Can You Match the '70s Song to the Artist?

By: Jacqueline Samaroo
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Match the '70s Song to the Artist?
Image: urbazon / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Are you on a "Stairway to Heaven" or a "Highway to Hell"?

There is no denying that the '70s was one of the most influential decades in the recent history of music. In fact, many industry experts and critics consider this decade to be the "decade of disco." While the disco genre reared its head in the late '60s, it wasn't until the early '70s that it truly began to get to its feet and hit the dance floor. Artists like Donna Summer (the Queen of Disco) and groups like the Bee Gees experienced great success. However, disco wasn't the only thing that was big during this time. Rock and roll was still going strong and strutting its stuff on the charts, and heavy metal gained even more legitimacy during this time. 

In this quiz we've taken a look at some of the biggest names from one of the biggest decades in music and then selected a handful of the most iconic songs that we could find. From Elton John to Bob Marley, Black Sabbath to Stevie Wonder, this quiz has it all! So are you down with the cool cats? Then let's jump right into this funkadelic quiz and get started!

Kool & the Gang
Wiki Commons by Andreas Lawen
Which groovy band proclaimed their love of "Ladies' Night" in the late '70s?
Kool & the Gang
Wings
Bad Company
Beastie Boys
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kool & the Gang is a Grammy Award winning group from New Jersey that has over 20 studio albums in their catalog. The group has been putting out music since 1964 and they have managed to encompass a wide range of genres, such as soul, R&B, disco, jazz, and funk.

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The Who
Wiki Commons by Jean-Luc
"Won't Get Fooled Again" is a rock song by which of these artists?
Fleetwood Mac
Steely Dan
The Who
Led Zeppelin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

English rock band the Who are responsible for the creating of "Won't Get Fooled Again," a hard rock song that received widespread critical acclaim. The song notably speaks on themes of power and revolution.

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Stevie Wonder
Wiki Commons By Tulane Public Relations
"Superstition" is a funky track that was released in 1972 by which artist?
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Stevie Wonder
Moody Blues
KISS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Superstition" is widely hailed as one of Stevie Wonder's most popular songs and in 1973 it managed to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Stevie Wonder is also notable for being a devoted activist, notably for supporting the campaign to establish Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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ABBA
Wiki Commons by AVRO
Which pop group performed "Dancing Queen" for Queen Silvia of Sweden?
The Clash
Electric Light Orchestra
Parliament-Funkadelic
ABBA
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

ABBA is a Europop group that originated in Sweden in the early '70s and they also notably won the Eurovision Song Contest 1974. "Dancing Queen" is notable for being their only number one song in the United States.

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Bruce Springsteen
Wiki commons
Do you know which rock and roll musician was "Born to Run"?
Rush
Bruce Springsteen
Grand Funk Railroad
AC/DC
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Born to Run" is the eponymous song of its album and without a doubt one of Springsteen's most notable singles. It has received praise and critical acclaim from several notable names in the music industry, including "Rolling Stone" and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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Barry White
WikiCommons via Fotograaf Onbekend
Who wore their heart on their sleeve and stated: "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby"?
Sex Pistols
Foreigner
Barry White
David Bowie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Barry White is a Grammy Award winning singer and one of the most prolific artists of all time, wit over 100 million units sold. "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby" was Barry White's first single from his first album "I've Got So Much to Give."

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John Lennon
Wiki Commons by Roy Kerwood
"Imagine" was co-written by Yoko Ono and which musical artist?
John Lennon
Olivia Newton-John
Ray Charles
Alice Cooper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Imagine" holds the distinction of being John Lennon's most successful single as a solo artist. After his murder in 1980, it eventually reached number on on the UK charts.

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Earth, Wind and Fire
Chris Hakkens
"September" is the favorite moth of which funk group?
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Patti Smith
Rod Stewart
Earth, Wind & Fire
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Earth, Wind & Fire is a soul/funk band that originated in Chicago in the late '60s. With close to 100 million records sold, they are one of the best-selling bands in the world and they have earned countless awards, including half a dozen Grammy Awards.

