Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: 1975

What Happened in 1975?

Pop Culture, History, and Unforgettable Moments

1975 was a standout year in pop culture and history, filled with groundbreaking achievements, memorable entertainment debuts, and events that still resonate today. As the mid-1970s unfolded, the world was in a time of social reflection and creative exploration. Music, television, film, and technology all took bold steps forward, offering iconic moments that would influence future generations.

In entertainment, 1975 brought fresh energy to the big screen and airwaves. Filmmakers pushed boundaries with stories that captured both thrills and deep emotion, while new television programming offered audiences a mix of comfort and cutting-edge comedy. The music scene, meanwhile, thrived on the power of individuality, with genres like rock, disco, and soul blending to define the year’s chart-topping hits.

1975 wasn’t just a year of entertainment milestones—it also saw significant strides in science, politics, and sports. Medicine advancements brought hope for the future, while memorable athletic feats captivated fans worldwide. Cultural movements and pivotal events shaped perspectives on the global stage, further cementing 1975 as a transformative historical year.

Do you think you know everything about 1975? Take our trivia quiz and relive the year’s most significant moments. From cultural trends to historical breakthroughs, see how well you remember this fascinating year in pop culture!

75 Trivia Questions for 1975 History

(answers)

1. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1975?

2. Introduced in 1975, this candy has pressurized carbon dioxide gas bubbles embedded inside it, creating a slight popping reaction when it dissolves. Name that candy.

3. John N. Mitchell, H. R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman were all found guilty in what?

4. The VHS tape was the first widely-used home videotaping system, but SONY introduced another, not as popular system in 1975. Name that recording tape…

5. Name the drummer of the fictional band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.

6. In 1975, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?

7. Based on Tennis, this popular home video game was unveiled by Atari in 1975. Name that game.

8. What did Sara Jane Moore and Lynette Fromme try to do in September 1975?

9. Who said this TV Catchphrase: Who said “Never assume …”?

10. Who was the biggest solo Musical Artist of 1975?

11. Who was the biggest Musical Group of 1975?

12. True or False? President Ford signed the U.S. Metric Conversion Act of 1975 into law to guide the gradual replacement of the English system of measurements with the metric system.

13. This beer introduced an argument in its commercials: “Tastes Great” vs. “Less Filling” – Name that brew!

14. What did American Express suggest its customers do with their credit cards starting in 1975?

15. How many people lived in the World in 1975?

16. How many people lived in the United States in 1975?

17. Based on a 1969 album, this 1975 musical drama starred Elton John, Tina Turner, and Jack Nicolson. Name that film.

18. Tommy was originally performed by rock band The Who. You get one point for each original member you can name.

19. Name the highest-grossing film of 1975.

20. Jaws had three theatrical sequels. You get one point for each, which you can name.

21. Can you name the second highest-grossing film in 1975?
HINT: It was based on a book by Ken Kesey

22. The third most successful film of 1975 did NOT earn most of its eventual box office gross in 1975 or even the 1970s. Name that musical film.

23. Name the phrase the Knights said when not allowing passage in the 1975 film Monty Python And The Holy Grail and the play Spamalot

24. This children’s television show gave us the catchphrase, “And… what about Naomi?” Name that program.

25. Only three television shows have ranked number one in Nielson ratings for 5 consecutive years. Can you name the Television show from the 1970s that achieved that goal?

26. Who was the President of the United States in 1975?

27. Who was the Vice-President of the United States in 1975?

28. Name the two popular soft drinks in a single-blind taste test challenge.

29. What was that blind taste test challenge called?

30. On July 25, 1975, this musical began a fifteen-year run on Broadway, in the first of 6,137 performances at the Shubert Theatre. Name that Broadway Show.

31. Name the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) who disappeared in suburban Detroit in 1975.

32. Name the rockstar, sometimes called “The Thin White Duke.”

33. 30,000 of this terrycloth product were first handed out to Pittsburgh Steelers fans. Name that product.
HINT: They were initially called “rally towels.”

34. Who said this TV Catchphrase: Who said, “God’ll get you for that”?

35. Name the car that was called “The ultimate driving machine” in commercials.

36. Starring co-hosts David Hartman and Nancy Dussault, this morning show debuted on November 3, 1975. Name that program.

37. The new car design by Volkswagon was designed to replace The Beetle. Name that car.

38. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1974/1975 season?

