Q 01/05

Soul music, a blend of gospel and rhythm and blues, originated in African-American communities in which period?

A) The late 1960s and 1970s

B) The 1930s and 1940s

C) The late 1950s and early 1960s

D) The early 1980s

Answer · why

C) The late 1950s and early 1960s

The phrase "soul music", meaning gospel-style singing with secular lyrics, was first attested in 1961.

Q 02/05

Which singer, a contemporary of Sam Cooke and James Brown, is counted a soul forefather thanks to crossover hits such as 1957's "Reet Petite"?

A) Jackie Wilson

B) Clyde McPhatter

C) Bobby Womack

D) Hank Ballard

Answer · why

A) Jackie Wilson

Berry Gordy wrote hits for him before founding Motown; he was known for his dramatic delivery.

Q 03/05

Which nickname was given to James Brown?

A) Mr. Pitiful

B) The Genius

C) The Bishop of Soul

D) The Godfather of Soul

Answer · why

D) The Godfather of Soul

He was also billed as the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business and Soul Brother No. 1.

Q 04/05

Sam Cooke was lead singer of which gospel group before controversially going secular?

A) The Dixie Hummingbirds

B) The Soul Stirrers

C) The Swan Silvertones

D) The Pilgrim Travelers

Answer · why

B) The Soul Stirrers

He first recorded pop under the alias Dale Cook, but his voice was too recognisable for the disguise to work.

Q 05/05

Sam Cooke's 1957 recording of which song launched his pop career?

A) Chain Gang

B) You Send Me

C) Wonderful World

D) A Change Is Gonna Come

Answer · why

B) You Send Me

His 1962 "Bring It On Home to Me" has been called perhaps the first record to define the soul experience.