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Elvis Presley
Wikimedia Commons by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.
Which rock and roll artist once stated that "It's a Matter of Time"?
The Allman Brothers Band
Elvis Presley
Chaka Khan
Al Green
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"It's a Matter of Time" was initially released as a B-side to "Burning Love," and this single is notable for being Elvis Presley's last one that was certified platinum. It was released in 1972 and was actually written by prolific British songwriter, Clive Westlake.

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James Brown
By Heinrich Klaffs, via Wikimedia Commons
This funk artist want you to call them "Super Bad," what is their name?
ZZ Top
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
The Ramones
James Brown
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Super Bad" was originally structured as a three part single, with the complete version having a length of just over 9 minutes. The song peaked at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and number 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

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Aretha Franklin
Wiki Commons by Atlantic Records
"Rock Steady" is a masterful song from which gifted artist?
Aretha Franklin
Derek & the Dominos
Heart
Santana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Rock Steady" is a funk song that was both written and performed by Aretha Franklin. Initially it was released with "Oh Me Oh My (I'm a Fool for You Baby)" as its B-side and then the song was also included as a part of her eighteenth album, "Young, Gifted and Black."

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Billy Joel
Wiki Commons By slgckgc
Which musical performer loves you "Just the Way You Are"?
Bob Seger
Billy Joel
The Chi-Lites
Queen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1979, "Just the Way You Are" earned Billy Joel the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. The song also holds the distinction of being his very first gold single in the United States.

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Neil Young
Youtube via neilyoungchannel
Do you know the musical artist that is looking for a "Heart of Gold"?
Van Halen
Paul Simon
Neil Young
Bob Marley
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Neil Young is an influential Canadian musician who is affectionately referred to as the Godfather of Grunge. "Heart of Gold" is notable for being his first and only number 1 single in the United States.

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jackson 5
ABC Television via Wikimedia Commons
Which group taught that love is as easy as "ABC" or one, two, three?
The Jackson 5
The Beach Boys
Alabama
Rolling Stones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Micheal, altogether made up the now iconic pop band known as the Jackson 5. Known for its fun and upbeat sound, the song peaked at number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was eventually inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

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Pink Floyd
Wiki Commons by Billboard / Capitol Records
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" was an epic track from which artist's 70s concept album?
Steve Miller Band
America
Aerosmith
Pink Floyd
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is notable for being one of the most iconic tracks from Pink Floyd's ninth studio album, "Wish You Were Here." While the single edit of the song fell just under four minutes in length, the full length of the complete nine part composition was twenty-six minutes.

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The Isley Brothers
Wiki Commons by T-Neck Records
The soulful funk group that recorded "For the Love of You" is known by what name?
Grateful Dead
Styx
The Isley Brothers
Chicago
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Isley Brothers were veterans of the music industry by the time 1975 rolled around and their thirteenth album "The Heat Is On" only helped to cement this fact. "For the Love of You" was a powerful smooth soul song that served as the second single off of this album.

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Bob Dylan
Stoned59 via Wiki Commons
Who wrote "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," a song about Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett?
Bob Dylan
The Doors
Journey
George Harrison
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is without a doubt one of Bob Dylan's most iconic tracks, it was actually originally written and recorded for the soundtrack of the western drama film "Pat Garret and Billy the Kid." The song has been covered by popular artists including Eric Clapton and Guns N' Roses.

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Black Sabbath
"Wiki Commons by Warner Bros. Records"
"Iron Man" is the name of classic heavy metal song from which iconic British band?
The O’Jays
Black Sabbath
Judas Priest
The Eagles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The main guitar riff from Black Sabbath's song "Iron Man" is widely hailed as one of the most famous riffs in rock and roll history. In 2000 (30 years after the initial release of "Iron Man"), at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, the live version of the song notably won the award for Best Metal Performance.

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Donna Summer
WikiCommons
Who is the prolific disco artist that is looking for some "Hot Stuff" this evening?
Sly and the Family Stone
Iggy Pop
Donna Summer
Marvin Gaye
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Affectionately referred to as the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer is undoubtedly one of the most influential women in music and also one of the best-selling artists of all time. "Hot Stuff" earned her the award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance at the 22nd Grammy Awards.

