110 Music Trivia Questions to Test Your Knowledge

Music has been an inseparable part of human civilization, transcending borders, generations, and cultures. It holds the remarkable power to evoke emotions, ignite memories, and create connections between people. Beyond its enchanting melodies and captivating rhythms, music is also a realm brimming with intriguing stories, hidden facts, and surprising details that often escape our attention.

Welcome to the world of music trivia questions–a treasure trove of knowledge that unravels the mysteries and curious tales behind the songs we love. In this article, we embark on a melodic journey that spans across genres, from classical masterpieces to contemporary chart-toppers, exploring the lesser-known aspects of music history and lore.

No matter what genre resonates with your soul–be it the timeless elegance of classical compositions, the soul-stirring harmonies of jazz, the pulsating beats of hip-hop, the electrifying energy of rock, or the infectious melodies of pop – there are fascinating stories waiting to be discovered. From the genesis of iconic bands to the inspirations behind chart-topping hits, music trivia questions offer a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of the music industry and the artists who shape it.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive selection of music trivia questions that encompass all genres, ensuring there is something for every music enthusiast. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Mozart or a connoisseur of contemporary chart-toppers, we have meticulously curated a collection of facts, anecdotes, and musical curiosities that will entertain, educate, and delight.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the world of music as we explore the backstories of legendary albums, the unexpected collaborations that shaped musical landscapes, the surprising origins of catchy lyrics, and the pivotal moments in music history that forever changed the course of the industry.

So, tune in, turn up the volume, and join us on this captivating journey as we unlock the melodic mysteries, embracing the enchanting world of music trivia questions across all genres. Get ready to test your knowledge, challenge your friends, and expand your understanding of the music that moves us all.

1. Who was the first woman ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Aretha Franklin Read

2. Before Bleachers and fun., Jack Antonoff fronted what band?

Steel Train

3. What singer has had a Billboard No. 1 hit in each of the last four decades?

Mariah Carey

4. Formed in 2005, Nick, Joe, and Kevin form what family pop rock band that rose to popularity on the Disney Channel?

Jonas Brothers

5. What was Freddie Mercury’s real name?

Farrokh Bulsara

6. In 1987, what George Michael song was banned by the BBC for being too racy?

“I Want Your Sex”

7. What rock guitarist played on the Michael Jackson song “Beat It“?

Eddie Van Halen

8. Annie Lennox is one half of the pop group the Eurythmics. Who is the other?

Dave Stewart

9. What was the first video played on MTV on Aug. 1, 1981?

“Video Killed the Radio Star”

10. Who was the first American Idol winner?

Kelly Clarkson.

11. What 1989 Cher video was banned from MTV because of her revealing outfit?

“If I Could Turn Back Time”

12. Which band accused Led Zeppelin of stealing the opening riff of their megahit “Stairway To Heaven?”

Spirit

13. Before Miley Cyrus recorded “Wrecking Ball,” it was offered to which singer?

Beyoncé

14. What musician was deported from Japan in the 1980s for possession of marijuana?

Paul McCartney

15. In 1986, Janet Jackson released what chart-topping album?

Control

16. What year did Elvis Presley have his first hit with the song “Heartbreak Hotel?”

1956

17. Which American rapper originally went by the name Lesane Parish Crooks?

Tupac

18. A string quarter is traditionally composed of one cello, one viola, and two of which instrument?

Violin

19. What was the original name of the band Green Day when they first started?

Sweet Children

20. Which famous music group was formerly known as the New Yardbirds?

Led Zeppelin

21. What is Lady Gaga’s real name?

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

22. Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” plays while military helicopters fly over Vietnam in a famous scene from what 1979 Francis Ford Coppola film?

Apocalypse Now

23. What actor and comedian appeared in the video for the Paul Simon song “You Can Call Me Al”?

Chevy Chase

24. Who sand with The Wailers?

Bob Marley

25. What rock icon was the founder of The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-haired Men

David Bowie

26. Which Super Bowl Halftime Show performer was upstaged by a dancing shark?

Katy Perry Read

27. What date was the inaugural Woodstock festival held?

August 15, 1969

28. A 1933 Ford 3 window coupe with suicide doors features on the cover of which ZZ Top album?

Eliminator

29. What sub-genre of alternative metal came to prominence in the late 90s thanks to bands like Limp Bizkit, Korn, and Papa Roach?

Nu-metal

30. Jon Bon Jovi wrote the song “Blaze of Glory” for which 1990 Western movie?

Young Guns II

31. Which K pop group became the first Korean artist to headline Coachella in 2023?

Blackpink

32. Whitney Houston had a number-one hit with her cover of which Dolly Parton original?

“I Will Always Love You.”

33. How did Otis Redding die?

In a plane crash.

34. Who is the lead singer of Pearl Jam?

Eddie Vedder

35. The song “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran was about which castle in real life?

C. Framlingham Castle

36. “Someone You Love” singer Lewis Capaldi suffers from which common neurodevelopmental disorder?

Tourette syndrome

37. Brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb formed which pop group in the late 1950s?

The Bee Gees

38. Name the red-headed British singer who released the 1987 song “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

Rick Astley

39. Which Bob Dylan song did the Jimi Hendrix Experience cover and have a hit with?

“All Along the Watchtower”

40. In The Big Lebowski, The Dude can’t stand which band?

The Eagles

41. The Grateful Dead’s highly-devoted fanbase is known as what?

 Deadheads

42. What is the name of the band who wrote the song that inspired Lady GaGa’s stage name?

Queen

43. Beverly Hills Cop star Eddie Murphy had a chart-topping hit in December 1985 with which song?

“Party All the Time”

44. What is the name of the Disney Broadway Musical soundtrack that Phil Collins wrote the lyrics for?

Tarzan

45. Before using his real last name, John Mellencamp went by what stage name?

John Cougar

46. What rock star moonlights as a horror movie writer and director?

Rob Zombie

47. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is situated in what US State?

