How Much Do You Know The Beach Boys?

By: Heather Cahill
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
How Much Do You Know The Beach Boys?
Image: YouTube

About This Quiz

Today, we're "SURFIN' USA!" If you need a break from your day, take a quick one to the sandy shores and salty beaches with the Beach Boys! How much do you know about this iconic 1960s rock band?

The Beach Boys formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. Although the group would go on to have many members, it started out with five: Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine, and Mike Love. The group initially started as a family affair with brothers Brian, Carl, and Dennis and their cousin, Mike. One of the longest lasting groups of musical history, the Beach Boys are still an active group with three of their original members. How much do you remember about their 50-year history?

Do you know the band's name before they settled on the Beach Boys? Can you name the only woman to have ever played alongside them? Do you know what Full House actor often appeared on stage drumming for the band? 

If you can answer all of these questions, you're ready for this quiz! The Beach Boys had four #1 hits, 36 songs that broke into the Top 40, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. One of Rolling Stones "Greatest Artists of All Time," how much do you know about the Beach Boys?

Let's find out if this quiz will be "Good Vibrations" for you!

Aside from Brian Wilson, who has been with the band for their entire career?
Mike Love.
Mike Love has been with the band for his entire career. Mike is a cousin of Brian, Carl and Dennis. Al was the only member of the band who was not related to his band mates.
Al Jardine.
Blondie Chapman.
Ricky Fataar.

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Can you finish the lyrics? "I'm getting bugged driving up and down this same old strip, I gotta find a new place where _________________."
The kids are hip.
The correct lyrics are: "I'm getting bugged driving up and down this same old strip, I gotta find a new place where the kids are hip." These lyrics are from the song titled, "I Get Around," which was released in 1964.
I can chill and sip.
I get no lip.
My friends can sit.

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Which of the Beach Boys's albums is considered to being one of the best rock albums of all time?
Pet Sounds.
"Pet Sounds" is considered to being one of the best rock albums of all time. The album was originally meant for a James Bond movie, but still saw massive success on its own.
Surfin' U.S.A.
L.A.
Smiley Smile.

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On which album would you find the song "Country Air"?
Little Deuce Coupe.
Friends.
20/20.
Wild Honey.
"Country Air" is from the "Wild Honey" album. The album was released in 1967 and it peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200 chart.

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Which of the following is not an album by the Beach Boys?
Pet Sounds.
Sunflower.
Surf's Up.
Back in Black.
"Back in Black" is not a name of a Beach Boys album. This album was released by AC/DC. The Beach Boys have a total of 29 studio albums.

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Can you finish the lyrics? "You gotta help me Rhonda, help me get her out of ______________."
My mind.
My house.
My heart.
The correct lyrics are: "You gotta help me Rhonda, help me get her out of my heart." These lyrics are from the song, "Help Me, Rhonda" which was released in 1965.
My life.

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Which Beach Boys song was covered by The Muppets?
I Get Around.
Wouldn't It Be Nice.
Kokomo.
"Kokomo" was covered by The Muppets. The song also appeared on a Muppet album titled, "The Muppet Beach Party Album." The album was released in 1998.
Fun, Fun, Fun.

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On which album would you find the song "Gettin' Hungry"?
Smiley Smile.
"Gettin' Hungry" is from the album titled, "Smiley Smile." The album was released in 1967 and it won a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
Live in London.
M.I.U. Album.
Still Cruisin'.

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Which famous actor can be found playing along with the Beach Boys during live shows?
John Stamos.
John Stamos can be found playing alongside the Beach Boys during live shows. The actor plays drums for them at times and is considered part of the band.
Leonardo DiCaprio.
Robert De Niro.
Harrison Ford.

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Can you finish the lyrics? "Wouldn't it be nice if we were older, __________________________"
We could do the things we want to do.
Looking back on memories from before.
Especially when the days get colder.
Then we wouldn't have to wait so long.
The correct lyrics are: "Wouldn't it be nice if we were older, Then we wouldn't have to wait so long." These lyrics are from the song, "Wouldn't It Be Nice," which was released in 1966.

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Which of the Beach Boys is deaf in one ear?
Brian Wilson.
Brian Wilson is deaf in one ear. However, his hearing impairment doesn't affect his brilliant work when creating music that will be remembered forever.
Al Jardine.
Carl Wilson.
Mike Love.

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On which album would you find the song, "Dierdre"?
Summer In Paradise.
Love You.
Holland.
Sunflower.
The song, "Dierdre," is on the album, "Sunflower." This album was the band's 16th album, and it was released in 1970.

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Who was the only woman to play alongside the Beach Boys?
Toni Tennille.
Toni Tennille was the only woman to play alongside the Beach Boys. She played piano in the band for a short time after being introduced to them by her husband, Dragon.
Pat Benatar.
Linda Ronstadt.
Stevie Nicks.

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Can you finish the lyrics? "If everybody had an ocean, across the ___________"
World.
Universe.
Coast.
The U.S.A.
The correct lyrics are: "If everybody had an ocean, across the the U.S.A." These lyrics are from the song "Surfin' U.S.A." which was released in 1963.

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What was the band's very first name?
The Pendletones.
The band's very first name was "The Pendletones." The band played under this name after forming in 1961, but changed it when releasing their first single.
The Surfin' Boys.
The Sunlight Band.
The Banded Boys.

