Billboard no. 1s 1961

I still struggle to separate out the Motown groups, the culprit this time being The Marvelettes. In they go to my Spotify playlist.

Questions

The composer of Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night”, which German orchestra leader had a Billboard no. 1 in 1961 with “Wonderland by Night”? Perhaps he never came out during the day as his other hits include “Moon Over Naples”.

BERT KAEMPFERT

A host of his own show from 1951 to 1982 who was known for his ‘champagne music’, who hit Billboard no. 1 in 1961 with “Calcutta”, an instrumental version of a German pop song composed by Heino Gaze with the original title “Kalkutta liegt am Ganges”?

LAWRENCE WELK

The second Billboard no. 1 for Chubby Checker following “The Twist”, which 1961 hit introduced a new dance style that is referenced in the Go-Go’s song “We Got the Beat”, with the song also being included in the 1988 film “Hairspray”?

PONY TIME

Getting the name for their band from a popular hairstyle at the time, The Marcels hit no. 1 in both the US and UK in 1961 with which song penned by Rodgers and Hart back in 1934?

BLUE MOON

Ernie K-Doe hit Billboard no. 1 in 1961 with which song named for a type of relative? His track “Here Comes the Girls” was adapted by the Sugababes for their 2008 UK number 3 track “Girls”.

MOTHER-IN-LAW

Heard in season 4 of “Stranger Things”, which song by Ricky Nelson that was released as a double A-side with “Hello Mary Lou” reached Billboard no. 1 in 1961? According to the lyrics he has a ‘China doll down in old Hong Kong’, ‘Pretty Polynesian baby over the sea’ and a ‘Fraulein down in Berlin town’.

TRAVELIN’ MAN

Covered by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on their “Kicking Against the Pricks” album, which 1961 Billboard no. 1 for Roy Orbison shares its name with a Eurovision winning song from the 2010s?

RUNNING SCARED

His “Chevy Showroom” variety series airing from 1957 to 1960, who reached Billboard no. 1 in 1961 with “Moody River”? This was the last of his six US number ones.

PAT BOONE

Also having hits with the similarly titled “School Is Out” and “School Is In”, “Quarter to Three” was the only Billboard No. 1 for which singer who unusually has two middle initials that come from a deliberate attempt to gain more publicity?

GARY U.S. BONDS

One of the longest chart toppers from the 1960s with an impressive seven weeks, which song reached Billboard no. 1 in 1961 for Bobby Lewis? It later made it on to the “Animal House” soundtrack.

TOSSIN’ AND TURNIN’

Sung by Elvis Presley in the film “G.I. Blues”, Joe Dowell’s big moment came in 1961 when he took which song to the top of the US charts?

WOODEN HEART

Bobby Vee’s only trip to Billboard no. 1 was with which song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin? Confusingly it was also a hit for Bobby Vinton, with The Beatles singing it during their failed audition with Decca Records.

TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY

Sausages being one of the most popular products of this singer’s namesake food company, whose most successful hit was the 1961 Billboard no. 1 “Big Bad John”? The Swedish band Troll had a local hit with a song by this artist’s name.

JIMMY DEAN

The Marvelettes were the first Motown artist and all-female vocal group to reach Billboard no. 1 with which song? They had other top ten hits with “Playboy” and “Don’t Mess with Bill”.

PLEASE MR. POSTMAN

Original titled “Mbube” after the Zulu word for ‘lion’ and written by South African Solomon Linda, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” made its appearance at the top of the US charts in 1961 for which band? Neil Sedaka was a founding member, but had already left to pursue a solo career by the time of this success.

THE TOKENS

Le Lido & French music

I find it a shame when a venue ceases to be used for the purpose it became famous for, but I guess cabarets are on the way out. Not that I know anything about that sort of thing. There are a handful of rock bands here to discover, but investigate Gojira, Phoenix and Shaka Ponk as well if your Spotify list is crying out for my excellent taste…

Questions

Founded by Irish dancer Margaret Kelly, what is the name of the group of dancing girls that performed at Le Lido, a cabaret theatre that is located on the Champs-Élysées?

BLUEBELL GIRLS

Its brands including Mercure, Novotel and Ibis, which hospitality company took over ownership of Le Lido in 2021, subsequently turfing the Bluebell Girls out of the door as it temporarily closed the theatre so that a pivot could be made toward musicals?

ACCOR

A show called “Paris Merveilles” was brought to Le Lido by which Italian-born theatre director, who is credited with helping to develop “Cirque du Soleil” into the behemoth it is today? He was also behind the Celine Dion show “A New Day…”, which went on to become the most successful Las Vegas residency of all time.

FRANCO DRAGONE

French singer Hervé Vilard is best known for a song that contains the name of which island, with the song reaching number 2 in France and number 1 in Spain? The island is followed by “C’est Fini” in the title, this being influenced by a Charles Aznavour song of that name.

CAPRI (“Capri C’est Fini”)

Providing the voice for the villain Yzma in “The Emperor’s New Groove” and playing Catwoman in the 1960s TV series “Batman”, which American released the popular Christmas tune “Santa Baby” in 1953?

EARTHA KITT

Particularly popular during the ’50s and ’60s, Alice and Ellen are German twins whose work includes performing at Le Lido, singing at the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest and posing for the Italian edition of “Playboy”. What is the surname they share with an American astrophysicist?

KESSLER

Alain Delon featured on what repetitively titled 1973 hit for Egyptian-born singer Dalida, which topped the French charts after being released on her 40th birthday?

PAROLES, PAROLES

An actress of Hungarian descent, Mitzi Gaynor received a Golden Globe nomination for playing which Navy nurse from Little Rock in the film “South Pacific”, this character having been created by James Michener in his Pulitzer Prize winning short story collection “Tales of the South Pacific”?

NELLIE FORBUSH

Its prelude being heard before Eurovision events get into full swing, “Te Deum” is a 17th-century work by which French composer?

MARC-ANTOINE CHARPENTIER

Baroque French composer François Couperin is particularly associated with which instrument, having written four volumes of music for it as well as “L’art de toucher le clavecin” in 1717?

HARPSICHORD

A player of the viol de gamba, the Baroque composer Marin Marais was portrayed by both Gérard Depardieu and the actor’s son Guillaume in which 1991 film? It was adapted from a book by Pascal Quignard, who won the Prix Goncourt in 2002 with “Les Ombres errantes”.

TOUL LES MATINS DU MONDE / ALL THE MORNINGS IN THE WORLD

An organist at the court of King Louis XIV, Michel Richard Delalande is known for composing ‘Grand’ versions of what kind of musical composition that was originally performed ‘a capella’?

MOTET

Based on Jean Racine’s tragedy “Phédre”, the 18th-century work “Hippolyte et Aricie” was the first opera by which composer? Influenced by structures established by Jean-Baptiste Lully, he upset some critics when he put his own spin on things.

