre's evolution, subgenres, and its lasting appeal.

Question #121

Who is known as the 'King of Country Music'?

Question #122

Which country music artist released the album 'Red Headed Stranger' in 1975?

Question #123

Which country music legend is also a successful actor and starred in the movie '9 to 5'?

Question #124

Who was known as the 'Man in Black' and is famous for songs like 'Ring of Fire'?

Question #125

Which country music icon is also a renowned Bluegrass musician and released the album 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'

Question #126

This female country artist known for hits like 'Before He Cheats' won the fourth season of American Idol.

Question #127

Which country music superstar is known for his hit 'Achy Breaky Heart'?

Question #128

This country music legend was a pioneer of the 'outlaw country' subgenre and released the album 'Wanted! The Outlaws'.

Question #129

Who is considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time and is known for hits like 'Jolene'?

Question #130

Which country music artist is known for his patriotic song 'Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue'?

Question #131

This country music trio consists of siblings Kimberly, Reid, and Neil Perry.

Question #132

Who released the debut single 'Friends in Low Places' in 1990?

Question #133

Which country music artist is known for the album 'Golden Hour' that won Album of the Year at the Grammys?

Question #134

Which country music singer-songwriter is known for hits like 'The Gambler' and 'Lucille'?

Question #135

Who is known as the 'Queen of Country' and has a theme park called Dollywood?

Question #136

This country music artist gained fame with the album 'Chief' and hits like 'Drink in My Hand'.

Question #137

Which country music duo gained popularity with songs like 'Need You Now' and 'Bartender'?

Question #138

Who is known for the song 'Country Roads' and starred in the film 'Pure Country'?

Question #139

This country music artist is known for the album 'Some Hearts' and hits like 'Before He Cheats'.

Question #140

Which country music group is known for songs like 'Amazed' and 'I'm Already There'?

Punk Rock Impact

Learn about punk rock's revolutionary spirit, from the early days with The Ramones and The Clash to its influence on later rock genres. Questions explore punk's rebellious roots, key albums, and cultural significance, perfect for fans of punk trivia and history. Answer questions on punk's legacy and how it continues to inspire.

Question #141

Who is considered the 'Godfather of Punk Rock'?

Question #142

Which band released the album 'London Calling' in 1979?

Question #143

In which city did the punk rock movement originate in the 1970s?

Question #144

What is the signature style of punk rock fashion?

Question #145

Which band's members are known for wearing black leather jackets and sunglasses?

Question #146

Which punk rock band performed the song 'Anarchy in the U.K.'?

Question #147

What is the name of the venue where the Sex Pistols played their first gig in 1975?

Question #148

Which punk rock band is known for their album 'Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols'?

Question #149

Who is the lead vocalist of the band The Dead Kennedys?

Question #150

Which punk band released the song 'Blitzkrieg Bop' in 1976?

Question #151

What is the name of the record label founded by Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson?

Question #152

Which band is known for their album 'Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables'?

Question #153

What is the title of the book written by Patti Smith that documents her punk rock experiences?

Question #154

Which punk rock band released the album 'Pink Flag' in 1977?

Question #155

What is the name of the band formed by Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan after leaving the New York Dolls?

Question #156

Which punk rock band is known for their album 'Damaged' released in 1981?

Question #157

What is the real name of punk rock icon Johnny Rotten?

Question #158

Which band is often credited with pioneering the hardcore punk subgenre?

Question #159

What is the name of the punk rock venue in New York City that became a focal point for the scene in the 1970s?

Question #160

Which punk band is known for their song 'I Wanna Be Your Dog'?

Soul and R&B Legacy

Discover the rich history of Soul and R&B, from its roots in gospel to its role in shaping pop music. Covering legends like Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye, quiz questions explore how Soul and R&B have influenced music and culture, with questions on both easy and hard topics. Test your knowledge on the genre’s milestones and its most influential figures.

Question #161

Which artist is known as the 'Queen of Soul'?

Question #162

What R&B group is famous for hits like 'End of the Road' and 'I'll Make Love to You'?

Question #163

Which female artist released the album 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'?

Question #164

Who is known as the 'Godfather of Soul'?

Question #165

Which R&B singer-songwriter is behind the hit 'Adorn'?

Question #166

What legendary Motown group sang 'My Girl'?

Question #167

Which singer is known for hits like 'Let's Stay Together' and 'Tired of Being Alone'?

Question #168

What female duo released the album 'FanMail' in the late 90s?

Question #169

Which artist created the iconic album 'Songs in the Key of Life'?

Question #170

Who sang the classic 'A Change Is Gonna Come' in the 1960s?

Question #171

What singer-songwriter is known for 'Ordinary People' and 'All of Me'?

Question #172

Which R&B group debuted with 'CrazySexyCool'?

Question #173

What singer is known as the 'King of R&B'?

Question #174

Who released the hit album 'Urban Hang Suite' in the mid-90s?

Question #175

What artist is behind the song 'Endless Love' with Diana Ross?

Question #176

Which singer-songwriter released 'Back to Black' album in 2006?

Question #177

Who is known for hits like 'You Make Me Wanna' and 'Nice & Slow'?

Question #178

What male group is behind 'Water Runs Dry' and 'On Bended Knee'?

Question #179

Which artist is associated with the 'Quiet Storm' format on radio?

Question #180

Who released the hit 'No Scrubs' in the late 90s?

Global Music Traditions

Explore traditional music styles from around the world, from African rhythms to Latin American beats. This topic includes questions on cultural influences, regional instruments, and how these global sounds have influenced modern music. A fascinating look at diverse music traditions for general knowledge and trivia lovers alike.

Question #181

Which country is known for flamenco music and dance?

Question #182

What instrument is prominent in traditional Irish music?

Question #183

The sitar is a popular instrument in which country's classical music?

Question #184

Which music genre originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s?

Question #185

Which African country is known for its highlife music genre?

Question #186

What is a traditional percussion instrument used in samba music of Brazil?

Question #187

Which Asian country is famous for its traditional gamelan music?

Question #188

Flutes are commonly used in the traditional music of which Native American tribe?

Question #189

Who is known as the 'Queen of Salsa'?

Question #190

In which country did the musical genre 'K-Pop' originate?

Question #191

Which European country is famous for its traditional polka music?

Question #192

What style of folk music features the use of bagpipes in Scotland?

Question #193

Which Latin dance originated in the Dominican Republic?

Question #194

The didgeridoo is a traditional wind instrument of which indigenous Australian people?

Question #195

What type of drum is central to traditional African music?

Question #196

Which music genre features the prominent use of steel guitars?

Question #197

Baglamas and bouzouki are traditional instruments in the music of which country?

Question #198

Which Caribbean country is known for its calypso music?

Question #199

What is the name of the traditional music style of the Maori people of New Zealand?

Question #200

The cajón is a percussion instrument from which South American country?

Music is a universal language that has adapted and evolved across centuries. This quiz invites you to explore these rich transitions and challenge your knowledge of genres and history.

From Baroque to jazz, punk rock to electronic, each style reflects societal changes and cultural shifts. Test your understanding of these musical milestones and deepen your appreciation for the transformative power of music.

Whether you’re curious about iconic albums or the origins of musical instruments, this quiz will inspire a new perspective on music's role in shaping our world. Play now and take a musical journey through history!