39. Introduced in 1975, name the Doctor Who villain who created the Daleks…

40. David Bowie had a number-one hit in 1975, recorded with John Lennon. Name that well-known hit.

41. John Lennon recorded his own Top 20 song. Name that song.
HINT: It was initially a hit by Ben E. King in 1961

42. How much money did Lorne Micheals offer for the four Beatles to appear on Saturday Night Live?

43. Name the popular game show that has aired continuously since January 1975.
HINT: It was created by Merv Griffin

44. The postage stamp price was 13 cents on December 31, 1975. What was the price of a stamp before that?

45. Van McCoy released a song about a dance move. Name that #1 hit tune.

46. BIC is best known for pens and disposable lighters. In 1975, they introduced another popular disposable item. Name that product.

47. Name the first black man to win the Wimbledon singles title, defeating the #1 ranked Jimmy Connors.

48. In 1975, Bill Gates and another guy founded Microsoft. Name that other guy.

49. A McDonald’s in Sierra Vista, Arizona, offered this convenience to customers for the first time in 1975. Name that service.

50. Who won the SuperBowl IX?

51. Which sports star was NOT born in 1975: Allen Iverson, Marion Jones, Tiger Woods, David Beckham, or Oscar De La Hoya?

52. This boxing bout was titled The Thrilla in Manilla. – who were the contestants?

53. Who won The Thrilla in Manilla?

54. Name the cable network that presented The Thrilla in Manilla.

55. Welcome Back, Kotter premiered on the ABC television network in 1975. Starring Gabe Kaplan, the comedy introduced actor John Travolta. Name Travolta’s character.

56. What was the nickname of the shark prop used in Jaws?

57. Who hosted the first episode of Saturday Night Live?

58. Can you name the first film called “Blockbuster”?

59. This character actress played in The Bounty paper towel commercials as Rosie the Waitress 1970–1990. Name her.

60. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1975?

61. On April 30, 1975, U.S. involvement in what conflict ended?

62. This Happy Days spin-off featured Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as who?

63. What was Barry Manilow’s first number-one hit?

64. This number-one song, written as a favor to Billie Jean King, was included in Elton John’s Greatest Hits Volume II. Name that song.

65. The Theme From M*A*S*H had a name. What was it?

66. Times of Your Life was a popular song and advertising jingle made famous by Canadian singer Paul Anka. What company used the song in commercials in 1975?

67. Who said this TV Catchphrase: Who said, “Elizabeth, I’m coming!”?

68. McDonald’s had a popular slogan describing its Big Mac. Recite it.

69. Name the group that did NOT have their debut album in 1975 – Journey, Little River Band, Queen, or Little River Band?

70. Who won the 1975 World Series?

71. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1975?

72. The predecessor to the Internet was declared fully operational and under the control of the Defense Communications Agency, part of the U.S. Department of Defense. What was it called?

73. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1975: Sara Gilbert, Carson Daly, Drew Barrymore, or Milla Jovovich?

74. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1975: Russell Brand, Heidi Klum, Pedro Pascal, or Angelina Jolie?

75. Name the Muppets who consistently jeered at the cast and their performances from their box seats.

Trivia Team Bonus Questions
1. What was the inspiration for Statler and Waldorf’s names?

2. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1975?

3. This character was a semi-mascot of the alternative rock band Devo…

4. Who was the Pop in 1975?

5. This actor appeared in five films over seven years, all of which were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture: The Godfather (1972), The Conversation (1974), The Godfather Part II (1974), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), and The Deer Hunter (1978). Name that actor.

6. This American rapper, Andre Benjamin, was born in 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia, and uses a stage name. Who is he better known as?
HINT: He is 1/2 of the rap duo Outkast.

7. Can you name the cat who was the mascot for MTM Enterprises from 1972 to 1990?
HINT: MTM is Mary Tyler Moore

8. Can you name the element (#106) discovered at Berkeley Radiation Laboratory in 1974?

9. Name the longest-running theatrical release in film history.

10. This Justice was confirmed as a new United States Supreme Court Justice in a 98–0 vote and retired in 2010. Name that judge.

The Answers:

75 Trivia Answers for 1975 History

1. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1975?
Love Will Keep Us Together – Captain and Tennille

2. Introduced in 1975, this candy has pressurized carbon dioxide gas bubbles embedded inside it, creating a slight popping reaction when it dissolves. Name that candy.
Pop Rocks

3. John N. Mitchell, H. R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman were all found guilty in what?
The Watergate cover-up

4. The VHS tape was the first widely-used home videotaping system, but SONY introduced another, not as popular system in 1975. Name that recording tape…
Betamax

5. Name the drummer of the fictional band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
Animal

6. In 1975, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 68.7 years, Women – 76.6 years

7. Based on Tennis, this popular home video game was unveiled by Atari in 1975. Name that game.
Pong (aka Home Pong)

8. What did Sara Jane Moore and Lynette Fromme try to do in September 1975?
Attempted to assassinate US President Gerald Ford.