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Which country star was in the Beach Boys for a short time?
Geroge Jones.
Hank Williams Jr.
Glen Campbell.
Glen Campbell was in the Beach Boys. He played with the band for one year during Brian Wilson's absence. He is also found on the Beach Boys's album titled, "Pet Sounds."
Johnny Cash.

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Where was a monument in honor of the Beach Boys erected?
Hawthorne, California.
A monument in honor of the Beach Boys was erected in Hawthorne, California. As children, Brian, Dennis and Carl all lived there.
Nashville, Tenessee.
Orlando, Florida.
New York City, New York.

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What was the original name of the popular hit, "Good Vibrations"?
Vibing.
Great Times.
Fun in the Sun.
Good Vibes.
The original name of the Beach Boys's hit, "Good Vibrations," was "Good Vibes." The first name was Brian's idea, but it was changed by Tony Asher.

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Which song is not by the Beach Boys?
Hound Dog.
"Hound Dog" is an Elvis Presley song. The Beach Boys enjoyed success with countless singles throughout their long careers.
Kokomo.
California Girls.
I Get Around.

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Which two members hated each other?
Carl and Brian.
Al and Mike.
Al and Dennis.
Dennis and Mike.
Despite being cousins, Dennis and Mike hated each other. So much so, that they eventually had a restraining order that kept them apart.

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How many singles did the Beach Boys release?
20.
32.
14.
71.
The Beach Boys released 71 singles over their career. Among their most popular songs are "Good Vibrations," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," and "Surfin' Safari."

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What was the first name suggestion for the band ahead of the release of their first single?
The Californians.
The Beach Bums.
The Sand Surfers.
The Surfers.
"The Surfers" was the first name suggestion for the band when they were going to release their first single. Although that name was not used, the band stuck with the beach theme for their name.

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In what year were The Beach Boys formed?
1961.
The Beach Boys were formed in 1961. The band was made up of three brothers, their cousin and one of their friends. They were first named "The Pendletones."
1920.
1984.
1994.

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Can you finish the lyrics? "Tried Peggy Sue, tried Betty Lou, tried Mary Lou, ___________________________"
But I knew she wouldn't do.
The correct lyrics are: "Tried Peggy Sue, tried Betty Lou, tried Mary Lou, But I knew she wouldn't do." These lyrics are from the song, "Barbara Ann," which was released in 1961.
All but you.
And I was through.
But they weren't you.

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Which of the Beach Boys's songs is Paul McCartney's favorite?
God Only Knows.
"God Only Knows" is Paul McCartney's favorite song by the Beach Boys. He said the song has the power to make him quite emotional.
Good Timin'.
The Warmth of the Sun.
When I Grow Up.

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On which album would you find the song, "Disney Girls"?
Surf's Up.
"Disney Girls" is on the album, "Surf's Up." The album was released in 1971 and did quite well in the UK, peaking at #15 on the UK Top 40 Album Chart.
Sunflower.
Smiley Smile.
L.A.

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Which of the Beach Boys drowned?
Dennis Wilson.
Dennis Wilson drowned. He had been experiencing a rough patch in life and after drinking, he went into the water. He drowned and was later buried at sea.
Brian Wilson.
Carl Wilson.
Al Jardine.

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On which album would you find the song, "Somewhere Near Japan"?
Still Cruisin'.
"Somewhere Near Japan" is from the album, "Still Cruisin'." The album was released in 1989 and it was the Beach Boys's 26th studio album.
Surfer Girl.
The Beach Boys.
L.A.

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What song was the first to be released by the Beach Boys?
Barbara Ann.
Do It Again.
Sail on Sailor.
Surfin'.
"Surfin'" was the first song to be released by the Beach Boys. The song was also the first song from which the band received royalties.

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What is the name of the movie that is a biopic of Brian Wilson?
Love & Mercy.
"Love & Mercy" is a biopic about Brian Wilson. Not only was Brian a performer with the Beach Boys, he also produced for the band.
The Life of Brian Wilson.
Brian Wilson: The Life of a Beach Boy.
Still Cruisin'.

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On what holiday was the Beach Boys's first performance?
New Year's Eve.
The Beach Boys's first performance was on New Year's Eve of 1961. Each member was paid only $60 for the holiday performance.
Easter.
Halloween.
Christmas Day.

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For what movie was "Pet Sounds" intended to be recorded?
James Bond.
"Pet Sounds" was recorded with the intention of being the soundtrack of a James Bond movie. Although it didn't quite make it into a James Bond movie, it did become one of the most successful albums the band recorded.
Dr. Strangelove.
Psycho.
Easy Rider.

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How many studio albums have the Beach Boys released?
29.
The Beach Boys have released 29 studio albums during their career. Among their most popular are "Pet Sounds" and "Smile."
2.
40.
54.

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For which song did the Beach Boys receive their very first royalty check?
Be True to Your School.
Heroes & Villains.
Surfin'.
The Beach Boys received their first royalty check for "Surfin'." According to the New York Times, the check was for $990.
Caroline No.

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Which of the Beach Boys currently tours as a solo artist?
Mike Love.
Al Jardine.
Brian Wilson.
Brian Wilson currently tours as a solo artist. In 2018, he will embark on a 2018 Pet Sounds Tour in celebration of the album's 50th anniversary.
Carl Wilson.

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