Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP

Subject: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Mike Miller
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 08:37 AM

I am hosting the Folk Trivia contest for the Philadelphia Folksong Society's 50th aniversery bash. I have come up with some easy ones
(John Henry spoke at a remarkably early age. What did he say?), some silly ones (What should I say if I find flies in my buttermilk?), some tough ones (What does Jimmy Crack Corn mean, and why don't I care?) and some complex ones (Name the Weavers [all of them]. Name the Kingston Trio, the Limelighters, the New Lost City Ramblers, the Greenbrier Boys).
The party is this Sunday, the 30th, so I don't have much time but I could use a few more. I have about seventy and I need another dozen or so. I thank you in advance.

                Mike

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 08:43 AM

Where was Universal Soldier written?
The answer is, in the basement of The Purple Onion coffee house in Toronto

Which well known English folk performer still with us, had his obituary published prematurely..........Dave Swarbrick
G

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 08:48 AM

How did Phil Ochs acquire his first guitar?
   He bet on Kennedy to beat Nixon in the 1960 Presidential Election.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Sorcha
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 08:51 AM

Who was Stuart Mossman and where did he begin his 'career'?
Guitar luthier (instruments based on the pre war Martin style) in Winfield, Kansas

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 08:53 AM

If you could let us know which ones you've already got and the answers it would help ;-)

BTW what's the prize :-)

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 09:13 AM

How many roads must a man walk down....

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: curmudgeon
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 09:17 AM

42!

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Snuffy
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 09:59 AM

Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight?

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 10:05 AM

challenge people to imitate the playing and sound of unusual instruments.

crwth
bombarde
bodhran
bowed psaltery

any others you can think of

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: bobad
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 10:08 AM

What is the name of the man who "rides forever 'neath the streets of Boston, he's the man who never returned?"

Answer: Charlie

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: The Walrus
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 10:59 AM

Q) Why was a serpent different from every other brass instrument of an 18th/early 18th Century band (military or civl)?

A) It was mostly made of wood covered in leather and had finger hole/keys.

W

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: topical tom
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 11:31 AM

Whose themesong was "My Saddlebag of Songs"? Answer: Texas Jim Robertson
   Does anyone else remember him?

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 12:04 PM

Just a thought, but if this is to be run at a 'Folksong Society Bash' perhaps here is not the best place to post both questions & answers??

How about people PM them to Mike, and then once he's collated them, and used them at the weekend he can post the whole quiz here for our delectation!

CHEERS
Nigel

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: greg stephens
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 12:28 PM

A few easy ones(I hope)
Where did Leadbelly live when he didn't live in the country?
How did the new sherrif want to see Woody Guthrie?
What state did Robert Johnson think Chicago was in?
What did Merle Travis hope his body would turn into?

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 03:43 PM

The original Kingston Trio consisted of Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds and Dave Guard. When Guard left, he was replaced by John Stewart.

The original Limeliters were Lou Gottlieb, Glen Yarbrough and Alex Hassilev.

Other than Mike Seeger, I can't remember the rest of the Ramblers, though I saw them in the early '60's at the Ash Grove, in L.A.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Mike Miller
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 03:59 PM

The original Ramblers were Roy Berkeley, John Cohen and Tom Paley.
Mike Seeger replaced Roy Berkeley before they recorded and, when Tom Paley moved to England, he was replaced by Tracey Schwartz.
Speaking of the Limelighters, did you know that Glen Yarborough was the one who sang "Things go better with Coke". He was able to retire on the residuals.
Greg, I don't know why the sherrif wanted to see Woodie or in what state Robert Johnson placed Chicago. Of course, sometimes Leadbelly lived in the town and Travis longed to be a lump of coal.
Gene Shay, the folk DJ tried to stump me by asking me to name the four marys and asking who wrote "Jesse James" (The answer is in the lyrics).
Not to worry about potential entrants reading these before the contest. There don't seem to be many Philadelphians on Mudcat, more's the pity.
My thanks to everyone.

                   Mike

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: oldhippie
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 04:06 PM

Carolyn Hester used an unknown harmonica player on her first LP. What was his name?