9. Who said this TV Catchphrase: Who said “Never assume …”?
Felix Unger on The Odd Couple (1970-1975)

10. Who was the biggest solo Musical Artist of 1975?
Elton John

11. Who was the biggest Musical Group of 1975?
The Eagles

12. True or False? President Ford signed the U.S. Metric Conversion Act of 1975 into law to guide the gradual replacement of the English system of measurements with the metric system.
True

13. This beer introduced an argument in its commercials: “Tastes Great” vs. “Less Filling” – Name that brew!
Miller Lite

14. What did American Express suggest its customers do with their credit cards starting in 1975?
“Don’t leave home without it.”

15. How many people lived in the World in 1975?
4,069,437,231

16. How many people lived in the United States in 1975?
215,973,199

17. Based on a 1969 album, this 1975 musical drama starred Elton John, Tina Turner, and Jack Nicolson. Name that film.
Tommy

18. Tommy was originally performed by rock band The Who. You get one point for each original member you can name.
Lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon.

19. Name the highest-grossing film of 1975.
Jaws

20. Jaws had three theatrical sequels. You get one point for each, which you can name.
Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D, and Jaws: The Revenge

21. Can you name the second highest-grossing film in 1975?
HINT: It was based on a book by Ken Kesey
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

22. The third most successful film of 1975 did NOT earn most of its eventual box office gross in 1975 or even the 1970s. Name that musical film.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show

23. Name the phrase the Knights said when not allowing passage in the 1975 film Monty Python And The Holy Grail and the play Spamalot
“Ni!”

24. This children’s television show gave us the catchphrase, “And… what about Naomi?” Name that program.
The Electric Company

25. Only three television shows have ranked number one in Nielson ratings for 5 consecutive years. Can you name the Television show from the 1970s that achieved that goal?
All in the Family (71/72 to 75/76)

26. Who was the President of the United States in 1975?
Gerald Ford (August 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977)

27. Who was the Vice-President of the United States in 1975?
Gerald Ford (December 6, 1973August 9, 1974)
The office of vice president was vacant from August 9 – December 19, 1974
Nelson Rockefeller (December 19, 1974 – January 20, 1977)

28. Name the two popular soft drinks in a single-blind taste test challenge.
Coke and Pepsi

29. What was that blind taste test challenge called?
The Pepsi Challenge

30. On July 25, 1975, this musical began a fifteen-year run on Broadway, in the first of 6,137 performances at the Shubert Theatre. Name that Broadway Show.
A Chorus Line

31. Name the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) who disappeared in suburban Detroit in 1975.
Jimmy Hoffa

32. Name the rockstar, sometimes called “The Thin White Duke.”
David Bowie

33. 30,000 of this terrycloth product were first handed out to Pittsburgh Steelers fans. Name that product.
HINT: They were initially called “rally towels.”
Terrible Towels

34. Who said this TV Catchphrase: Who said, “God’ll get you for that”?
Maude (Bea Arthur) on Maude (1972-1978)

35. Name the car that was called “The ultimate driving machine” in commercials.
BMW

36. Starring co-hosts David Hartman and Nancy Dussault, this morning show debuted on November 3, 1975. Name that program.
Good Morning America (on ABC)

37. The new car design by Volkswagon was designed to replace The Beetle. Name that car.
Volkswagon Golf

38. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1974/1975 season?
All in the Family

39. Introduced in 1975, name the Doctor Who villain who created the Daleks…
Davros

40. David Bowie had a number-one hit in 1975, recorded with John Lennon. Name that well-known hit.
Fame

41. John Lennon recorded his own Top 20 song. Name that song.
HINT: It was initially a hit by Ben E. King in 1961
Stand By Me

42. How much money did Lorne Micheals offer for the four Beatles to appear on Saturday Night Live?
$3000

43. Name the popular game show that has aired continuously since January 1975.
HINT: It was created by Merv Griffin
Jeopardy

44. The postage stamp price was 13 cents on December 31, 1975. What was the price of a stamp before that?
10 cents

45. Van McCoy released a song about a dance move. Name that #1 hit tune.
The Hustle

46. BIC is best known for pens and disposable lighters. In 1975, they introduced another popular disposable item. Name that product.
Disposable Razor

