In 1962, the Beach Boys first hit the charts and the Rolling Stones had only just formed. Have 50 years really passed since then? Let’s look back at some music from that year.

QUESTION:

The Beach Boys, the ultimate “American” band, first hit the Billboard charts with “Surfin’” in early 1962. What was their first record to break into the Top 20? What was their first Number One song?

ANSWER:

“Surfin’” peaked at number 75. However, the Beach Boys really hit the hearts of American youth when “Surfin’ Safari” rose to Number 14. After four other Top Ten hits, they scored their first Number One song on July 4, 1964, with “I Get Around.”

QUESTION:

In 1962, the Grammy Awards seemed to be totally unaware of the impact and importance of rock ‘n’ roll. The award for Record of the Year went to “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and Best New Artist went to Robert Goulet. The award for Best Rock and Roll Recording was given to what record? Best Rhythm and Blues Recording, providing a glimmer of hope, went to which artist and recording?

ANSWER:

While the Grammy Awards have improved over the years, they are often accused of living in the past. Best Rock and Roll Recording for 1962 was awarded to Bent Fabric for his record “Alley Cat” while Ray Charles won the Rhythm and Blues award for “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” At least they recognized Ray.

QUESTION:

Since forming and playing their first gigs 50 years ago, the Rolling Stones have become the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.” After first hitting the Billboard chart with “Not Fade Away” in early 1964, they had their first Top Ten record later that year. What was the first Rolling Stones song to make it into the Top Ten?

ANSWER:

The Stones had had three records on the charts—“Not Fade Away,” “Tell Me” and “It’s All Over Now”—before reaching Number Six with “Time Is On My Side” in the fall of 1964. The rest, as they say, is history.

triviaelmoremagazine.com