Robert Zimmerman (Bob Dylan).

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST,Murray on Saltspring
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 04:50 PM

Where did Barbara Allen live? [In one version at least, Scarlet Town]

How many minstrels did King Arthur throw out of court? [Three]

Who is Lord Randal's last bequest to? [Truelove]

How far is it from Ushant to Scilly? [35 leagues]

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Alan Day
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 05:03 PM

What was the name of the English System Concertina player who accompanied Pete Seeger on many of his recordings including
Shoals of Herring.
Alf Edwards
Al

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST,Tinker from Chicago
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 05:06 PM

The Kingston Trio is a trio with eleven men in it, at one time or other. They were Shane, Reynolds, Guard, Stewart, Jim Connor, Pat Horine, Bill Zorn, Roger Gambill, George Grove, Bob Haworth, Rick Dougherty. The Limeliters (not Limelighters) have included Hassilev, Yarbrough, Gottlieb, Ernie Sheldon, Red Grammer, Rick Dougherty, Bill Zorn, Mack Bailey, Andy Corwin and Gaylen Tayler. Yes, two men were in both groups.

Now, here's a trivium for you: which noted folksingers all took non-singing roles as actors in the movie "The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!" which starred Carl Reiner, Jonathan Winters, Paul Ford and Brian Keith? Why of course they were Theodore Bikel, Alex Hassilev and Alan Arkin. I always wondered if they ever jammed together.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: greg stephens
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 05:15 PM

The new sherrif wanted to see Woody Guthrie "dead or alive".
Robert Johnson, in his most covered song "Sweet Home Chicago", placed the town in the "land of California".

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 05:16 PM

Who coined the term "folklore"?

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 06:31 PM

Sometimes I live in the country
Sometimes I live in the town...

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 06:37 PM

who recorded Horsemusic,Answer Lea Nicholson.
What was Ewan Maccolls real name.Answer Jimmy Miller.
who had a hit in the IRISH TOPTEN inthe1960s,with The Sea Around Us,Answer The Ludlow Trio.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 06:51 PM

How many medals did brother Sylvester have in a row on his chest?

In "Back Home in Derry", what year did the Irishman "sail out to sea" and for where was he bound.

What are the two destinations for Irish fishermen when they die?

...Give me enough time and I'll think of a lot more...but I've got to move on right now.

SC

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Stewie
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 09:12 PM

Bodies of water with a bridge and burnt locomotive - The Lakes of Pont-char-train.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Mike Miller
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 10:48 PM

I don't remember Hassilov in The Russians are Coming. Many folksingers became famous actors. Burl Ives comes to mind, and Will Geer, Paul Robeson and my all time favorite singer of folk songs, Harry Belafonte. Oh, I forgot to mention Andy Griffith.

                  Mike

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: The Sandman
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 05:45 AM

what is June Tabors real name?

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Brakn
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 09:40 AM

June Tabor? Her birth date is 31 December 1947 and there is a June Tabor registerd in Warwick for that period. Mother's maiden name Smith.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: topical tom
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 10:53 AM

What folk entertainer tragically drowned while trying to save another person in difficulty?   Answer: Gamble Rogers

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 12:50 PM

"What are the two destinations for Irish fishermen when they die?"

The way I learned it was that Irish fishermen (and others who take their living from the sea) go to Fiddler's Green if they die ashore and Davy Jones' Locker if they die at sea. In Fiddler's Green they get to spend eternity drinking, smoking and, uh, doing other things that sailors enjoy that wouldn't be permitted in heaven. Davy Jones' Locker sounds less pleasant.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: peregrina
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 01:29 PM

What did Cecil Sharp say that all the food tasted like when he visited the Appalachians on his collecting trips?

pork--even the cooked apples.

Was he a vegetarian?

Name of one of Doc Watson's guitars?
Old Hoss.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Severn
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 07:12 PM

What WERE the names of the 44 who had an unhappy Halloween on board the Reuben James?

Who Broke The Lock On the Henhouse Door?