47. Name the first black man to win the Wimbledon singles title, defeating the #1 ranked Jimmy Connors.
Arthur Ashe

48. In 1975, Bill Gates and another guy founded Microsoft. Name that other guy.
Paul Allen

49. A McDonald’s in Sierra Vista, Arizona, offered this convenience to customers for the first time in 1975. Name that service.
Drive-thru window

50. Who won the SuperBowl IX?
Pittsburgh Steelers

51. Which sports star was NOT born in 1975: Allen Iverson, Marion Jones, Tiger Woods, David Beckham, or Oscar De La Hoya?
Oscar De La Hoya (born February 4, 1973)

52. This boxing bout was titled The Thrilla in Manilla. – who were the contestants?
Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali

53. Who won The Thrilla in Manilla?
Muhammad Ali (in 14 rounds)

54. Name the cable network that presented The Thrilla in Manilla.
HBO (Home Box Office)

55. Welcome Back, Kotter premiered on the ABC television network in 1975. Starring Gabe Kaplan, the comedy introduced actor John Travolta. Name Travolta’s character.
Vinnie Barbarino

56. What was the nickname of the shark prop used in Jaws?
Bruce – after Spielberg’s attorney.

57. Who hosted the first episode of Saturday Night Live?
Comedian George Carlin (Billy Preston and Janis Ian were the first musical guests).

58. Can you name the first film called “Blockbuster”?
Jaws – people lined around the block of theaters to get tickets.

59. This character actress played in The Bounty paper towel commercials as Rosie the Waitress 1970–1990. Name her.
Nancy Walker

60. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1975?
Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow

61. On April 30, 1975, U.S. involvement in what conflict ended?
The Vietnam War

62. This Happy Days spin-off featured Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as who?
Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney (on Lavern and Shirley)

63. What was Barry Manilow’s first number-one hit?
Mandy

64. This number-one song, written as a favor to Billie Jean King, was included in Elton John’s Greatest Hits Volume II. Name that song.
Philadelphia Freedom

65. The Theme From M*A*S*H had a name. What was it?
Suicide is Painless

66. Times of Your Life was a popular song and advertising jingle made famous by Canadian singer Paul Anka. What company used the song in commercials in 1975?
Kodak

67. Who said this TV Catchphrase: Who said, “Elizabeth, I’m coming!”?
Fred Sanford (Redd Fox) on Sanford and Son (1972-1977)

68. McDonald’s had a popular slogan describing its Big Mac. Recite it.
“Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.”

69. Name the group that did NOT have their debut album in 1975 – Journey, Little River Band, Queen, or Little River Band?
Queen’s self-titled album debuted in 1973.

70. Who won the 1975 World Series?
Cincinnati Reds

71. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1975?
Philadelphia Flyers

72. The predecessor to the Internet was declared fully operational and under the control of the Defense Communications Agency, part of the U.S. Department of Defense. What was it called?
The ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network)

73. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1975: Sara Gilbert, Carson Daly, Drew Barrymore, or Milla Jovovich?
Carson Daily (born June 22, 1973)

74. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1975: Russell Brand, Heidi Klum, Pedro Pascal, or Angelina Jolie?
Heidi Klum (born June 1, 1973)

75. Name the Muppets who consistently jeered at the cast and their performances from their box seats.
Statler and Waldorf

Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What was the inspiration for Statler and Waldorf’s names?
Statler and Waldorf are named after two landmark New York City hotels, the Statler Hilton and the Waldorf-Astoria.

2. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1975?
Foolish Pleasure

3. This character was a semi-mascot of the alternative rock band Devo…
Booji Boy

4. Who was the Pop in 1975?
Paul VI (June 21, 1963August 6, 1978)

5. This actor appeared in five films over seven years, all of which were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture: The Godfather (1972), The Conversation (1974), The Godfather Part II (1974), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), and The Deer Hunter (1978). Name that actor.
John Cazale (August 12, 1935March 13, 1978)

6. This American rapper, Andre Benjamin, was born in 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia, and uses a stage name. Who is he better known as?
HINT: He is 1/2 of the rap duo Outkast.
Andre 3000

7. Can you name the cat who was the mascot for MTM Enterprises from 1972 to 1990?
HINT: MTM is Mary Tyler Moore
Mimsie the Cat 1970–1998

8. Can you name the element (#106) discovered at Berkeley Radiation Laboratory in 1974?
Seaborgium

9. Name the longest-running theatrical release in film history.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show

10. This Justice was confirmed as a new United States Supreme Court Justice in a 98–0 vote and retired in 2010. Name that judge.
John Paul Stevens