James Brown Trivia Quiz - Trivia Quiz

1 What is James Brown's most famous nickname?

A. The King of Pop

B. The Prince of Motown

C. The Godfather of Soul

2 Which landmark live album, recorded at the Apollo Theater, helped cement James Brown's reputation?

A. Live at Leeds

B. At Folsom Prison

C. Live at the Apollo

3 Which James Brown track is often cited as a foundational funk recording?

A. Respect

B. Cold Sweat

C. Good Vibrations

4 What signature stage routine featured his MC placing a cape over him as he pretended to collapse?

A. The cape routine during 'Please, Please, Please'

B. Guitar-smashing finale

C. Moonwalk interlude

5 Which longtime collaborator helped recruit James Brown into The Famous Flames?

A. Bobby Byrd

B. Brian Wilson

C. Smokey Robinson

6 What rhythmic idea did James Brown emphasize that became central to funk?

A. The bossa nova clave pattern

B. Accenting 'the One' (the first downbeat)

C. Swinging on the backbeat

7 In which city was James Brown born?

A. Augusta, Georgia

B. Barnwell, South Carolina

C. Macon, Georgia

8 Which James Brown hit features the famous line 'I feel good'?

A. It's a Man's Man's Man's World

B. I Got You (I Feel Good)

C. Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

9 Which group was James Brown's powerhouse backing band in the early 1970s, featuring players like Bootsy Collins and Maceo Parker?

A. The J.B.'s

B. The Funk Brothers

C. The Wrecking Crew

10 Which 1968 James Brown song became an anthem of Black pride?

A. What's Going On?

B. Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud

C. A Change Is Gonna Come

11 James Brown made a memorable cameo as a preacher in which 1980 film?

A. Purple Rain

B. Saturday Night Fever

C. The Blues Brothers

12 In what year was James Brown inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

A. 1994

B. 2001

C. 1986

13 Which James Brown hit kicks off with the command 'Get up!' and helped define 1970s funk?

A. Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine

B. Good Times

C. Super Freak

14 Which televised concert in 1968 is credited with helping keep peace in Boston after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

A. The Royal Variety Performance in London

B. The Ed Sullivan Show performance

C. The Boston Garden concert broadcast

15 Which record label released many of James Brown's classic 1960s recordings?

A. King Records

B. Stax

C. Motown