How Much Do You Know About Music & Social Activism In U.S. History?

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Apcreative

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Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 131

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 131 | Updated: Mar 22, 2023

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How Much Do You Know About Music & Social Activism In U.S. History? - Quiz

Before there was a Bono or a Bob Geldof or a Peter, Paul & Mary, a group of determined musicians were using their talents to fight social injustice and improve conditions in the early 20th century (give or take a few years). Test your knowledge of the U. S. -based singers and songwriters who risked their jobs, their reputations and, in some cases, their lives to stand up for change.

Questions and Answers

1.

Lyrics for “The New America” -- sung to the tune of “My Country ’Tis of Thee” (and “God Save the Queen”) -- called for what kind of radical social change in 1891?
- A.
  
  Safer conditions for miners
- B.
  
  Women's equality
- C.
  
  A more liberal immigration policy
- D.
  
  An end to racial discrimination
Correct Answer
B. Women's equality

Explanation
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2.

With every union card, new members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) received a Little Red Song Book containing lyrics to sing at rallies. What were these workers nicknamed?
- A.
  
  The Wobblies
- B.
  
  The Crooners
- C.
  
  The Dehorn Squad
- D.
  
  The Warblers
Correct Answer
A. The Wobblies

Explanation
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3.

What Swedish immigrant wrote the pro-union song, “Workers of the World, Awaken!” and was the defendant in a controversial murder trial in the early 20th century? (Hint: He's the subject of a famous folk song.)
- A.
  
  B. B. Grubbström
- B.
  
  Joe Hill
- C.
  
  Ingmar Bergman
- D.
  
  Jim Jenssen
Correct Answer
B. Joe Hill

Explanation
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4.

What 1939 song, written by Abel Meeropol and recorded by Billie Holiday, condemned the lynchings that terrorized African-Americans?
- A.
  
  “I Shall Not Be Moved”
- B.
  
  “Going Down to Mississippi”
- C.
  
  “Only a Pawn in Their Game”
- D.
  
  "Strange Fruit"
Correct Answer
D. "Strange Fruit"

Explanation
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5.

What 1937 musical, attacking corruption and corporate greed, was banned from opening but defiantly performed in a neighboring theater -- without scenery, props and costumes? (Hint: The story was later told in a movie by Tim Robbins.)
- A.
  
  Porgy and Bess
- B.
  
  The Cradle Will Rock
- C.
  
  How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
- D.
  
  Touch of Evil
Correct Answer
B. The Cradle Will Rock

Explanation
Choose one.

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6.

In the McCarthy era, the sheet music for “Ballad for Americans” was ripped from public school songbooks after its composer, Earl Robinson, was blacklisted. What was the song about?
- A.
  
  The history of the United States, a “melting pot” of races and cultures
- B.
  
  An exposé of government corruption that named names
- C.
  
  The rise of Communism in North America
- D.
  
  A plea to return land to Native American tribes throughout the country
Correct Answer
A. The history of the United States, a “melting pot” of races and cultures

Explanation
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7.

Who first performed “Ballad for Americans” on CBS Radio and later sang in the benefit concert that sparked the Peekskill Riot of 1949?
- A.
  
  Bing Crosby
- B.
  
  Paul Robeson
- C.
  
  Eleanor Roosevelt
- D.
  
  Woody Guthrie
Correct Answer
B. Paul Robeson

Explanation
Choose one.

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8.

What influential group was formed in 1949 by activist musicians Ronnie Gilbert, Lee Hays, Fred Hellerman and Pete Seeger?
- A.
  
  The Knitting Factory
- B.
  
  The Chili Peppers
- C.
  
  The Weavers
- D.
  
  The Carter Family
Correct Answer
C. The Weavers

Explanation
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9.

What song did Pete Seeger write after he was indicted for contempt of Congress for refusing to discuss his political views before the House Un-American Activities Committee?
- A.
  
  “This Land is Your Land”
- B.
  
  “Que Sera Sera”
- C.
  
  “We Shall Overcome”
- D.
  
  “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”
Correct Answer
D. “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”

Explanation
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10.

What legendary singer-songwriter was called the “Dustbowl Balladeer” and played a guitar sporting the slogan “This Machine Kills Fascists?”
- A.
  
  Odetta
- B.
  
  Woody Guthrie
- C.
  
  Bob Dylan
- D.
  
  Lead Belly
Correct Answer
B. Woody Guthrie

Explanation
Choose one.

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Current Version
Mar 22, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Jun 27, 2009

Quiz Created by
Apcreative

How Much Do You Know About Music & Social Activism In U.S. History?

Lyrics for “The New America” -- sung to the tune of “My Country ’Tis of Thee” (and “God Save the Queen”) -- called for what kind of radical social change in 1891?

With every union card, new members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) received a Little Red Song Book containing lyrics to sing at rallies. What were these workers nicknamed?

What Swedish immigrant wrote the pro-union song, “Workers of the World, Awaken!” and was the defendant in a controversial murder trial in the early 20th century? (Hint: He's the subject of a famous folk song.)

What 1939 song, written by Abel Meeropol and recorded by Billie Holiday, condemned the lynchings that terrorized African-Americans?

What 1937 musical, attacking corruption and corporate greed, was banned from opening but defiantly performed in a neighboring theater -- without scenery, props and costumes? (Hint: The story was later told in a movie by Tim Robbins.)

In the McCarthy era, the sheet music for “Ballad for Americans” was ripped from public school songbooks after its composer, Earl Robinson, was blacklisted. What was the song about?

Who first performed “Ballad for Americans” on CBS Radio and later sang in the benefit concert that sparked the Peekskill Riot of 1949?

What influential group was formed in 1949 by activist musicians Ronnie Gilbert, Lee Hays, Fred Hellerman and Pete Seeger?

What song did Pete Seeger write after he was indicted for contempt of Congress for refusing to discuss his political views before the House Un-American Activities Committee?

What legendary singer-songwriter was called the “Dustbowl Balladeer” and played a guitar sporting the slogan “This Machine Kills Fascists?”