American Folk Music Trivia Quiz – Test Your Knowledge of Legendary Songs

American folk music has a rich history filled with storytelling, social commentary, and timeless melodies. From Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan, folk songs have inspired generations. Test your knowledge with this 11-question trivia quiz and see how much you know about American folk music!

Question 1:

Which folk musician is famous for the song This Land Is Your Land?
A) Pete Seeger
B) Woody Guthrie
C) Bob Dylan
D) Joan Baez

Question 2:

What is a common instrument in traditional American folk music?
A) Electric guitar
B) Banjo
C) Synthesizer
D) Saxophone

Question 3:

Which folk singer wrote the protest song Blowin’ in the Wind?
A) Woody Guthrie
B) Bob Dylan
C) Joan Baez
D) Lead Belly

Question 4:

What is a defining characteristic of American folk music?
A) Heavy electronic production
B) Storytelling and social commentary
C) Complex orchestral arrangements
D) Virtuosic instrumental solos

Question 5:

Which folk musician famously performed at Woodstock in 1969?
A) Bob Dylan
B) Joni Mitchell
C) Joan Baez
D) Pete Seeger

Question 6:

The folk song Where Have All the Flowers Gone was written by…
A) Woody Guthrie
B) Pete Seeger
C) Bob Dylan
D) Johnny Cash

Question 7:

Which region of the U.S. is most associated with Appalachian folk music?
A) Northeast
B) Southeast
C) Midwest
D) West Coast

Question 8:

Folk music often incorporates themes of:
A) Personal reflection, social issues, and historical events
B) Futuristic technology
C) Abstract electronic soundscapes
D) Mythical creatures

Question 9:

Who popularized the song If I Had a Hammer?
A) Pete Seeger
B) Woody Guthrie
C) Bob Dylan
D) Joan Baez

Question 10:

Which folk festival became famous for bringing together folk musicians and audiences in the 1960s?
A) Glastonbury
B) Newport Folk Festival
C) Coachella
D) Lollapalooza

Question 11:

What is the “folk revival” of the 1960s best known for?
A) Electronic experimentation
B) Rediscovery and popularization of traditional folk songs
C) Jazz fusion integration
D) Mainstream pop domination

Scoring:

• 10–11 correct: Folk Music Scholar! You know American folk music inside out.
• 7–9 correct: True Folk Fan! You have a strong understanding but missed a few classics.
• 4–6 correct: Casual Listener. You know some folk basics but have room to learn.
• 0–3 correct: Beginner. Time to explore the rich world of American folk music!

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