JEAN-PHILIPPE RAMEAU

The source being a Georges Bernanos work of the same name, which opera by ‘Les Six’ member Francis Poulenc tells the story of a group of nuns who were guillontined in 1794 during the Reign of Terror?

DIALOGUE OF THE CARMELITES

Considered horrendously difficult to play, the Maurice Ravel piano pieces “Gaspard de la Nuit” were based on a collections of poems by which 19th-century Piedmont-born French writer, who unfortunately died of illness before their publication?

ALOYSIUS BERTRAND

A mentor of Jean Michel Jarre and a huge influence in the world of electronic music, which Nancy-born French composer coined the term ‘Musique concrète’, a type of music composition that uses recorded sounds?

PIERRE SCHAEFFER

The ‘Grand salle’ of the Philharmonie de Paris is named for which post-war French composer, who conducted the “Jahrhundertring” at the Bayreuth Festival in 1976 to celebrate the centenary of the first complete performance of Wagner’s “Ring Cycle”? His own original works include “Le marteau sans maître” and “Pli selon pli”, the latter using text written by Stéphane Mallarmé.

PIERRE BOULEZ

Providing the song “Les Lilas” for René Clair’s “Gates of Paris”, a film he also starred in, which French singer was also responsible for “Le Gorille”, where the title animal escapes his cage and ravishes a judge?

GEORGES BRASSENS

The song “Pépée” was a memorial to the pet chimpanzee of which Monégasque singer, who blamed its death following a fall on his wife? It will come as no surprise that they subsequently divorced.

LÉO FERRÉ

Going on to record the live album “Radio Bemba Sound System”, who was the lead singer of French band Mano Negra, whose albums included the suspicious sounding “Puta’s Fever”?

MANU CHAO

Taking their name from a 1953 film that starred Marilyn Monroe, which French rock band are known for the songs “Tchiki boum” and “L’amour à la plage”?

NIAGARA

Their work included “Singing in the Shower” with Sparks, despite water and electricity being a combination clearly to be avoided, which French band that contains a Guerlain perfume in their name hit number two in the French charts in 1984 with “Marcia Baïla”?

LES RITA MITSOUKO

With Jenn Ayache on vocals, which Roman sounding French rock band have seen their songs “Butterfly” and “Radio Song” featured in the “Fifa” and “Guitar Hero” video game series’ respectively?

SUPERBUS

Billboard No. 1s 1968

I’m here through Hugh Masakela for another bunch of familiar songs with a few well known ones like “Hey Jude” being completely ignored.

Questions

“I Am the Walrus” was the B-side to which 1968 Billboard no. 1 for The Beatles, a song that has a much smaller variety of lyrics? Both songs were included on the “Magical Mystery Tour” LP that was released in North America.

HELLO, GOODBYE

Seemingly liking to sing about girls as other hits by them include “Shirley” and “Agnes English”, who reached Billboard no. 1 in 1968 with “Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)”, that title being a play on “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”?

JOHN FRED AND HIS PLAYBOY BAND

Not reaching the same heights with follow up singles such as “Jelly Jungle (of Orange Marmalade)”, what was the 1968 Billboard no. 1 hit for The Lemon Pipers? There is also a Status Quo version out there.

GREEN TAMBOURINE

One of the songs that lost out to Sandie Shaw’s “Puppet on a String” when sung by Vicky Leandros for Luxembourg at Eurovision, “L’amour est Bleu” later saw 1968 Billboard no. 1 action for which French orchestra leader under the translated name “Love is Blue”?

PAUL MAURIAT

A country music singer who later created the children’s animated TV series “The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon”, who had a Billboard no. 1 hit in 1968 with “Honey”?

BOBBY GOLDSBORO

Apparently danced to by Wyomia Tyus before the start of the 1968 Olympic 100m that saw her become the first woman to retain that title, what was the funk song that saw Archie Bell & the Drells hit Billboard no. 1 that same year?

TIGHTEN UP

The only person to hit Billboard no. 1 as both a vocalist and instrumentalist, the first of these occurred in 1968 with “This Guy’s in Love with You” for which artist?

HERB ALPERT

South African trumpet player Hugh Masakela hit Billboard no. 1 in 1968 with which instrumental recording that was included on his album “The Promise of a Future”?

GRAZING IN THE GRASS

Taken from their “Waiting for the Sun” album and featuring a riff similar to that found in “All Day and All of the Night” by the Kinks, “Hello, I Love You” was a 1968 Billboard no. 1 for which band?

THE DOORS

Not their first trip to the top of the Billboard charts, who had success in 1968 with “People Got to Be Free”, having dropped a word from their name since their previous number one?

THE RASCALS

Winning the Best Female Country Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards, who hit Billboard no. 1 in 1968 with “Harper Valley PTA”, not managing to challenge the upper reaches of the charts afterwards?

JEANNIE C. RILEY

Taken from an album of the same name, who had a 1968 Billboard no. 1 with “Love Child”, with a version by Sweet Sensation reaching number 13 in 1990?

DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES

Billboard no. 1s

These are from a batch of random years and I have many more still to go. They get added to my Spotify list as I go, so hours of bad listening ahead!

Questions

Used as a theme tune to a TV variety show that ran from 1965 to 1974, who had a Billboard No. 1 hit in 1964 with “Everybody Loves Somebody”?

DEAN MARTIN

Beginning with a fade-in and later reaching number 24 when covered by Jr. Walker & the All Stars, “Come See About Me” was a Billboard No. 1 hit in 1964 for which group?

THE SUPREMES

Sampled on Drake’s 2016 Billboard No. 1 hit “One Dance”, which British female singer, who is known by just her first name, released the song “Do You Mind” in 2008?

KYLA

His real name being Radric Davis, who featured on Rae Sremmurd’s 2016 Billboard No. 1 “Black Beatles”? His other charting hits include collaborations with A-listers Drake, Nicki Minaj and Bruno Mars.

GUCCI MANE

Born Symere Woods and sporting facial tattoos and eccentric hairstyles, who featured on Migos’ 2017 Billboard No. 1 “Bad and Boujee”? His highest charting solo hit is “Futsal Shuffle 2020”, which reached number 5.

LIL UZI VERT

Taken from “24K Magic”, which had that number rendered in roman numerals on the album cover, which artist had a Billboard No. 1 in 2017 with “That’s What I Like”?

BRUNO MARS

Nominated for a Grammy in the Best Rap Performance, who had a 2021 Billboard no. 1 with “Up”, its lyrics including references to the Birkin bag, Balenciaga and the Bentley Bentayga?

CARDI B

One having had US R&B number ones thanks to collaborations with Kali Uchis, H.E.R. and Brandy, with the other having songs including “Heartbreak Anniversary”, which two artists featured on Justin Bieber’s 2021 Billboard no. 1 “Peaches”?