But seriously, folks,what are the real names of:

Sonny Terry
Jerry Jeff Walker
Bumble Bee Slim
Jesse Colin Young
Tampa Red
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Beau Jocque
Luka Bloom
Buckwheat Zydeco

What string Band did Shawn Colvin briefly play in?

What Blues singer recorded as The Masked Marvel?

What band originated to fill in on a gig when some of the members of Buzz Buzby's Bayou Boys were injured in an auto accident?

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 07:39 PM

Alan Arkin sang in what Group?   (The Babysitters) Name others.

Name the replacements over the years to Pete Seeger in The Weavers

In the Riddle Song---how many riddles are there?   (4) Though there are other versions in other nationalities.

Jack Elliot's family name and his father's profession?

It may well be that you have some of these already.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST,Irish Sergeant
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 07:47 PM

Great thread! Here's one: Was the sea chantey Santy Anno roigionally pro or anti American? Answer Anti Amerian it was originally a British drag chantey and her majesty's subject thought the U.S would lose the war with Mexico. Neil

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Mike Miller
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 10:41 PM

Why does Uncle Phil assume the fishermen in "Fiddler's Green" are Irish?
Sonny Terry's name was Sauders Terrel.
Brownie McGhee was Walter Brown.
Bill Hahn, I was planning on using the Babysitters question and the Weavers, too. (Lee Hayes and Ronnie Gilbert were in both groups. The rest of the Weavers were Pete Seeger, Fred Hellerman, Eric Darling, Frank Hamilton and Bernie Kraus)

            Mike

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: johnross
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 11:07 PM

Who were The Shanty Boys and how were they connected to the New Lost City Ramblers?
(Lionel Kilberg, Mike Cohen and Roger Sprung) (Mike is John Cohen's brother)

Where was Utah Phillips' first LP recorded?
(In Rosalie Sorrells' kitchen in Salt Lake City, by Kenny Goldstein -- "No One Knows Me," on Prestige)

What is a No.2 Wheeling, and what does it have to do with folk music?
(it was widely considered to be the Martin Guitar of washtubs)

What instrument did Bob "Fiddler" Beers introduce to the folk music revival?
(the psaltry)

By what name is "The Old Settler" better known? And what fiddle tune provides the melody to that song?
("Acres of Clams." "Rosin the Beau")

Who was the "Lone Cat?" What was his best-known song? What did he call the bass he played with his toes? Why?
(Jesse Fuller. "San Francisco Bay Blues." the fotdella. "Because that is its name.")

Who was Richard Farina's first wife?
(Carolyn Hester)

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: johnross
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 11:27 PM

Name two well-known folkies who appeared more than once on the M*A*S*H TV series.
(Louden Wainwright and Hamilton Camp)

Which of the following singers DID NOT make at least one LP of "folk music"?

Bobby Darin
Kate Smith
Jo Stafford
Chuck Berry
Chubby Checker
(Chuck Berry didn't; all the others made at least one...)

What does Pete Seeger have in common with Norman Mailer and John F. Kennedy?
(they were all in the same class at Harvard)

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: bubblyrat
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 05:11 AM

Surely, Pete Seeger was always in a class of his own ??

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 06:25 AM

Which pop singer born in Birmingham Uk recorded John Barleycorn on an LP and now lives in the States?

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 06:33 AM

That'll be Stevie Winwood, who went to school with my mother-in-law. He fancied her, but wet himself in class, thus ensuring she never spoke to him again. They were 6 at the time, so hopefully his wooing technique has improved since.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 07:04 AM

Hi Ruth you are correct. I lived 100yards away from where him and his brother Muff lived. Used to go to the same youth club.
Where did your Mother In Law live and what was her maiden name?
I lived in Rodlington Avenue Great Barr and Steve and Muff lived in Atlantic Road which was at the top of our road.

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: ad1943
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 07:35 AM

Who were we urged to vote for in the MTA ( George O'Brien)

What was the name of the beach suburb in Sydney Australia where Dave Guard lived ( Whale Beach)


Allen in OZ

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Mike Miller
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 08:48 AM

Nice questions, John Ross, and right up my alley.

