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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Entertainment

Play the Ultimate Motown Music Trivia Quiz

Discover Fun Questions on Iconic Motown Hits

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art representing a Motown Music Trivia Quiz

Ready to test your love for classic soul? This Motown Music Trivia Quiz is perfect for music buffs, history geeks, and anyone who wants a fun challenge. With questions crafted to highlight your knowledge of iconic artists, chart-topping hits, and behind-the-scenes facts, you'll discover new insights as you play. It's easy to tweak and share: just head over to quizzes and customize this Music Trivia Quiz or Music Knowledge Quiz in our editor. Jump in now to see if you have what it takes to master the soundtrack of Motown!

Who founded Motown Records?
Berry Gordy Sr.
Berry Gordy Jr.
Alan Freed
Smokey Robinson
Berry Gordy Jr. established Motown Records in Detroit in 1959, shaping the label's identity and success. His vision and leadership launched numerous legendary artists.
Which Detroit neighborhood was Motown's studio known as "Hitsville U.S.A." located in?
New Center
SoHo
Harlem
South Side
The Hitsville U.S.A. studio was located on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit's New Center neighborhood. It served as the creative hub for Motown's early years.
Which Motown group released the hit song "My Girl"?
The Temptations
Jackson 5
Four Tops
The Supremes
"My Girl," released in 1964, was performed by The Temptations and written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White. It became one of Motown's signature songs.
What was the name of the famous female trio that scored hits with "Stop! In the Name of Love"?
The Ronettes
The Marvelettes
The Supremes
Martha and the Vandellas
The Supremes, fronted by Diana Ross, released "Stop! In the Name of Love" in 1965, securing their status as one of Motown's premier acts.
Which song was Motown Records' first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100?
Baby Love
My Guy
Please Mr. Postman
Shop Around
"Please Mr. Postman" by The Marvelettes topped the Hot 100 in 1961, becoming Motown's first chart-topping single and launching the label's rise to prominence.
Which Motown artist wrote and produced much of his own landmark 1970s hits, including "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours"?
Marvin Gaye
The Temptations
Smokey Robinson
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder not only performed but also wrote and produced tracks like "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," showcasing his multi-talented role at Motown.
What was the primary role of The Funk Brothers at Motown?
Talent scouts
Session musicians
Art directors
Recording engineers
The Funk Brothers were Motown's in-house band, playing the instrumental backing on countless hits and helping create the label's signature sound.
Which Miracles single became Motown's first million-selling record in 1960?
Shop Around
You Really Got a Hold on Me
The Tracks of My Tears
Money (That's What I Want)
"Shop Around" by The Miracles sold over a million copies in 1960, marking Motown's first million-selling single and paving the way for future successes.
Which Supremes song's lyrics explore the social stigma faced by unmarried mothers in the 1960s?
Baby Love
You Can't Hurry Love
Love Child
Where Did Our Love Go
"Love Child" addresses the judgment and challenges faced by a young woman raising a child out of wedlock, reflecting societal attitudes of the era.
Which Marvin Gaye track is recognized for its social commentary and is often cited as an anthem of social awareness?
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
What's Going On
Released in 1971, "What's Going On" critiques war, poverty, and environmental issues, becoming a landmark in socially conscious music.
Which Motown act holds the record for the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100?
The Jackson 5
Stevie Wonder
The Supremes
Marvin Gaye
The Supremes, led by Diana Ross, achieved twelve Hot 100 number-one singles, more than any other Motown artist.
Which name below was NOT a member of Motown's house band, the Funk Brothers?
Joe Smith
James Jamerson
Earl Van Dyke
Benny Benjamin
James Jamerson, Benny Benjamin, and Earl Van Dyke were core Funk Brothers members, whereas Joe Smith was not associated with the group.
What was the main focus of Maxine Powell's "charm school" at Motown?
Songwriting workshops
Sound mixing techniques
Album cover design
Artist etiquette and stage presence
Maxine Powell's workshop trained Motown artists in manners, poise, and performance skills to ensure a polished public image.
Which of these songs was the Jackson 5's debut single released by Motown in 1969?
I'll Be There
ABC
I Want You Back
Never Can Say Goodbye
"I Want You Back" was the Jackson 5's first Motown release, quickly climbing to number one and launching their successful career.
Which song gave Diana Ross & the Supremes their first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100?
Baby Love
You Can't Hurry Love
Stop! In the Name of Love
Where Did Our Love Go
"Where Did Our Love Go" topped the Hot 100 in 1964, marking the Supremes' breakthrough as Motown's leading female group.
In the song "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," which lyrical theme is most prominent?
Suspicion of infidelity
Joyful celebration
Political protest
Spiritual awakening
The lyrics of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" focus on the singer's suspicion and hurt upon learning of a partner's possible betrayal through rumors.
Which songwriting and production team famously left Motown in 1968 to form their own labels?
Holland-Dozier-Holland
Gamble and Huff
Carole King and Gerry Goffin
Leiber and Stoller
Holland-Dozier-Holland departed Motown in 1968 to establish Invictus and Hot Wax labels, profoundly influencing soul music beyond the Motown system.
The Temptations' "Ball of Confusion" mentions many societal issues. Which issue is NOT referenced in the lyrics?
Segregation
Overpopulation
Obsession with fashion
Water pollution
"Ball of Confusion" covers topics like overpopulation, segregation, and cultural obsessions, but it does not specifically mention water pollution.
Which best describes the characteristic "Motown beat" used on many of its hits?
Four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern
Swing shuffle in a 12/8 feel
Emphasis on off-beat guitar strums only
Strong backbeat on 2 and 4 with syncopated bass drum
The classic Motown beat features the snare accent on beats two and four combined with a syncopated bass drum pattern, creating its distinct rhythmic drive.
In Berry Gordy's assembly-line approach to hit production, which department is tasked with creating the initial song concept and melody?
Quality Control
Distribution
Recording
Songwriting
The Songwriting department develops the lyrics and melody first, laying the creative foundation before moving on to tracking and refinement.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key artists and hit songs from Motown's golden era
  2. Analyse the cultural impact of classic Motown tracks
  3. Evaluate lyrical themes in famous soul recordings
  4. Recall significant chart achievements of Motown singles
  5. Demonstrate understanding of Motown's production and founders