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Bee Gees
Atco Records
Saturday Night Fever wouldn't be the same without "Stayin’ Alive," an addictive disco track from which artist?
Peter Frampton
The James Gang
Elton John
Bee Gees
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bee Gees originally wrote and performed "Stayin' Alive" as one of the songs on the now classic film Saturday Night Fever. Due to its catchy nature and the fact that it featured prominently on the Saturday Night fever soundtrack, the song has become one of the group's most iconic songs.

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Elton John
BBC via YouTube
Who told the story of an astronaut travelling to Mars in "Rocket Man"?
Elton John
Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young
Lou Reed
Bee Gees
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Rocket Man" is a soft rock song that was released in 1972 by Elton John and it has become one of the most iconic songs in his catalog. The song is actually co-written by Elton John and his longstanding close collaborator Bernie Taupin.

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Marvin Gaye
Wiki Commons by J. Edward Bailey
Which artist wanted to know "What's Going On" with the police brutality and war that they were seeing in the world?
Deep Purple
Donna Summer
Fleetwood Mac
Marvin Gaye
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"What's Going On" is a soul song by Marvin Gaye that was released in 1971 on the album of the same name. The lyrics of the song are primarily focused on themes of police brutality and it was inspired by the Bloody Thursday protest at People's Park in Berkeley, California.

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The Eagles
Wiki Commons by Steve Alexander
What is the name of the artist that had a memorable stay at "Hotel California"?
The Eagles
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Black Sabbath
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Hotel California" was one of them most influential tracks off of the band's album of the same name. This album is one of the top 10 best-selling albums of all time.

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Journey
Wiki Commons by Matt Becker
In 1978, who lamented about the "Wheel in the Sky" that keeps on turning?
Journey
Three Dog Night
Bob Dylan
The Clash
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Wheel in the Sky" drew a lot of inspiration from a poem by Ross Valory's (Journey's bassist) wife that was titled "Wheels In My Mind." In fact, Diane Valory, the writer of the poem, is credited as a songwriter on the track.

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Chicago the band
Wiki Commons by Tristanb
After spending the day in Central Park, which musical artist was inspired to write "Saturday in the Park"?
Chicago
Temptations
The Isley Brothers
Rush
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robert Lamm, one of the founding members of Chicago, was inspired to write this song by Central Park and the joyful people that he had seen there. This soft rock song was release in 1972 with the B-side "Alma Mater."

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Aerosmith
WikiCommons via Selbymay
Which artist was told to "Walk This Way" by girls that they liked?
Boston
Pink Floyd
Sex Pistols
Aerosmith
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Walk This Way" was released in 1975 by Areosmith and is is notable for being one of their most influential songs of the 70s. The song became a hit one again in the mid 80s when it was covered by Run-D.M.C., a hip hop group from New York.

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Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones Records
What is the name of the rock and roll performer that proundly stated, "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)"?
Jackson Browne
Rolling Stones
The Jackson 5
Alice Cooper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" was inspired by Mick Jagger's feelings towards critics and naysayers that were putting down their newer music and disparaging it. The song was released as the lead single off off their band's album of the same name.

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Bob Marley and the Wailers
WikiCommons via Eddie Mallin
"One Love" is a unity and solidarity promoting song that was released by which legendary musician?
Joni Mitchell
Neil Young
Bob Marley
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"One Love" is a roots reggae song that was originally released in 1977 on the album "Exodus." It is hailed as one of the most iconic reggae songs of all time and focuses on themes of unity and peace.

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Queen
Wiki Commons By Carl Lender at https://www.flickr.com/photos/clender/
In 1978, which band professed their love of "Fat Bottomed Girls" and how they made the rockin' world go 'round?
Commodores
The Byrds
Queen
The Allman Brothers Band
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Fat Bottomed Girls" was one of the band's most talked about songs of the '70s and it eventually peaked at 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was initially released as the A-side to "Bicycle Race" and it even references the other song in its lyrics.

