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

1. 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.)

B. B. Grubbström

Joe Hill

Ingmar Bergman

Jim Jenssen

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Explanation

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

“I Shall Not Be Moved”

“Going Down to Mississippi”

“Only a Pawn in Their Game”

"Strange Fruit"

Choose one.

Explanation

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3. 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?

The history of the United States, a “melting pot” of races and cultures

An exposé of government corruption that named names

The rise of Communism in North America

A plea to return land to Native American tribes throughout the country

Choose one.

Explanation

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

Bing Crosby

Paul Robeson

Eleanor Roosevelt

Woody Guthrie

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Explanation

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

The Knitting Factory

The Chili Peppers

The Weavers

The Carter Family

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Explanation

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

Odetta

Woody Guthrie

Bob Dylan

Lead Belly

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Explanation

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7. 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?

The Wobblies

The Crooners

The Dehorn Squad

The Warblers

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Explanation

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8. 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?

Safer conditions for miners

Women's equality

A more liberal immigration policy

An end to racial discrimination

Choose one.

Explanation

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9. 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.)

Porgy and Bess

The Cradle Will Rock

How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying

Touch of Evil

Choose one.

Explanation

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10. 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?

“This Land is Your Land”

“Que Sera Sera”

“We Shall Overcome”

“Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”

Choose one.

Explanation

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