Cheat Sheet

  1. Discover Motown's Iconic Artists - Dive into the sounds of The Temptations, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye as they charted their way to musical greatness. These legends gave us earworm classics like "My Girl" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" that still make us groove today. Learn more about Motown
  2. Understand Motown's Cultural Impact - More than just catchy tunes, Motown became a bridge during the Civil Rights Movement, bringing people of all backgrounds together through soulful melodies and pop hooks. It gave voice to a generation seeking change, plus it's a masterclass in how music can empower social movements. Read the BBC deep dive
  3. Analyze Lyrical Themes - Motown songs often blended sweet love tales with subtle social commentary, reflecting the challenges and hopes of the era. From tender ballads to spirited anthems, each lyric is packed with emotion and context, making every line worth dissecting in class or on your playlist. Explore Motown's lyrics
  4. Recognize Chart-Topping Success - Motown ruled the Billboard charts with dozens of number-one hits, proving that soul music could conquer pop radio and hearts worldwide. Understanding how the label perfected its hit-making formula is key to appreciating its golden-age dominance. See the hit list
  5. Learn About Berry Gordy - As the mastermind founder of Motown, Berry Gordy's vision and entrepreneurial spirit launched one of the most successful independent record labels ever. His innovative "Artist Development" boot camps and attention to detail shaped a generation of polished performers. Meet Berry Gordy
  6. Explore The Funk Brothers' Role - This incredible house band laid down the grooves that became Motown's signature sound, crafting basslines and rhythms that still inspire musicians today. Their tight-knit synergy turned every track into an irresistible dance invitation. Discover The Funk Brothers
  7. Study Smokey Robinson's Contributions - As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Smokey Robinson penned some of Motown's biggest hits and served as vice president of the label. His silky voice and lyrical genius helped set the standard for soul music excellence. Delve into Smokey's world
  8. Examine the Assembly Line Production - Borrowing ideas from Detroit's auto plants, Motown developed an "assembly line" system where writers, producers, musicians, and choreographers all collaborated to crank out hits efficiently. This creative conveyor belt kept the tunes rolling and quality high. Learn about the process
  9. Investigate Genre Cross-Pollination - Motown didn't exist in a vacuum; it both shaped and was shaped by pop, R&B, gospel, and jazz. Studying how these styles intertwined helps you see the label's global musical footprint and its influence on later genres. See the genre mashup
  10. Appreciate Motown's Enduring Legacy - Decades later, Motown's songs still light up movie soundtracks, TV shows, and concert stages, proving that great music really is timeless. As you explore its history, you'll find a treasure trove of lessons on creativity, diversity, and business savvy. Celebrate the legacy
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