Music of the '50s
50s Slang
Pop Culture
Sports
Politics and the Economy
100
This artist, widely regarded as the king of Rock and Roll, released his first album on March 23, 1956.
Who was Elvis Presley?
100
Shiner
What is a black eye?
100
Born Norma Jeane Mortensen, this model, actress, and singer was featured in the first edition of Playboy and sang a somewhat shocking rendition of "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy.
Who was Marilyn Monroe?
100
This MLB team dominated the World Series in the 1950s with six titles, in the years 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, and 1958.
Who are the New York Yankees?
100
This U.S. President, who took office in 1953, is known for implementing moderate policies and initiating the construction of a major national infrastructure project.
Who was Dwight D. Eisenhower?
200
The song Come Go With Me, made famous by the Del-Vikings and later recorded by the Beach Boys, is an example of this style, a subgenre of R&B named for its vocally percussive a cappella arrangements.
What is Doo-Wop?
200
Horn
What is a telephone?
200
The 50s gave rise to some curious culinary innovations, including this sweet treat, often prepared with canned pineapples, maraschino cherries, sour cream, and marshmallows
What is Ambrosia Salad?
200
In the 1950 World Cup, Brazil was upset by this neighbor nation in the final four-team group round, their first championship since their inaugural World Cup win in 1930
What is Uruguay?
200
In the 1950s, this rate, sitting at around 4.5%, reflected a booming job market where most Americans could easily find employment.
What is the unemployment rate?
300
This Greek soprano, despite a career marred by sharp vocal decline at a relatively young age, is often regarded as one of the greatest of all time-- a surprise, no doubt, to her mentor, who described her as having "a great, ugly voice."
Who was Maria Callas?
300
Beatnik
A young person into the "Beat" lifestyle
300
This stage actor, football player, and performer, renowned for his deep vocal register, was blacklisted and had his passport revoked for criticizing the US's role in the Korean War.
Who was Paul Robeson?
300
This baseball player, known for his incredible hitting and speed, played for the New York Yankees during the 1950s.
Who was Mickey Mantle?
300
This high tax rate on those earning over $200,000 reshaped the economy and wealth distribution.
What is the top marginal tax rate of 91%?
400
The 1950s were a great time for Latin music, especially this Brazilian style, whose name literally translates to "new wave," or "new trend," that gained worldwide popularity by combining traditional samba with newer Jazz sounds.
What is Bossa Nova?
400
Rag-top
What is a convertible car?
400
This Hollywood actress, who starred in three Alfred Hitchcock movies, later became princess of Monaco and founded the World Association of Children's Friends
Who was Grace Kelly?
400
This team won the 1950 NFL championships, beating the Los Angeles Rams 30-28.
Who are the Cleveland Browns?
400
The U.S. was involved in this major conflict, a proxy war with China, from 1950 to 1953, which reflected of Cold War tensions.
What was the Korean War?
500
Jazz at Massey Hall, the landmark live album billed as the "best jazz concert ever," was recorded in 1953 by the Quintet: a groundbreaking ensemble composed of members Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, Max Roach, and this saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird."
Who was Charlie Parker?
500
To be given the royal shaft
What is to be unfairly treated or cast off?
500
Traditional values were at the forefront of family life in the 50s, especially this concept, which referred to a two-parent, two-and-a-half-child unit.
What is a nuclear family?
500
Egypt, Spain, and the Netherlands are among the countries that boycotted the 1956 Summer Olympics in this city, the first host city in the southern hemisphere, over the Suez Crisis and the Soviet invasion of Hungary.
What is Melbourne?
500
In 1954, this landmark Supreme Court decision declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, setting a precedent for the Civil Rights Movement.
What is Brown v. Board of Education?