I remember The Shanty Boys. I had an "I Enjoys the Shanty Boys" pin.
Here's an update. Lionel is in Brooklyn but he is on dialisis and couldn't make it to the NYBGOT reunion in Washington Square, this year. Roger was there, and so was John Cohen, who told me that Mike was well.
Kenny Goldstein was a close freind and I am still in touch with his wife, Rochelle and his daughter, Rhoda.
I lost touch with the Beers Family after Bob was killed in an accident on the Taconic Parkway and Evelyn remarried. Their Fox Hollow Festivals were the best I have ever known. Besides, the psaltry, Bob played a fiddle with an arched bow.
I thank you for reminding me of "Acres of Clams". I used to love to sing that song.
Carolyn Hester was married to Richard Farina? Wasn't she that beautiful blonde from Texas?

                      Mike

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Severn
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 11:11 AM

seriously, folks,what are the real names of:

Sonny Terry-Saunders Terrell
Jerry Jeff Walker-Ronald Clyde Crosby
Bumble Bee Slim-Amos Easton
Jesse Colin Young-Perry Miller
Tampa Red-Hudson Whittaker
Ramblin' Jack Elliott-Elliott Adnopoz
Beau Jocque-Andrus Espre
Luka Bloom-Barry Moore (brother of Christy Moore)
Buckwheat Zydeco-Stanley Dural, Jr.

What String Band did Shawn Colvin briefly play in?-The Red Clay Ramblers

What Blues singer recorded as The Masked Marvel?-Charley Patton, as a guess the right answer and win a free Paramount 78 record promotion. "Screamin' and Hollerin' The Blues" b/w 'Mississippi Boll Weevil Blues"

What band originated to fill in on a gig when some of the members of Buzz Buzby's Bayou Boys were injured in an auto accident?-The Country Gentlemen

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 11:52 AM

"'What are the two destinations for Irish fishermen when they die?'

The way I learned it was that Irish fishermen (and others who take their living from the sea) go to Fiddler's Green if they die ashore and Davy Jones' Locker if they die at sea. In Fiddler's Green they get to spend eternity drinking, smoking and, uh, doing other things that sailors enjoy that wouldn't be permitted in heaven. Davy Jones' Locker sounds less pleasant."

The version I learned says they go to Fiddlers' Green (apparently the equivalent of Heaven for an Irishman) or to Hell (maybe Davy Jones' Locker is the Hell equivalent).

I learned it from a CD of Irish songs that came out back when the "Riverdance" show phenomenon was really peaking. I've since learned that the version of "Spancill Hill" on that album isn't complete; I guess they shortened it for track length so they could get more songs on the album (it has about 20). So "Fiddlers' Green" as done on that album may not be like others that are more frequently performed.

"Fiddlers' Green" is one that I rewrote lyrics for a number of years ago and made the fisherman a Confederate soldier who was about to die and go to "God's Dixieland." Of course, his view of Heaven was that it would be just like his Southern home but without all the trials and tribulations of life. I actually did this rewrite before I ever knew Jed Marum so he and I have been doing similar war/Celtic blendings for some time.   Since he's a relatively successful pro musician and I'm not, I've offered this one to him if he decides to do another Confederate-focused album.

SC

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Mike Miller
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 02:46 PM

Well, I'm off to the dinner, well armed with gimmies. posers and brain teasers. I'll be handing out prizes to winners but, in my opinion, the real winners are you guys. Thanks a lot.

                      Mike

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 03:20 PM

Fiddlers Green was written by John Conolly

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST,'Ray Bucknell
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 07:17 AM

Whoops! Not only did I miss this thread until after Mike Miller needed the trivia questions, I also hit Enter too soon on that last "post."   Anyway, for future reference:   Who were the seven singers who sang in the (Chad) Mitchell Trio?   This doesn't include Jim/Roger McGuinn because he wasn't allowed to sing.   

                                     'Ray

Subject: RE: Folklore: I need Folk Trivia questions ASAP
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 07:19 AM

Here's a Ausie one:

What was the actual name of the Jolly Swagman

Why Andy of course

Andy Sat
Andy Watched
Andy Waiting 'til his billie boiled.