DANIEL CAESAR AND GIVEON

Both having teamed up with Drake on other successful hits, which two artists joined him on the 2021 Billboard no. 1 “Way 2 Sexy”? One had a top 10 solo hit with “Mask Off” and the other hit the top 10 with Chris Brown’s assistance on “Go Crazy”.

FUTURE AND YOUNG THUG

Appearing as one of the lead stars in the 2023 remake of “White Men Can’t Jump”, which artist teamed up with Lil Nas X to reach Billboard no. 1 in 2021 with “Industry Baby”?

JACK HARLOW

Previously having hit number 5 with “Hooked on a Feeling”, a song that later hit the top spot in 1974 through Blue Swede, which American musician spent the first four weeks of 1970 at the top of the Billboard chart with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”?

B.J. THOMAS

The middle of their three Billboard no. 1 hits, who spent two weeks in 1970 at number one with the double A-side single “Thank you (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” / “Everybody Is a Star”, the first being a particularly unsubtle example of sensational spelling?

SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE

Also known for novelty songs like “Gitarzan”, who spent two weeks in 1970 at Billboard no. 1 with “Everything Is Beautiful”?

RAY STEVENS

Written and sung by George Harrison, what was the B-side to “The Long and Winding Road” that hit Billboard no. 1 in 1970 for The Beatles? From the “Let It Be” album, it was not released as a single in the UK.

FOR YOU BLUE

Its lyrics containing references to Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell and Christopher Columbus, who spent two weeks in 1970 at Billboard no. 1 with “The Love You Save”?

THE JACKSON FIVE

Later a hit for alternative band Voice of the Beehive, “I Think I Love You” spent three weeks at number one in 1970 for which fictional act?

THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY

Spending an insane 13 weeks at the top of the Billboard charts, who had her second US number one in 1966 with “My Love”?

PETULA CLARK

Having the real name of Luigi Sacco, which American singer reached Billboard no. 1 in 1966 with “Lightnin’ Strikes”? His highest placing in the UK was number two with “I’m Gonna Make You Mine”.

LOU CHRISTIE

Dying at the age of 49 after being shot in the head in Guatemala, who spent five weeks at the Billboard no. 1 spot in 1966 with “The Ballad of the Green Berets”?

SSGT BARRY SADLER

The second of their two American chart toppers, who reached Billboard no. 1 in 1966 with “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration”?

RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS

Although it was originally released in 1964, it was in 1966 that “Hanky Panky” went on to top the Billboard charts for which band?

TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS

Their follow up to the number 7 hit “Along Comes Mary”, which group reached Billboard no. 1 in 1966 with “Cherish”?

THE ASSOCIATION

His other top 10 hits including a cover of Huey ‘Piano’ Smith’s “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu”, who reached Billboard no. 1 in 1966 with “Poor Side of Town”?

JOHNNY RIVERS

Not the only time he has found himself contributing to a Billboard No. 1, who featured on Flo Rida’s 2008 chart topper “Low”, his real name being Fasheem Najm?

T-PAIN

A pioneer of trap music who also featured on Rihanna’s hit “Hard”, whose only appearance at Billboard No. 1 was when he featured on Usher’s 2008 Billboard chart topper “Love in This Club”?

YOUNG JEEZY / JEEZY

Taken from the album “E=MC²”, who had a Billboard no. 1 in 2008 with “Touch My Body”?

MARIAH CAREY

Dying shortly before the song was released, what is the stage name of the musician who co-wrote and featured on Lil Wayne’s 2008 Billboard no. 1 “Lollipop”?

STATIC MAJOR / STATIC

Being covered on “Saturday Night Live” by Justin Timberlake among others, what is the full seven-word title of the 1958 Christmas Billboard no. 1 by The Chipmunks?

THE CHIPMUNK SONG (CHRISTMAS DON’T BE LATE)

Ross Bagdasarian wrote and performed which song that hit Billboard no. 1 in 1958? He used the stage name David Seville and is more famous for creating Alvin and the Chipmunks, who have also sung this song.

WITCH DOCTOR

Known as ‘Mr. Personality’ thanks to his 1959 song “Personality” and reaching Billboard no. 1 in 1958 with “Stagger Lee”, what was Lloyd Price’s first recording in 1952 that became a huge hit?

LAWDY MISS CLAWDY

The first instrumental track to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100, who hit number one for a week in 1959 with “The Happy Organ”, his stage surname coming from his real middle name?

DAVE ‘BABY’ CORTEZ

Prevented from following up this success because of a contract violation, who spent two weeks at Billboard no. 1 in 1959 with “Kansas City”? He wrote “Let’s Stick Together”, which later became a huge solo hit for Bryan Ferry.

WILBERT HARRISON

Adapted from the Jean Villard work “Les Tres Cloches”, a song that became a hit for Édith Piaf, which trio spent four weeks at Billboard no. 1 in 1959 with “The Three Bells”?

THE BROWNS

The first song on the soundtrack to the Stephen King written 1992 film “Sleepwalkers”, which duo spent two weeks at Billboard no. 1 in 1959 with the instrumental hit “Sleep Walk”?

SANTO & JOHNNY

The second time he had topped the US charts though this would be the last time he reached the top 40, who spent two weeks at number one in 1959 with “Heartaches By The Number”, including at Christmas?

GUY MITCHELL

Covered by Donny Osmond in 1972, with his version reaching number 3 in the UK, who spent the final week of 1959 at Billboard no. 1 with “Why”, a song that features the word ‘love’ far too many times for comfort?

FRANKIE AVALON

Written by The Big Bopper, “Running Bear” was a Billboard no. 1 for three weeks in 1960 for which American rock and roll singer, the song also reaching number one in the UK?

JOHNNY PRESTON

Who had a 1960 Billboard no. 1 with “Teen Angel”, the song being written by his sister Jean? He was uncle to the bass guitarist for alternative band Toad the Wet Sprocket.

MARK DINNING

Credited with popularising ‘easy listening’, who spent nine weeks at Billboard no. 1 in 1960 with “Theme from A Summer Place”?

PERCY FAITH

Which Elvis Presley number one, his first after his two-year stint in the army, begins with the lyric “You can shake an apple off an apple tree”?

STUCK ON YOU

Also recorded in German as “Die Liebe ist ein Seltsames Spiel”, “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” was a number one for which artist in 1960?

CONNIE FRANCIS

Which American musical ensemble featuring Kim Fowley and Gary Paxton had a 1960 number one with “Alley Oop”?

HOLLYWOOD ARGYLES

One of her nicknames being ‘Little Miss Dynamite’, which Atlanta-born singer hit Billboard no. 1 in 1960 with “I’m Sorry”?

BRENDA LEE

Not repeating their success when they sung about “Mister Livingston”, which novelty song vocalist was at Billboard no. 1 in 1960 with “Mr. Custer”?

