Musicians: Then and Now
This blonde bombshell pop artist is not just any “Material Girl”; her success in the 1980s male-dominated music scene includes millions of album sales and a starring role in Evita.
Who is Madonna? She is known for pop music hits such as “Papa Don’t Preach” and “Vogue.” The singer released a concept film, Madame X, in October 2021 as a documentary of her long career.
On July 21, 1970, Brazil’s team led by Pelé won the international soccer competition known by this two-word title.
What is the World Cup? Brazil faced off against Italy in the final match that year and won 4–1, with Pelé securing the title of player of the tournament. Did you know that his first World Cup victory happened when Pelé was just 17 years old?
This three-word fashion staple for women is closely associated with designer Coco Chanel and the iconic style of actress Audrey Hepburn. Hint: LBD
What is the little black dress? This closet essential became popular in the 1920s and has remained a favorite due to its versatility and classic silhouette. It was famously worn by Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Alan Alda starred as wisecracking Captain “Hawkeye” Pierce from 1972 to 1983.
What is M*A*S*H? The show takes place during the Korean War and features many humorous plotlines alongside more serious fare. M*A*S*H celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022.
Perhaps one of the most iconic sixties sayings is this single word, meaning “outstanding,” “nice,” or “cool.” The Troggs sang about this word in “Wild Thing,” saying “Wild thing, you make my heart sing/You make everything _______.”
What is groovy? By the 1980s, this word was mostly out of fashion.
This original member and lead singer of the band Guns ’N’ Roses was born William Bruce Rose Jr
Who is Axl Rose? The singer, known for his brash personality and incredible vocal talent, turns 60 in 2022. As a young man, he played in a band called “AXL” and was so devoted to the band that his friends suggested he change his name to Axl
This female tennis player is perhaps best known for her victory over Bobby Riggs in a spectacular and highly publicized 1973 match.
Who is Billie Jean King? Her victory in the match known as the “Battle of the Sexes” is depicted in a 2017 film. Did you know King won her first tournament in 1960 and was named “Female Athlete of the Year” in 1967?
Though John, Paul, George, and Ringo didn’t really live in this colorful undersea vessel, the song featuring it has remained popular ever since its release in 1966.
What is “Yellow Submarine”? This song is featured on the album Revolver alongside other classics, such as “Eleanor Rigby.” It was written as a children’s song but is popular with all ages.
The 1980s would not have been the same without Ten Danson in his iconic role as Sam on this sitcom.
What is Cheers? Set in a bar “where everybody knows your name,” the series was originally supposed to continue without Danson, but show regular Woody Harrelson refused to take his place as the bar owner.
This term for a geometric shape referred to a person who wasn’t considered cool or hip. As the saying goes, “Be there or be _____.”
What is square? Though the word was used in the 16th century to mean an honest person, in the 1960s the term was used to refer to people who were out of touch with trends, particularly in music.
This popular singer of the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s first asked us “What’s love got to do, got to do with it?” in 1984 and gifted us a remix of her smash hit in 2020, at age 80.
Who is Tina Turner? She was inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2021. She had been inducted once before in 1991 as a duo with then-husband Ike Turner.
In 1970, these two major professional football leagues merged to form the National Football League.
What are the AFL and NFL? The merger was controversial at the time, with some believing the NFL got the better end of the bargain. It did lead to the construction of many new, larger stadiums, which has been seen as a benefit.
This “Boss” is a New Jersey-born musician who famously sang about cruising down the street in a “Pink Cadillac.”
Who is Bruce Springsteen? The singer-songwriter is nicknamed “The Boss.” He is still making music today, including recent collaborations with singer John Mellencamp and the modern band the Killers.
“You’ve just crossed over into…” this popular series hosted by Rod Serling.
What is The Twilight Zone? The original program ran from 1959 until 1964 and features Serling as narrator and host; in 2019 there was a reboot of the series that features original storylines told in the same style.
Though this three-letter word can also refer to a popular condiment for toast, 1960s musicians used it to mean “play musical instruments together.”
What is jam? Though the phrase originated in the 1920s, it gained popularity during the 1960s music scene, where “jamming” together in a free-flowing and expressive way encouraged musicians to make their free-spirited music.
This popular female singer of the 1960s and ’70s wove a “Tapestry” of hits, including “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”
Who is Carole King? She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: first in 1990 as a songwriter and recently in 2021 as an artist.
The year 1970 was a “Grand Slam” for this female tennis player, the first in the Open Era to win all four major tennis tournaments in one year.
Who is Margaret Court? She won the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open that year to secure this historic title. Court holds the record for most Grand Slam singles titles, though fellow tennis great Serena Williams is only one win behind her record as of 2021.
This popular design company is closely associated with the color robin’s egg blue.
What is Tiffany and Co.? Its flagship store has been seen in the films Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and Sweet Home Alabama (2002). The brand has been known for its trademark cheery blue shade ever since the 1840s.
Larry Hagman plays a central role in this television series, spawning one of the most-watched television episodes of all time when his character’s would-be assassin was revealed.
What is Dallas? The episode “Who Shot J.R.?” left audiences with such a cliffhanger that over 41 million viewers tuned in to find out “Who done it?” in November of 1980.
This rhyming two-word phrase referred to a person with the popular 1960s Beatles-style bowl haircut. It was sometimes called a mushroom cut.
What is mop top? This longer hairstyle was popular among young men in the 1960s who wished to emulate the Fab Four
The rock band Aerosmith will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in September 2022 with a show at Fenway Park in this city
What is Boston? Fun fact: The rock band formed in Boston in 1970, and their song “Dream On” was even in the running to become Massachusetts’ official state rock song.
On June 9, 1973, a thoroughbred horse by this name won the Triple Crown for the first time in 25 years, as nearly 100,000 people watched the race live
Who is Secretariat? The racehorse, also known as Big Red, is remembered as one of the greatest racehorses to ever live. He is immortalized in the 2010 film Secretariat, starring Diane Lane.
This muddy green color, also the name of a creamy fruit, was once the “it” color for kitchens of the 1960s. Many walls, refrigerators, and cabinets sported the hue.
What is avocado green? Design in the 1960s was often characterized by a return to natural tones, including this murky green shade. The color is coming back into popularity in 2022, with many designers returning to this retro shade as a soothing and natural tone.
Pow! Adam West starred in this campy and comedic superhero show alongside sidekick Burt Ward
What is Batman? The television series spawned a 1966 movie and proved to audiences that comic books and superheroes could appeal to adults and children alike.
This “distant” two-word expression could be used to describe something awesome.
What is far out? The phrase originates from jazz talk and originally described music that was highly creative, though hippie culture later used the phrase more generally to describe anything great.