Am I a Music Nerd?

Take this quiz to test your music knowledge!

So you think you're a real music nerd? We'll be the judge of that! Let's see if you've truly earned your musichead badge.

Take a crack at these music trivia questions, and we'll tell you how big of a music geek you are!

An illustration of a man smiling with music notes floating in the air.

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Questions Overview

1. The music magazine Rolling Stone shares a name with a song by which iconic artist?
  1. Harry Styles
  2. Elvis Presley
  3. Bob Dylan
  4. Nina Simone
2. The movie Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical featuring songs from which legendary pop artist?
  1. ABBA
  2. Cher
  3. Madonna
  4. Donna Summer
3. The megahit "Tubthumping" was written and performed by which anarchist punk band?
  1. The Dead Kennedys
  2. Chumbawumba
  3. Misfits
  4. Black Flag
4. Which of these artists holds the title for most weeks at the top of the charts?
  1. Chappell Roan
  2. Harry Styles
  3. Sabrina Carpenter
  4. Shaboozey
5. You've probably heard of RnB supergroup TLC, but do you know what the letters in their name stand for?
  1. T-Boz, Chilli, and Left Eye
  2. Truth, Compassion, Love
  3. Tunes, Chords, and Lullabies
  4. Tuna, Cod, and Lake Trout
6. Whitney Houston made waves singing "I Will Always Love You," but which other famous artist wrote the song?
  1. Kacey Musgraves
  2. Shania Twain
  3. Dolly Parton
  4. Chappell Roan
7. What was the first music video ever played on MTV, way back in 1981?
  1. "Voulez-Vous" by Abba
  2. "Enter Sandman" by Metallica
  3. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
  4. "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles
8. The song "Anxiety" by Doechii rocked the charts, but which other chart-topping song does it famously sample?
  1. "Every Time We Touch" by Cascada
  2. "We Will Rock You" by Queen
  3. "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye feat. Kimbra
  4. "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé
9. Which famous artist caused a media outrage for ripping up a photo while performing on SNL in 1992?
  1. Sinéad O’Connor
  2. Janet Jackson
  3. Bruce Springsteen
  4. Mariah Carey
10. What was Freddie Mercury's real, legal name?
  1. Farrah Mercury
  2. Felix Bolton
  3. Freddie Mercury
  4. Farrokh Bulsara
11. Which pop megastar founded The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-haired Men?
  1. John Lennon
  2. Britney Spears
  3. George Michael
  4. David Bowie
12. The band Genesis famously had two different mega-popular lead singers. Phil Collins was the second, who was the first?
  1. Huey Lewis
  2. Billy Joel
  3. Peter Gabriel
  4. Rick Astley
13. Who was the first woman ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
  1. Dusty Springfield
  2. Aretha Franklin
  3. Nina Simone
  4. Ms. Lauryn Hill
14. In 2001, Christina Ahuilera, Lil' Kim, P!nk, and Mya collabed on "Lady Marmalade," but who originally performed the song?
  1. Patti Labelle
  2. Grace Jones
  3. RuPaul
  4. Whitney Houston
15. At which unconventional venue did Johnny Cash famously perform and record a concert in 1968?
  1. On a blimp
  2. Denver Courthouse
  3. Folsom Prison
  4. A Wisconisin truck stop

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Becoming a True Music Nerd

What makes someone a music nerd?
Music nerds are people who don’t just like listening to music, but who enjoy all the ins and outs of making music, too. You don’t have to play an instrument or compose songs to be a music nerd, you just have to be a little interested in what’s going on behind the scenes. Music nerds are the people who know where music has been, where it is right now, and are excited about where it’s going in the future.

How can I become more of a music nerd?
Get curious and ask questions! Music is never made in a vacuum, you know. Even every pop song has its influences, and one great way to hone your music muscles is by exploring those influences. When you hear a song you like, look up who wrote it and what else they’ve written. Dive back into music history and listen to some oldies to see where today’s music came from. Research the lives of your favorite artists to learn more about their own journeys and influences. The more you learn about the history of music, the more you’ll understand about the landscape of music today.

Is it too late, or am I too old to start a music career?
Never! Music legend Leonard Cohen didn’t release his first album until he was in his 30s, and even that’s pretty young! Sure, you may not be the newest star on the scene, but it’s never too late to pick up an instrument and learn some chords. Even if you don’t become the next Elvis, you’ll be giving yourself the priceless gift of music.

How can you tell if someone is a musical genius?
Musical genius comes in many forms! Some people we call geniuses are naturally talented, and seem to write music like they’re just breathing air (but that doesn’t mean they don’t work hard). Others have spent a lifetime studying the history and mechanics of music in order to master their art. Some people are geniuses because they know nothing about music but pick up an instrument and make something so unique that it changes the game forever. Are you the next musical genius? You might be!

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