LARRY VERNE

Later covered by Olivia Newton-John, “I Want to Be Wanted” was a 1960 number one for which artist?

BRENDA LEE

At only 1:36 and famously part of the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack, “Stay” was a 1960 Billboard no. 1 for which artist?

MAURICE WILLIAMS AND THE ZODIACS

Her hits also including a cover of The Beatles song “I Saw Him Standing There”, what is the birth surname of Tiffany, who hit Billboard no. 1 in 1987 with “I Think We’re Alone Now”?

DARWISH

Married for a time to Freda Payne, who hit Billboard no. 1 in 1987 with “Shake You Down”, which reached number 6 in the UK?

GREGORY ABBOTT

Made up of an artist who was born as William McCord and his group, who hit Billboard no. 1 in 1987 with “At This Moment”?

BILLY VERA & THE BEATERS

The second number one from their “Spanish Fly” album, who had a Billboard no. 1 in 1987 with “Lost in Emotion”?

LISA LISA AND CULT JAM

Eurovision winners

Sadly not a list including Georgian nu-metal band Eldrine who could only finish 9th in 2011, this contest shows why winning matters. I suspect I won’t be doing a complete run through of runners-up any time soon.

Questions

The title lyric appearing only once in the song during the second verse, how does the 2021 winning Eurovision entry by Måneskin “Zitti e Buoni” roughly translate?

SHUT UP AND BEHAVE / KEEP QUIET AND BE GOOD

Seeming to be obsessed with Icarus as he has tattoos and an Instagram username that refer to the Greek mythological fall guy, who is the alliterative vocalist of Maneskin?

DAMIANO DAVID

What is the Hebrew surname of the mononymously known Israeli singer Netta, who got the game ‘Simon Says’ into the lyrics of her 2018 Eurovision winning entry “Toy”?

BARZILAI

Undergoing a successful heart transplant later the same year he became world famous, who was the alliterative singer who became the first winner of Eurovision for Portugal in 2017 with “Amar pelos dois”?

SALVADOR SOBRAL

Her stage name a shortening of her 12-letter surname, who won Eurovision in 2016 for Ukraine with “1944”?

JAMALA (Real name Susana Jamaladinova)

Getting married in 2019 to “Hollyoaks” actress Ciara Janson, who won Eurovision in 2015 for Sweden with “Heroes”? He had previously been a contestant on his country’s version of “Idol” and won its version of “Strictly Come Dancing”.

MANS ZELMERLÖW

Initially going in a different direction by being a member of boy band Jetzt Anders!, a short-lived group made up of unsuccessful contestants from the talent show “Starmania”, what is the real name of the Austrian singer who gained fame after winning Eurovision as Conchita Wurst?

THOMAS NEUWIRTH

Somehow getting 12 points from the Australian jury at the 2017 edition of Eurovision, for which UK entry by Lucie Jones with a five-word title did former winner Emmelie de Forest contribute as a songwriter?

NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU

Her parents being Moroccan immigrants to Sweden, what is the surname of two-time Eurovision winner Loreen?

TALHAOUI

During the heats to qualify for the final of Azerbaijan’s selection neither managed to win, but both were given wildcards by the judges to continue in the competition.  What are the full names of Ell & Niki, who sung “Je t’aime” and “Cry Me a River” respectively to earn themselves the opportunity of winning Eurovision for Azerbaijan with “Running Scared”?

ELDAR GASIMOV & NIGAR JAMAL

Failing to repeat her Eurovision winning performance with “Satellite” when she placed a respectable tenth in Düsseldorf, what is German singer Lena’s double-barreled surname?

MEYER-LANDRUT

With which song that has a six-word title did Minsk-born Alexander Rybak return to Eurovision in 2018, though he failed to repeat his success as he finished a disappointing 15th?

THAT’S HOW YOU WRITE A SONG

Previously finishing second at Eurovision in 2006 with “Never Let You Go”, who went one better when he won for Russia in 2008 with “Believe”?

DIMA BILAN

Post-Eurovision going on to have art exhibitions in his native Finland, what is the real name of Mr. Lordi, whose band preposterously released their 11th to 17th albums as one box set in 2021?

TOMI PUTAANSUU

Actually born in Sweden, which female singer won Eurovision for Greece in 2005 with “My Number One”? She had previously been part of the duo Antique which finished third in 2001.

HELENA PAPARIZOU

Born with the surname Lyzhychko which may explain why she did Eurovision under a mononym, with which song did Ruslana win in 2004?

WILD DANCES

Having a classical music background and considered to have a coloratura soprano voice, which female singer won Eurovision for Turkey in 2003 with “Everyway That I Can”?

SERTAB ERENER

Known by a first name and an initial, whose 2002 performance for Latvia’s winning song “I Wanna” involved the Eurovision favourite gimmick of removing items of clothing to reveal a surprise?

MARIE N

A backing vocalist on Ines’ 4th placed song “Once in a Lifetime” from the year before, who won Eurovision for Estonia in 2001 with “Everybody” alongside Aruba-born Dave Benton and hip-hop duo 2XL?

TANEL PADAR

The band name coming the first initials of its two brothers and their surname, which Spanish dance act peaked at number 8 in the UK with a cover of the Olsen Brothers’ Eurovision winning “Fly on the Wings of Love”?

XTM

Another past winner who failed to repeat their Eurovision success at the second attempt when they entered in 2008 with “Hero”, Charlotte Nilsson won with which English titled song in 1999? The Swedish version “Tusen och en natt” translates as the completely different “One Thousand and One Nights”.

TAKE ME TO YOUR HEAVEN

Along with bandmate Vince de la Cruz the only time an American has won Eurovision, what is the surname of the lead singer of Katrina & the Waves?

LESKANICH

Waiting since 1996 for Sweden to catch up to their total number of victories, who was the seventh and most recemt person to win Eurovision for Ireland in 1996 with “The Voice”?

EIMEAR QUINN

The only predominantly instrumental piece to have won Eurovision, which group that included an Irish violinist was victorious for Norway in 1995 with “Nocturne”?

SECRET GARDEN

The only time that a country has won Eurovision three times in a row, which Irish duo won in 1994 with “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids”? There is a rumour that it was deliberately chosen because it wouldn’t stand a chance and the country didn’t want to host the event again.

PAUL HARRINGTON AND CHARLIE MCGETTIGAN

Failing to repeat her past Eurovision success when she finished a lowly 23rd in 2010 with “It’s for You”, who won for Ireland in 1993 with “In Your Eyes”?

NIAMH KAVANAGH

Born with the surname Häggkvist but commonly known by just her first name, who won Eurovision in 1991 for Sweden with “Fångad av en stormvind”, meaning something like ‘Captured by a stormwind? She also finished 3rd in 1983 and 5th in 2006.