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Santana
Columbia Records
Who covered Tito Puente's classic song "Oye Como Va" and helped to make it even more popular?
Jim Croce
Aretha Franklin
ZZ Top
Santana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tito Puente released the original song in 1963 and Santana released their cover in 1971. The Santana cover was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.

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The Ramones
Sire Records
Which artist opened their debut album with a bang with the punk rock track "Blitzkrieg Bop"?
The Ramones
The Spinners
James Brown
Derek & the Dominos
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Ramones made a strong impression with their very first album and "Blitzkrieg Bop" is responsible for a lot of its success. Perhaps one of the most memorable things about the song is the catchy (and now widely used) chant "Hey! Ho! Let's go!"

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Al Green
Youtube via Al Green
This musician doesn't want to break up and simply states "Let's Stay Together."
Doobie Brothers
Al Green
Elvis Presley
Bob Seger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Let's Stay Together" was also covered by Tina Turner and included on her fifth album, "Private Dancer." In 2010, the Library of Congress added "Let's Stay Together" to their National recording Registry.

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Rod Stewart
Youtube via Rod Stewart
Who wrote "Maggie May" because they were inspired by a relationship that they had with an older woman when they were young?
Yes
Earth, Wind & Fire
Rod Stewart
Van Halen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Maggie May" was co-written by Rod Stewart and British guitarist Martin Quittenton. The song, which talks about a boy who is in a relationship with an older woman, was featured on his third album, "Every Picture Tells a Story."

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Kansas the band
Wiki Commons by DanielleCannova
"Carry On Wayward Son" is a progressive rock track from which influential group?
Kansas
War
Bee Gees
The Beach Boys
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Carry On Wayward Son" was released in 1976 with the B-Side "Questions of My Childhood." The song has also received contemporary attention due to its consistent use on the TV show Supernatural.

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David Bowie
Wiki Commons by AVRO
What is the name of the eccentric artist who asked the question, is there "Life on Mars?"
The Guess Who
Barry White
Steve Miller Band
David Bowie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Life on Mars?" is notable for being one of the most prominent examples of David Bowie's cryptic and eccentric artistry. In recent years, the song has been hailed as one of the best songs from the '70s.

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AC/DC
Wiki Commons by Imhavingfun42
Which band came out and blatantly state that they were on a "Highway to Hell"?
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
AC/DC
Judas Priest
Grateful Dead
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The song "Highway to Hell" shares its name with the 1979 album. This album is the very last AC/DC album that Bon Scott (the lead singer) was a part of, since he died a few months later due to alcohol poisoning.

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Parliament
Wiki Commons by Joe Loong
"Give Up the Funk" is a funky single from which eccentric musical group?
The Staple Singers
ABBA
Weather Report
Parliament
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Parliament had already shown the world just how funky they were before 1976 but their hit track "Give Up the Funk" helped to catapult them even further into the mainstream. It is notable for being the groups first million selling single.

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KISS
WikiCommons
Which musical artist believes that they can "Rock and Roll All Nite"?
KISS
Stevie Wonder
The O’Jays
James Taylor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Rock and Roll All Nite" is widely regarded by many critics and KISS fans to be the band's signature song. The song was released in 1975 as a part of their third album which was titled "Dressed to Kill."

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Led Zeppelin
Wiki Commons by Heinrich Klaffs
"Stairway to Heaven" is a rock ballad from which iconic musical artist?
Bachman-Turner Overdrive
The Who
Led Zeppelin
Sly and the Family Stone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Stairway to Heaven" is notable for its distinct sections and also for its considerable length of over 8 minutes. It is widely considered to be one of the band's best songs.

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Curtis Mayfield
Wiki Commons by AVRO
Which influential artist included "Move On Up" on their debut studio album?
Jethro Tull
Kool & The Gang
Peter Frampton
Curtis Mayfield
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Move On Up" was initially featured on Curtis Mayfield's debut album in 1970. While the song failed to have any notable success on the charts when it was released, in subsequent years it has been hailed as a classic and become increasingly popular.

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