Do You Know Your Country? The Origins of Country Music Quiz

The Origins of Country Music Quiz

Country music has a storied past filled with iconic figures and unforgettable moments. This quiz will take you through some of the pivotal points in the genre's history. The answers are provided at the end, so you can see how well you did.

Questions

1. Who is known as the "Father of Country Music"?

   • A. Johnny Cash
   • B. Jimmie Rodgers
   • C. Tex Ritter
   • D. Jed Clampett

2. Who wrote a song about driving on the soundtrack of the movie "Roadie" that became a number one country song?

   • A. Merle Haggard
   • B. Charlie Daniels
   • C. Eddie Rabbitt
   • D. Willie Nelson

3. In what year did Patsy Cline die in a plane crash?

   • A. 1976
   • B. 1945
   • C. 1963
   • D. 1990

4. In 1996, "Wild Angels" hit No. 1 on the country charts. Who was the singer?

   • A. Anita Carter
   • B. Gretchen Wilson
   • C. Martina McBride
   • D. Reba McEntire

5. Which female country singer joined forces with Moe Bandy to sing the song "It's a Cheatin' Situation"?

   • A. Charly McClain
   • B. Tammy Wynette
   • C. Jan Howard
   • D. Martha Carson

6. Hank Williams Sr. called his son Hank Jr. "Bocephus." Where did the name "Bocephus" come from?

   • A. Artwork from a World War II bomber
   • B. Comedian Rod Brasfield's ventriloquist dummy
   • C. Name of the town drunk in Huntsville, Alabama
   • D. None of the above

Answers

1. B. Jimmie Rodgers - Often referred to as the "Father of Country Music," Jimmie Rodgers was a pioneering figure in the genre. His influence is still felt today.
2. C. Eddie Rabbitt - Eddie Rabbitt's song "Drivin' My Life Away" became a number one hit and was featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Roadie."
3. C. 1963 - Patsy Cline tragically died in a plane crash in 1963, cutting short a promising career.
4. C. Martina McBride - Martina McBride's "Wild Angels" topped the country charts in 1996.
5. A. Charly McClain - Charly McClain teamed up with Moe Bandy for the hit song "It's a Cheatin' Situation."
6. B. Comedian Rod Brasfield's ventriloquist dummy - Hank Williams Sr. affectionately called his son "Bocephus" after Rod Brasfield's ventriloquist dummy.

Interesting Stats About Country Music

• Country Music's Economic Impact: The country music industry contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, generating over $10 billion annually. Source: Statista
• Streaming Popularity: In 2020, country music saw a 15.8% increase in on-demand audio streaming, making it one of the fastest-growing genres. Source: MRC Data
• Diverse Audience: Contrary to popular belief, country music has a diverse audience. According to a 2019 study, 54% of country music listeners are under the age of 45. Source: Country Music Association

Resources

• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Billboard Country Music News
• Statista: Music Industry Revenue

Test your knowledge and see how well you know the origins of country music. Whether you score high or low, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for this beloved genre.