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Music trivia is a fantastic way to revisit the golden years of pop and rock, and 1962 was an incredible year for hit singles and memorable performers. In this article, we will dive deep into 10 classic songs from 1962, each attached to an iconic singer or group. These trivia questions are not just a fun test for your memory—they also provide a snapshot of an era filled with dance crazes, soulful ballads, and some of the catchiest tunes ever recorded. Let’s explore each question, reveal the correct answer, and learn a little about the artist and the story behind the song.

1. Who sang this song: Let's Twist Again (Popular in 1962)?

Let's Twist Again was immortalized by none other than Chubby Checker. The song was released in 1961 but continued to be a hit throughout 1962, becoming an anthem for the twist dance craze. Chubby Checker, born Ernest Evans, became synonymous with the twist, a dance move that swept the nation and turned dance floors into energetic spectacles. Let's Twist Again followed his earlier hit The Twist, and both songs contributed immensely to Checker’s legacy. The song's catchy hook—Let's twist again, like we did last summer—remains instantly recognizable, and Checker’s enthusiastic delivery keeps it fresh even more than half a century later.

2. Who sang this song: Travelin' Man (Popular in 1962)?

The answer is Ricky Nelson. Ricky Nelson was one of the earliest teen idols, and Travelin' Man became one of his signature tunes. Released in 1961, its popularity carried into 1962, supported by Nelson's widespread fame both as a singer and as a star on the television show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. The song’s lyrics describe a man who has a girl in every port, and its easygoing, melodic structure made it a favorite among fans of early rock and roll. Nelson's smooth voice and clean-cut image helped him bridge the gap between rockabilly and pop, ensuring his place in music history.

3. Who sang this song: Big Bad John (Popular in 1962)?

The deep, resonant voice behind Big Bad John belongs to Jimmy Dean. Released in 1961 and remaining a hit into 1962, this song tells the story of a heroic coal miner. Jimmy Dean, who later became well-known for his sausage company, was an accomplished country singer and TV host. Big Bad John is notable for its storytelling style, painting a vivid picture of the titular character’s strength and sacrifice. The song’s success helped Dean cross over from country to mainstream pop audiences and earned him a Grammy Award.

4. Who sang this song: Moody River (Popular in 1962)?

Moody River was performed by Pat Boone. Pat Boone was one of the most popular vocalists of the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for his smooth voice and clean-cut image. Moody River is a haunting ballad about love and loss, and Boone's heartfelt delivery gives the song a sense of emotional gravity. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, adding to Boone’s impressive string of hits.

5. Who sang this song: Baby Blue (Popular in 1962)?

The artists behind Baby Blue are The Echoes. This New York-based vocal group enjoyed their biggest success with this doo-wop ballad, which climbed the charts in 1962. The sweet harmonies and romantic lyrics of Baby Blue make it a classic of early-60s pop, and it remains a favorite among doo-wop enthusiasts. The Echoes may not have had a long list of hits, but this song cements their place in music history.

6. Who sang this song: Mama Said (Popular in 1962)?

The correct answer is The Shirelles. Mama Said was a top-10 hit for this pioneering girl group, one of the first African-American female ensembles to achieve mainstream success. The song’s empowering message—about leaning on your mother’s advice during tough times—resonated with listeners and showcased the Shirelles’ knack for blending pop, R&B, and soul. Their influence paved the way for later acts like The Supremes and Martha & the Vandellas.

7. Who sang this song: Bristol Stomp (Popular in 1962)?

Bristol Stomp was recorded by The Dovells. This energetic track captured the spirit of the dance crazes sweeping the country, specifically a dance called the stomp that originated in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The Dovells’ lively harmonies and infectious beat made the song an instant hit and a staple at high school dances. Bristol Stomp remains one of the most recognizable dance songs from the early 1960s.

8. Who sang this song: Tossin' and Turnin' (Popular in 1962)?

The answer is Bobby Lewis. Tossin' and Turnin' was actually released in 1961, but its popularity continued into 1962, even topping the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks. The song is one of the most iconic tracks about sleepless nights and romantic frustration. Bobby Lewis’s energetic vocals and the song’s rollicking tempo helped it become a staple of oldies radio and dance parties for decades to come.

9. Who sang this song: Don't Worry (Popular in 1962)?

Don't Worry was sung by Marty Robbins. Robbins was a versatile artist who excelled in country, pop, and rock music. Don't Worry is particularly notable for its use of a distorted guitar sound, created accidentally in the recording studio, which many credit as one of the earliest uses of guitar fuzz in popular music. Robbins’s smooth baritone and storytelling lyrics made this song a crossover hit, appealing to both country and mainstream audiences.

10. 1962 was the year that this Del Shannon song was on the hit lists

The song in question is The Swiss Maid by Del Shannon. Shannon is best remembered for his 1961 smash hit Runaway, but The Swiss Maid continued his streak of success into 1962. The song features Shannon’s signature falsetto and a catchy, yodel-inspired melody, reflecting his willingness to experiment with different styles. Del Shannon’s songwriting and vocal prowess made him one of the standout performers of the early 1960s.

Conclusion

These 10 trivia questions not only test your knowledge of 1962’s biggest hits, they also serve as a musical time machine, taking us back to a year when rock & roll, doo-wop, and pop music were at their peaks. From dance floor anthems like Let's Twist Again and Bristol Stomp to heartfelt ballads such as Moody River, these songs and their performers left a lasting mark on music history. Whether you knew all the answers or just learned something new, revisiting these classics is always a rewarding journey.