Q 01/05

Which Billboard writer coined 'rhythm and blues' in 1948, replacing 'race music' on the charts?

A) Berry Gordy

B) Jerry Wexler

C) Ahmet Ertegun

D) Alan Freed

Answer · why

B) Jerry Wexler

He later became a legendary Atlantic Records producer for Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles.

Q 02/05

What was Billboard's first chart of records popular with African American listeners, from 1942, called?

A) Sepia Series

B) Rhythm Review

C) Harlem Hit Parade

D) Race Records

Answer · why

C) Harlem Hit Parade

It was renamed Rhythm and Blues in 1949, and that name lasted on the chart until 1969.

Q 03/05

Ruth Brown's string of 1950s hits earned which label the nickname 'the house that Ruth built'?

A) Motown

B) Atlantic

C) Stax

D) Chess

Answer · why

B) Atlantic

The pun borrows Yankee Stadium's nickname; Brown later helped found the Rhythm and Blues Foundation to fight for royalties.

Q 04/05

Which singer nicknamed 'The Genius' pioneered soul in the 1950s and was later played by Jamie Foxx?

A) Little Richard

B) Sam Cooke

C) Ray Charles

D) James Brown

Answer · why

C) Ray Charles

Friends called him 'Brother Ray'; his 'Georgia on My Mind' was the first of his three Hot 100 number ones.

Q 05/05

The Genius's first Billboard 200 number one, in 1962, was a collection of what kind of songs?

A) Gospel hymns

B) Country and western

C) Christmas standards

D) Broadway show tunes

Answer · why

B) Country and western

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music helped merge country, R&B and pop audiences.