CAROLA

Although born with the first name Salvatore, he is mostly known as ‘Toto’. Who won Eurovision for Italy in 1990 with “Insieme: 1992”, with his 1983 song “L’Italiano” hitting the top of the charts in several European countries?

TOTO CUTUGNO

Presumably the only victory there will ever be for Yugoslavia, which pop group fronted by Emilija Kokić sung in Croatian when they won Eurovision in 1989 with “Rock Me”?

RIVA

The first winning song not to be released in the United Kingdom and also the most recent winner to be sung in French, with which song did Celine Dion win Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988, its title containing five words?

NE PARTEZ PAS SANS MOI

Going on to reach number two in the UK singles chart, so not quite matching his first winner which hit number one, with which song did Johnny Logan win Eurovision for Ireland in 1987?

HOLD ME NOW

Only 13 at the time of her performance and forever to be the youngest winner unless the current minimum age rules are changed, with which French-titled song did Sandra Kim win Eurovision for Belgium in 1986?

J’AIME LA VIE

Made up of Hanne Krogh and Swede Elisabeth Andreassen, which duo won Eurovision for Norway in 1985 with “La det swinge”, a title that means ‘Let it swing’?

BOBBYSOCKS!

The band name coming from the surname of the three brothers that it consisted of, who won Eurovision for Sweden in 1984 with “Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley”?

HERREYS

Down to return to Eurovision in 2024 after a hiatus of more than 30 years, Luxembourg last won in 1983 with “Si la vie est cadeau” thanks to which French-born singer?

CORINNE HERMÈS

Her surname being Seibert since her marriage in 1984, what was the maiden name of 1982 Eurovision winner Nicole? This was the first victory for Germany, with her having qualified through the “Ein Lied für Harrogate” selection process.

HOHLOCH

Along with Cheryl Baker who was the other girl who was a member of Bucks Fizz? She left the band in 1985 after having an affair with their producer, with other work including a volume of the “Shape Up and Dance” exercise instruction albums, a series that also featured George Best.

JAY ASTON

First victorious at Eurovision in 1980 with “What’s Another Year”, what is Johnny Logan’s alliterative real name?

SEÁN SHERRARD

Including singer Gali Atari who soon after left the act after suing her manager for unpaid performances, which vocal group won for Israel in 1979 with “Hallelujah”?

MILK AND HONEY

Not successful when he tried to win the contest again in 1985 with “Olé, Olé”, who won Eurovision along with Alphabeta for Israel in 1978 with “A-Ba-Ni-Bi”? He’s also had a go at the Israeli version of “The Masked Singer”.

IZHAR COHEN

Born in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, which alliterative singer was the last Eurovision winner for France in 1977 with “L’oiseau et l’enfant”?

MARIE MYRIAM

Following “Save Your Kisses for Me” and “Angelo”, what 1978 release was the third and final UK number one scored by Brotherhood of Man?

FIGARO

Sharing their name with a type of educational discussion that is wider in scope than a seminar, which band won Eurovision in 1975 for the Netherlands with “Ding a-dong”?

TEACH-IN

Making sure that “Power to All Our Friends” didn’t join the list of immortal Eurovision winners, which Moroccan-born singer made it two wins in a row for Luxembourg in 1973 with “Tu te reconnaîtras”, with an English version being named “Wonderful Dream”?

ANNE-MARIE DAVID

Previously having finished 4th in 1967 with “L’amour est bleu”, which Greek-born singer represented Luxembourg again in the 1972 edition with “Après toi”, this time taking home the victory?

VICKY LEANDROS

Having the birth name Josiane Grizeau, what is the stage name of the French singer who won Eurovision for Monaco in 1971 with “Un banc, un arbre, une rue”? She later did a cover of Cliff Richard’s “Power to All Our Friends” called “Il faut chanter la vie”.

SÉVERINE

Her married name being Scallon and actually born in London, what is the birth name of Irish Eurovision champion Dana?

ROSEMARY BROWN

Once married to Maurice Gibb, what is the birth name of Scottish Eurovision winner Lulu?

MARIE LAWRIE

Failing to be selected on the other occasions she tried to represent France at Eurovision, which Moroccan-born singer was part of the 1969 four-way tie with the song “Un jour, un enfant”?

FRIDA BOCCARA

Born in Eindhoven, which female Dutch singer was part of the 1969 Eurovision four-way tie for first with “De Troubadour”, getting to perform it again in 2021 when Rotterdam was the host?

LENNY KUHR

Sharing their name with a 20th-century opera, which singer was part of the 1969 four-way tie in Eurovision with “Vivo cantando” for Spain?

SALOMÉ

Beating Cliff Richard’s “Congratulations” by a measly one point, what was the stage name of the Spanish singer who won Eurovision with “La, la, la” in 1968,  that country’s only outright win?

MASSIEL

Born in the town of Dagenham, what was Sandie Shaw’s maiden name? Her winning Eurovision song “Puppet On a String” was her third and final UK number one.

GOODRICH

Featuring mainly German language lyrics despite its deceptive title, which song saw Udo Jürgens win Eurovision for Austria in 1966?

MERCI, CHÉRIE

Failing to become the first to win Eurovision twice when “Si” came up against Abba’s “Waterloo”, what was the Italian title of the song that saw 1974 runner-up Gigliola Cinquetti become victorious in 1964?

NON HO L’ETÀ

Though they later got divorced in 1975, who are to date the only married couple to have won Eurovision, their success coming in 1963 for Denmark with “Dansevise”?

GRETHE AND JØRGEN INGMANN

Only finishing 10th with “La Source” when she had another go in 1968, who won Eurovision for France in 1962 with “Un premier amour”?

ISABELLE AUBRET

Twenty years later having a less successful crack at Eurovision with “C’est peut-être pas l’Amérique”, who won in 1961 for Luxembourg with “Nous les amoreux” with a song that he later revealed to be about a homosexual relationship, though the song couldn’t express this because of the intolerance of the time?

JEAN-CLAUDE PASCAL

Born as Eliane Ducas, who won Eurovision in 1960 for France with “Tom Pillibi”, a song that has been covered by Julie Andrews?

JACQUELINE BOYER

Her real first name being Dorothea, who won Eurovision in 1959 for the Netherlands with “Een beetje”?

TEDDY SCHOLTEN

The oldest winner of Eurovision prior to Toto Cutugno, who won in 1958 for France with “Dors, mon amour”?

ANDRÉ CLAVEAU

Presenting the show in 1976 following Teach-In’s victory the prior year, who won Eurovision in 1957 for the Netherlands with “Net als toen”?

CORRY BROKKEN

Music – US

Had another fail on Anderson.Paak, so I’m trying to get my head around him. Kings of Leon album titles are proving a tough learn despite being familiar with a bunch of songs from them.

Questions

The last song by The Carpenters to reach the UK top ten, what four ‘out of this world’ words complete a hit with a title that begins with the word ‘Calling’?