Ohio

48. What is the name of the rap artist who has won four Grammy Awards and received nominations for five Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards?

Will Smith

49. Who is the lead singer of Smash Mouth?

Steven Harwell

50. What film did The Clash’s Joe Strummer direct starring some of his bandmates?
Cops and Robbers

51. In this 1985 Tears for Fears song, “everybody wants to rule” what?

The world

52. Drake became the first artist to reach one billion streams with which song?

“One Dance”

53. Where did Billie Eilish record her first studio album?

In her brother’s bedroom.

54. Eminem’s 8 Mile is named after a road in which city?

Detroit

55. In the year 2000, Kentwood, Louisiana, opened a museum dedicated to which 18-year-old songstress?

Britney Spears

56. During the 1985 Live Aid concert, which musician performed in both the US and London?

Phil Collins

57. Which Pink Floyd album features a prism on the cover?

Dark Side Of The Moon

58. In which year did Lionel Richie release “Hello?”

1984

59. What General Hospital actor sang the hit 1984 song “All I Need”?

Jack Wagner

60. Which South African female rapper received global exposure with her song featuring John Cena?

Sho Madjozi

61. John Lennon was a member of which famous British group?

The Beatles

62. What band’s original name was Warsaw?

Joy Division

63. In 2017, what was the name of the female artist with the most Spotify streams?

Rihanna

64. What 1983 song launched the career of 80s icon Cyndi Lauper?

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”

65. Justin Timberlake was once a member of which pop group?

NSYNC

66. What was the first song Depeche Mode officially recorded?

“Photographic”

67. Who was the female lead singer for the band Berlin?

Terri Nunn

68. In which country did Kanye West live when he was ten years old?

China

69. What Friends actor jumps up on stage to dance with Bruce Springsteen in the “Dancing in the Dark” video?

Courtney Cox

70. On what date did MTV make its debut?

August 1, 1981

71. In 1968, Johnny Cash performed a concert at what California prison?

Folsom Prison

72. Who raps on Usher’s “Yeah”?

Ludacris

73. Before his illustrious solo career, Peter Gabriel was the lead singer for which band?

Genesis

74. What is the name of the Post Malone song that opens the 2018 movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse?

“Sunflower”

75. Which Country & Western singer-songwriter was awarded a special posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 2010 for songwriting?

Hank Williams

76. Who is Warren G.’s more famous step-brother?

Dr. Dre

77. What artists made up the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys?

George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, and Bob Dylan

78. Which Canadian artist sang the love theme in Titanic, “My Heart Will Go On?”

Celine Dion

79. What instrument is used by the indigenous people of Australia to accompany ceremonial dancing and singing?

Didgeridoo

80. Paul McCartney and John Lennon wrote which Rolling Stones song?

“I Wanna Be Your Man”

81. Who is the only solo artist to achieve more than five Billboard No. 1 singles before the age of 19

Justin Bieber

82. Will.i.am is best known for being part of which hip-hop group?

Black Eyed Peas

83. Art Garfunkel initially declined to sing one of Simon & Garfunkel’s biggest hits solo. Which song is it?

“Bridge Over Troubled Water”

84. What movie did Duran Duran get their name from?

Barbarella

85. Ozzy Osbourne was the lead vocalist of which classic heavy metal band?

Black Sabbath

86. Van Halen famously banned what color M&Ms in their rider?

Brown

87. Which classical composer was deaf?

Ludwig van Beethoven

88. What is the real name of B-Real from the hip-hop group Cypress Hill?

Louis Freese

89. Which rockstars were known as “The Terror Twins?”

Steve Clark and Phil Collen of Def Leppard

90. How many members are there in the English ska group Madness?

Seven

91. Who was “All About That Bass” in 2014?

Meghan Trainor

92. Which pop star played 27 different instruments on their debut album For You?

Prince

93. Taylor Swift wrote the song “We Are Never Getting Back Together” in reference to which of her ex-boyfriends?

Jake Gyllenhaal

94. Which Rolling Stones guitarist was found dead in a swimming pool in 1969?

Brian Jones Read

95. The sackbut was an early form of which musical instrument?

Trombone

96. Who was the first woman to have four country albums reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200?

Carrie Underwood

97. Which two country singers teamed up for the 2003 hit “Beer for My Horses?”

Toby Keith and Willie Nelson

98. What heavy metal band did Dave Mustaine play for before forming Megadeath?

Metallica

99. Puerto Rican Benito singer and rapper Antonio Martínez Ocasio is better known by what two-word stage name? 

Bad Bunny

100. What 3 Doors Down song references Superman?

“Kryptonite”

101. Cardi B starred on what reality show?

Love & Hip Hop

102. What was the first rap single to hit the Billboard Top 40 and who performed it?

“Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang

103. Which Creedence Clearwater Revival song was featured in the 1981 movie American Werewolf in London?

“Bad Moon Rising”

104. Before joining Nirvana, drummer Dave Grohl was part of which hardcore band?

Scream

105. Who sang the Spongebob Squarepants theme song for the movie?

Avril Lavigne

106. Jared Leto is the frontman of what band?

30 Seconds to Mars

107. Which member of Kiss wore makeup to look like a cat?

Peter Criss

108. The Wu-Tang Clan recommends protecting which body part?

Your neck

109. Which Marvel movie’s soundtrack won two Grammys?

Black Panther

110. What Australian soap opera star charted with the song “Torn” in 1998?

Natalie Imbruglia