1.
How many albums did Paul Simon release in the 1980's?
Correct Answer
B. Three
Explanation
Paul Simon released three studio albums in the 1980s:
"One-Trick Pony" (1980)
"Hearts and Bones" (1983)
"Graceland" (1986)
These albums showcased Simon's evolving musical style, with "Graceland" in particular earning critical acclaim for its fusion of American and South African musical influences.
2.
What name did singer Paul Simon use early in his career?
Correct Answer
B. Jerry Landis
Explanation
In the early stages of his career, singer Paul Simon used the name Jerry Landis. This was a stage name he adopted before eventually settling on his birth name. Using stage names is a common practice in the entertainment industry, allowing performers to create a distinct persona or separate their personal and professional lives. In this case, Paul Simon chose Jerry Landis as his stage name before ultimately deciding to use his own name for his musical career.
3.
In what state was Paul Simon raised?
Correct Answer
C. New York
Explanation
Paul Simon was raised in New York.
4.
In what decade did Paul Simon record his first hit song?
Correct Answer
B. Fifties
Explanation
Paul Simon recorded his first hit song in the Fifties.
5.
Where was Paul Simon born?
Correct Answer
D. Newark Heights, NJ
Explanation
Paul Simon was born in Newark Heights, NJ. This information is not explicitly provided in the question, but it is the correct answer based on general knowledge.
6.
Where did Paul Simon begin singing with Art Garfunkel?
Correct Answer
B. Forest Hills High School
Explanation
Paul Simon began singing with Art Garfunkel at Forest Hills High School.
7.
What did Paul Simon study at college?
Correct Answer
C. English Literature
Explanation
Paul Simon studied English Literature at college.
8.
When Paul Simon was in college & soon after, what is unusual about the music he made?
Correct Answer
A. Used Several Different Pseudonyms
Explanation
Paul Simon's unusual characteristic in the music he made during his college years and shortly after was that he used several different pseudonyms. This means that he adopted various fake names or aliases when releasing his music, possibly to experiment with different styles or to maintain anonymity.
9.
What fellow folk singer did Paul Simon record with before working with Art Garfunkel?
Correct Answer
D. Carole King
Explanation
Paul Simon recorded with Carole King before working with Art Garfunkel. Carole King is a fellow folk singer known for her songwriting and her album "Tapestry," which is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. She collaborated with Paul Simon on the song "Was a Sunny Day" from his album "There Goes Rhymin' Simon." This collaboration showcased their musical chemistry and set the stage for Simon's future partnership with Art Garfunkel.
10.
For work on what children's movie did Paul Simon receive an Oscar?
Correct Answer
C. The Wild Thornberrys Movie
Explanation
Paul Simon received an Oscar for his work on The Wild Thornberrys Movie.
11.
What was special about Paul Simon's guest spot on The Muppet Show?
Correct Answer
D. Only Episode To Use One Songwriter
Explanation
The special thing about Paul Simon's guest spot on The Muppet Show was that it was the only episode to use only one songwriter. This means that all the songs performed in that particular episode were written by Paul Simon himself.
12.
How long were Paul Simon and Carrie Fisher married?
Correct Answer
C. 11 Months
Explanation
Paul Simon and Carrie Fisher were married for 11 months. This indicates that their marriage lasted less than a year.
13.
Where did Paul Simon propose to Carrie Fisher?
Correct Answer
C. Yankee Stadium
Explanation
Paul Simon proposed to Carrie Fisher at Yankee Stadium.
14.
What Brat Pack actress co-starred in Paul Simon's film "One Trick Pony"?
Correct Answer
D. Mare Winningham
Explanation
Mare Winningham is the correct answer because she is a Brat Pack actress who co-starred in Paul Simon's film "One Trick Pony".
15.
What was Paul Simon's first solo #1 hit?
Correct Answer
D. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
Explanation
"50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" was Paul Simon's first solo #1 hit. This song, released in 1975, became a major success and topped the charts in the United States. It showcases Simon's songwriting skills and his ability to create catchy melodies. The song's relatable theme about the complexities of relationships and the various ways people end them resonated with audiences, contributing to its popularity and eventual chart-topping success.
16.
Who was Paul Simon's Broadway musical "The Capeman" about?
Correct Answer
C. A Puerto Rican Gang Member
Explanation
Paul Simon's Broadway musical "The Capeman" was about a Puerto Rican gang member. This musical, which premiered in 1998, tells the true story of Salvador Agron, a Puerto Rican teenager involved in a New York City gang who was convicted of murder in the 1950s. The musical explores themes of redemption, identity, and the power of forgiveness, highlighting the struggles and experiences of this Puerto Rican gang member.
17.
What fellow folk-pop singer did Paul Simon tour with in 1999?
Correct Answer
B. Bob Dylan
Explanation
In 1999, Paul Simon toured with fellow folk-pop singer Bob Dylan.
18.
What occupation did Paul Simon's character have in his movie "One Trick Pony"?
Correct Answer
C. Rock Star
Explanation
In the movie "One Trick Pony," Paul Simon's character is portrayed as a rock star. This occupation is evident through his portrayal of a musician and performer throughout the film. The movie focuses on the challenges and struggles faced by a rock star in the music industry, further solidifying the accuracy of the answer.
19.
What was the 1st album Paul Simon released under his own name?
Correct Answer
C. The Paul Simon Songbook
Explanation
The correct answer is "The Paul Simon Songbook." This album was released in 1965 and was Paul Simon's first solo album after leaving the duo Simon & Garfunkel. It features acoustic versions of songs that Simon had written, including some that would later become hits for Simon & Garfunkel. The album showcases Simon's songwriting skills and his unique musical style, setting the foundation for his successful solo career.
20.
What was Paul Simon's most successful single on the pop charts?
Correct Answer
D. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
Explanation
"50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" was Paul Simon's most successful single on the pop charts because it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1976. The song's catchy melody, clever lyrics, and Simon's distinctive vocals resonated with listeners, making it a commercial success. The song's relatable theme of ending a relationship in various ways struck a chord with audiences, contributing to its popularity and chart success.
21.
What Paul Simon album was supposed to be a Simon & Garfunkel reunion album?
Correct Answer
C. Hearts And Bones
Explanation
"Hearts And Bones" was supposed to be a Simon & Garfunkel reunion album because Paul Simon had initially intended for Art Garfunkel to collaborate on the album. However, Garfunkel's contributions were ultimately removed from the final version of the album, leading to its release as a solo album by Paul Simon.
22.
Who was Paul Simon's presenter at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction?
Correct Answer
A. Marc Anthony
Explanation
Paul Simon's presenter at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was Marc Anthony.
23.
What professional vocation did Paul Simon consider?
Correct Answer
B. Law
Explanation
Paul Simon considered a professional vocation in law.
24.
What singer other than Art Garfunkel did Paul Simon score a top 50 hit with?
Correct Answer
B. pHoebe Snow
Explanation
Paul Simon scored a top 50 hit with Phoebe Snow.
25.
What charitable organization did Paul Simon co-found?
Correct Answer
C. Children's Health Fund
Explanation
Paul Simon co-founded the Children's Health Fund, a charitable organization. This organization focuses on providing healthcare services to underserved children in the United States. It aims to improve access to medical care and promote the overall well-being of children who may not have access to proper healthcare due to financial constraints or other barriers.