OCCUPANTS OF INTERPLANETARY CRAFT

Tragically dying in 2019, what was the real name of “Lucid Dreams” singer Juice Wrld?

JARAD HIGGINS

Juice Wrld’s Billboard No. 2 hit “Lucid Dreams” was from which album with a four word title that unfortunately seems a little prophetic given his untimely death?

GOODBYE & GOOD RIDDANCE

Despairing of finding himself at Widnes Railway Station, Paul Simon allegedly put pen to paper there to compose which Simon & Garfunkel song that was their first to reach the UK top ten, also reaching number 5 in the US?

HOMEWARD BOUND

Containing four words, the third of which looks like a key was pressed twice by mistake, what was the 2012 major label debut album by Kendrick Lamar?

GOOD KID, MAAD CITY

Kendrick Lamar is a member of which hip-hop supergroup alongside Top Dawg Entertainment label mates Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q?

BLACK HIPPY

Super Scouse offers us a reminder that we need ‘A current MOT’ in a parody of CW McCall’s “Convoy” called “Convoy GB”. Reaching number four in the UK, it has hit for which artist?

LAURIE LINGO AND THE DIPSTICKS

What two-word title is given to Ye’s second studio album, his follow up to “The College Dropout”? Followed by the “Stronger” containing “Graduation”, its songs include “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” and “Gold Digger”.

LATE REGISTRATION

Which ninth studio album by Ye follows a Christian theme, with tracks including “Follow God” and “Closed on Sunday”?

JESUS IS KING

What is the name of Ye’s mother, which he used for the titles of his tenth and eleventh studio albums?

DONDA

Singing on “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”, what is the two word stage name of Donald Roeser, the guitarist and vocalist who is the only constant member of Blue Öyster Cult?

BUCK DHARMA

The first album by the Wu Tang Clan takes its name from which two films, released in 1973 and 1978 respectively?

ENTER THE DRAGON & 36 CHAMBERS OF SHAOLIN (Its title is “Enter the Wu Tang: 36 Chambers”)

The only copy of which seventh Wu Tang Clan album was bought for $2 million by ‘Pharma Bro’ Martin Skhreli?

ONCE UPON A TIME IN SHAOLIN

Which fifth Wu Tang Clan album, the first after the death of ODB, takes its title from a 1984 Hong Kong film with a title than ends in “Pole Fighter”?

8 DIAGRAMS

Reaching number 60 on the Billboard 100, the Wu Tang Clan song “C.R.E.A.M.” stands for what?

CASH RULES EVERYTHING AROUND ME

The first name being the same for both, what was either the birth name of Bo Diddley or the real name that he went by?

ELLAS BATES / ELLAS MCDANIEL

The title words only paired together in the first line of the song, what was Bo Diddley’s highest charting hit in the US, reaching number 20 in 1959?

SAY MAN

Wanting to give them a wedding ring so that they can become his blushing bride, what words refer to Bo Diddley’s love interest in his highest charting UK hit that reached number 35 in 1955?

PRETTY THING

Cast in the 2023 musical film version of “The Color Purple” that saw Danielle Brooks earn an Oscar nomination, what is the real name of R&B singer H.E.R.?

GABRIELLA WILSON

Winning a Grammy for Song of the Year thanks to her work on “I Can’t Breathe”, what does the acronym of Gabriella Wilson’s stage name H.E.R. stand for?

HAVING EVERYTHING REVEALED

From which film was the 2021 Oscar winning H.E.R. track “Fight for you”?

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH

Sparks wrote the music for which 2021 musical that saw Leos Carax win the Best Director award at Cannes?

ANNETTE

Including the tracks “Molly’s Chambers” and “California Waiting”, what was the four-word title of the first album by Kings of Leon, reaching number 3 in the UK chart?

YOUTH & YOUNG MANHOOD

The title coming from lyrics in the song “Taper Jean Girl” and having an orchid on the album cover, which second Kings of Leon album matched the number 3 of “Youth & Young Manhood” in the UK chart and featured the single “The Bucket”?

AHA SHAKE HEARTBREAK

Its cover centred around an image of a light bulb that has started to disintegrate, which third album by Kings of Leon was the first to reach number 1 in the UK chart, its tracks including the single “Fans”?

BECAUSE OF THE TIMES

The follow-up to “Come Around Sundown”, which sixth Kings of Leon album has a cover that features a neon sign, its songs including “Supersoaker” and “Don’t Matter”?

MECHANICAL BULL

Actually an acronym, which seventh Kings of Leon album is their only one to date that has a one-word title? Tracks include “Waste a Moment” and “Reverend”.

WALLS (Stands for “We Are Like Love Songs”)

Its title making up the first half of the words in the name of its opening track, which eighth album by Kings of Leon is notable for being the first album to be sold as a non-fungible token?

WHEN YOU SEE YOURSELF

Famous for providing the theme tune to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, Nerf Herder gained significant airplay with a 1997 single named after which band?

VAN HALEN

Dying in 1933, what nickname was given to ‘Father of Country Music’ Jimmie Rodgers on account of his profession?

THE SINGING BRAKEMAN

What was the name of Elvis’ chimpanzee, the second animal he bought in the hope of creating a Graceland zoo?

SCATTER

What was the name of the basset hound Elvis sang “Hound Dog” to on TV?

SHERLOCK

Naomi Campbell sneaked into the cast of which dreadfully rated 1991 film that featured the acting debut of Vanilla Ice?

COOL AS ICE

Writing “Africa”, “Rosanna” and “Hold the Line”, who is the main songwriter and singer of the band Toto, co-founding it with Jeff Porcaro?

DAVID PAICH

Pitchfork ranked “The Sprout and the Bean” in their list of best songs from the 2000s. It comes from which first album by Joanna Newsom, which also includes the song “This Side of the Blue”, that song being featured in an Orange cinema advert?

THE MILK-EYED MENDER

What is the two-letter title of Joanna Newsom’s criticallly acclaimed second album, containing five songs at an average of 11 minutes each?

YS

The voice of Dale in the 2022 film “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers”, to which comedic actor has Joanna Newsom been married since 2003?

ANDY SAMBERG

Found on the soundtrack to the 2005 romantic comedy “Hitch”, “1 Thing” reached Billboard no. 8 and UK no. 4 for which R&B singer in 2005?

AMERIE

On which first Public Enemy album from 1987 is Terminator X listed third as ‘Lead scratch’ behind vocalists Chuck D and Flavour Flav?

YO! BUM RUSH THE SHOW

Jackie Chan, Issac Hayes and Billy Ocean are all mentioned in the lyrics of which Anderson.Paak song, a non-album single that saw him win his first Grammy in 2019 in the category of Best Rap Performance?

BUBBLIN

A winner of the Best R&B Album, which Californian location follows “Venice”, “Malibu” and “Oxnard” to complete the list of Anderson.Paak’s first four albums? The city of Oxnard can be found within a county going by this fourth album’s name.

VENTURA

Anderson.Paak’s first Billboard No. 1 came as part of Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars. What was the name of the track, with the Grammy Awards getting a bit excitable by awarding it four prizes including for Record of the Year?

LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN

UK Number Ones 2022

I’m doing this topic because I haven’t talked about Bruno and need a catch up, but it does happen to contain my favourite UK number one of all time. Zero prizes for guessing which.

Questions

David Omoregie, better known to the world as simply Dave, achieved a second UK number one in 2022 with what one-word titled song? A non-album single, it shares its name with a song by Muse and a number two hit from 2001 for Guillaume Atlan that featured Mani Hoffman on lead vocals.

STARLIGHT

With what stage name did French electronic music producer Guillaume Atlan hit UK number two in 2001 with “Starlight”?

THE SUPERMEN LOVERS

The second number one for this artist after an effort in 2017, what was the best selling single in the UK during 2022, also topping the Billboard Hot 100 for an astonishing 15 weeks?

AS IT WAS

Spending a measly 10 weeks at the top of the UK charts given its American run of 15 weeks, “As It Was” was knocked off the top of the charts by which song that only reached a disappointing number 3 in the States?

RUNNING UP THAT HILL

Sampling the 1979 Silk song “I Can’t Stop (Turning You On)”, “Afraid to Feel” was a 2022 UK number one for which Scottish production duo, spending an impressive 8 weeks at the top?

LF SYSTEM

Including a sample from a Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam track, English DJs Eliza Rose and Interplanetary Criminal shot to the top of the UK charts in 2022 with “B.O.T.A.”, with the letters standing for what?

BADDEST OF THEM ALL

Taken from the wordily titled “Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent”, what did Lewis Capaldi ask us to do in 2022 according to the title of his third UK number one?

FORGET ME

Another 2022 UK number one to get in on the sampling was “I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta, helping drill Italian group Eiffel 65’s original hit into a new generation of music fans. Who joined Guetta as the lead artist on this track, this being her first trip to the top of the British charts?

BEBE REXHA

Sam Smith returned to the top of the UK charts in 2022 when he teamed up with which German singer for “Unholy”? With this success they became the first openly transgender person to win a Grammy.

KIM PETRAS

Cologne-born Kim Petras’ recognition at the Grammy Awards saw them become the second transgender artist to win a category at that event. Who was the first, having been successful in 1970 thanks to their album “Switched-On Bach”?

WENDY CARLOS

The last UK and US number ones of 2022 before the Christmas fare kicked in, what was the lead single from Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” album that broke the record for opening day Spotify streams?

ANTI-HERO

When LadBaby were permitted to become the first artist to re-work “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, they also roped in which Manchester-born non-musician who won the National Television Award for Best TV Expert in 2022, the same year “Food Aid” reached UK number one?

MARTIN LEWIS

UK Number Ones 2018

A year they were seemingly obsessed by Friday provides another bunch of unfamiliar super famous songs because I have forgotten what a radio station is.

Questions

Knocking Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” off the top spot in 2018 was Ed Sheeran! But as a featured artist on which Eminem track that comes from the rapper’s ninth studio album “Revival”?

RIVER

Rudimental hit number one in 2018 with “These Days” thanks to the stellar support provided by Jess Glynne, Macklemore and which other English R&B singer who is much less well known, but has collaborated with Macklemore on other singles?

DAN CAPLEN

What is the stage name of comedian David Burd who hit UK number one in 2018 with “Freaky Friday”, a song in which he seemed to think that it was cooler being in Chris Brown’s body than Ed Sheeran’s?

LIL DICKY

Taken from his fifth studio album “Scorpion”, Drake’s “Nice for What” samples which 1998 top ten single, which itself samples the Wu-Tang Clan?

EX-FACTOR

Having become a popular song with Liverpool fans, what number one hit by Dua Lipa and Calvin Harris was performed at the 2018 Champion’s League final in Kiev?

ONE KISS

Sharing its name with hits that reached Billboard No. 1 in 1970 and 1992, which song reached UK number one in 2018 for Jess Glynne?

I’LL BE THERE

Who featured on the Clean Bandit UK number one “Solo” in 2018, the only time she has been at the top of the UK charts?

DEMI LOVATO

His first ever UK number one, the repetitive “Shotgun” was a track from which second George Ezra album that was released in 2018 and also contained the number two hit “Paradise”?

STAYING AT TAMARA’S

Inspiring a dance challenge that involves people busting a move outside of moving vehicles, which Drake track spent four weeks at the top of the UK chart in 2018?

IN MY FEELINGS

Joined by Khalid and Halsey, which alliterative record producer found himself at UK number one in 2018 with “Eastside”?

BENNY BLANCO

No stranger to the top of the UK charts, Calvin Harris was joined by Sam Smith on which 2018 number one that shares its name with songs by Def Leppard, The Cranberries and Take That?

PROMISES

Having spent time in prison for stabbing incidents though charges were dropped before reaching court, Marvin Bailey is the real name of which British rapper who featured on the 2018 UK number one “Funky Friday” by Dave?

FREDO

Winner of the Best Original Song at the Oscars, what was the name of the 2018 UK number one for Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper?

SHALLOW

The follow up album to “Sweetener”, which fifth Ariana Grande studio album’s title song hit UK number one for six weeks in 2018?

THANK U, NEXT

UK number ones 2019 & 2020

A bunch of songs somebody lost in the 90s still isn’t that familiar with, but it’s not all bad. Right? Just because no one I go to watch ever costs more than £30 a ticket.

Questions

Ariana Grande’s run at the top of the UK singles chart in 2019 was interspersed with what other song of hers for one week, both songs coming from her “Thank U, Next” album?

BREAK UP WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND, I’M BORED

His first UK number one that also reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” was included on which 2019 debut album of his that has a six-word title?

DIVINELY UNINSPIRED TO A HELLISH EXTENT

Taken from her first album “Heaven & Hell”, “Sweet But Psycho” was a number one for Ava Max. What is the real name of the Milwaukee-born singer, her parents both being Albanian?

AMANDA KOÇI

Not featuring the number one hit “Old Town Road”, what is the name of Lil Nas X’s first album, this being the same as his first name and included in the title of a successful single from it?

MONTERO (His surname is Hill)

Having lyrics that include rhyming “Chuck Norris” with “F*ck Boris”, which song from Stormzy’s “Heavy is the Head” album was his first to reach number one in the UK?

VOSSI BOP

Not a cover of the vastly superior Transvision Vamp song, “I Don’t Care” saw Ed Sheeran top the UK chart in 2019 after he teamed up with Justin Bieber. From which awkwardly titled album did this track originate?

NO. 6 COLLABORATIONS PROJECT

The massive hit “Señorita” which reached UK number one in 2019 was the second collaboration between Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello after which 2015 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit, which shares its name with a 1997 film?

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER

Another hit from the “No.6 Collaborations Project”, with which song did Ed Sheeran reach UK number one with Khalid as the featured singer? This song split the reign of “Señorita” into two spells.

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

More output from the “No. 6 Collaborations Project” saw Stormzy as the featured singer on which Ed Sheeran number one from 2019?

TAKE ME BACK TO LONDON

Her stage name providing a clue to her first name, what was the birth name of Tones and I? The Australian saw her “Dance Monkey” hit UK number one for an insane 11 weeks in 2019, a record for a female singer.

TONI WATSON

To close out the UK number ones from 2019, the LadBaby ‘effort’ “I Love Sausage Rolls” saw a re-imagining of what famous album cover in the artwork used for the front of the single?

ABBEY ROAD

The UK number one at the start of the 2020s was a cover of which Joni Mitchell song by Ellie Goulding, with the track being an annual contender for those artists who feel they need to make a quick buck at Christmas? Others to have sung this song include Sarah McLachlan, Robert Downey Jr. and easy listening favourite The Lighthouse Family.

RIVER

Ed Sheeran is game to returning a favour as he became a ‘featuring’ on which 2020 Stormzy UK number one, though this lasted two weeks less at the top than the five weeks for “Take Me Back to London”? Nigerian singer Burna Boy was also included in the featuring roster.

OWN IT

The late Juice Wrld had posthumous success when he was featured on whose UK number one single “Godzilla”, a song that features one of the fastest rap verses ever from a true kaiju of the industry?

EMINEM

The second UK number one from “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent”, which Lewis Capaldi track has been sung by Turtle on the American version of “The Masked Singer” and Rhino on the British version?

BEFORE YOU GO

The insanely popular “Blinding Lights” is from which fourth album by the Weeknd that had a release sandwiched between “Starboy” and “Dawn FM”? The title song reached number 20 in both the UK and US.

AFTER HOURS

Becoming the first artist born in the 21st-century to top the UK singles chart, Billie Eilish hit number one in early 2020 with which song that was co-written by her brother Finneas O’Connell?

NO TIME TO DIE

His stage name looking like a typo, which artist who spent some time growing up in Guyana had a UK number one hit in 2020 with “Roses”?

SAINT JHN

Over thirty years after he missed out on topping the charts by only reaching number two with “Love Changes Everything”, his only solo UK top ten hit and not a cover of the Climie Fisher song, who reached UK number one in 2020 thanks to the popularity of Captain Tom Moore with a version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”?

MICHAEL BALL

The Live Lounge Allstars also contributed to the Covid charity singles with which rock song, not the usual sort of fare to find itself at UK number one? The original band’s highest charting position in the UK is number 4, but only 18 in the US.

TIMES LIKE THESE

Drake got back to the top of the UK charts in 2020 thanks to which song that became familiar to many through a TikTok dance challenge?

TOOSIE SLIDE

“The Box” singer Roddy Ricch was the featured artist on whose 2020 UK number one “Rockstar”, with other work by the sought after artist with the real name Jonathan Kirk being much more successful in the US?

DABABY

Though I’m not sure how the grammar of this works for a duo, what did Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande want it to do when they teamed up to reach the top of the UK charts in 2020?

RAIN ON ME

His first UK number one since 2015, who teamed up with Jawsh 685 to take “Savage Love” to the top of the UK charts in 2020?

JASON DERULO

Music producer Joel Corry teamed up with London-born musical jack of all trades MNEK to take which song to the top of the UK charts for six weeks in 2020?

HEAD & HEART

To lower the tone significantly, what does “WAP” stand for in the huge hit by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion that reached UK number one? You can choose where to put your asterices.

WET A*S P*S*Y

Continuing a run of very short names for UK number ones, which song by Californian rapper 24kGoldn that featured Puerto Rican Iann Dior knocked “WAP” from the top spot?

MOOD

Not to be confused with a successful album by another artist during the 2010s, what was the name of a UK number one for Internet Money, Gunna and Don Toliver during 2020, also featuring Canadian rapper Nav?

LEMONADE

The video to which Ariana Grande track depicts her as the President of the United States, it becoming her seventh number one in the UK and making her the first artist to have five songs debut at the top of the Billboard Hot 100?

POSITIONS

Born in Brazil and of Russian-Chinese descent, who co-wrote Mariah Carey’s eventual UK number one “All I Want for Christmas is You” as well as contributing to “One Sweet Day” and “Hero” among others? He also won a Record of the Year Grammy for producing “My Heart Will Go On”.

WALTER AFANASIEFF

A version being recorded with Ronan Keating, which third consecutive UK Christmas no. 1 for LadBaby but a spin on Journey?

DON’T STOP ME EATIN’

Music – Canada

Despite having gone to see them live I couldn’t recognise the name of Billy Talent’s lead singer or any album name that didn’t include “Billy Talent”!

Questions

11 Mar 23

Produced by David Crosby and containing the name of a bird in its four-word title, what was Joni Mitchell’s first album, being released in 1968?

SONG TO A SEAGULL

Which 1974 Joni Mitchell album with a three-word title featured the songs “Help me” and “Free man in Paris”, becoming her highest charting album in North America, reaching number 1 in Canada and number 2 in the US.

COURT AND SPARK

Her most recent and first album of new material since 1998’s “Taming the Tiger”, what is the one-word title of Joni Mitchell’s 2007 album, featuring songs based on the Tennessee Williams play “The Night of the Iguana” and Rudyard Kipling poem “If”, as well as a new version of “Big Yellow Taxi”?

SHINE

From which 1970 third studio album with a four-word title was Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”, the title referring to a mountainous neighbourhood in Los Angeles where Raymond Chandler’s detective Philip Marlowe lived?

LADIES OF THE CANYON (The neighbourhood is Laurel Canyon)

Of Polish descent and born in Montreal, what is the name of the vocalist of Canadian rock band Billy Talent, who got their name from the 1996 Canadian mockumentary “Hard Core Logo”?

BENJAMIN KOWALEWICZ

Breaking with the tradition of their first three albums by not calling it “Billy Talent IV”, what fourth album by Canadian rock band Billy Talent contained the singles “Viking Death March” and “Surprise Surprise”, neither being reflective of the album’s title?

DEAD SILENCE

The first album recorded by Billy Talent without drummer Aaron Solowoniuk who had suffered a multiple sclerosis relapse, what were the Canadian rock band afraid of in the title of their fifth album and its lead single, with perhaps the strangest song title on the record being “Ghost Ship of Cannibal Rats”?

AFRAID OF HEIGHTS

Which sixth studio album by Billy Talent suggests they have lost some confidence, which may explain why they teamed up with Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo for the track “End of Me”?

CRISIS OF FAITH