Country Quizzin’ – 02/24/09 Edition (February Winner Announced!)

by Dan Milliken

February 24, 2009

UPDATED

This week’s top 3 scores:

14/14 – Andrea, Erik North

12/14 – Matt B.

11/14 – pselby, J.R. Journey, Aaron, BLL, CMW

…And finally, the total rankings for this month. It was a very close showdown, and you should all be very proud of your showings. That said, please join me in congratulating our very first prize-winner:

1st place (58.5/66) - Erik North

2nd place (57/66) - pselby

3rd place (52/66) - CMW

4th place (51/66) – J.R. Journey

5th place (49.5/66) - Occasional Hope

6th place (49/66) - Scott

Erik, we will contact you soon about your gift certificate. Everyone else, keep on playing! You never know how what you learn might help you out in future editions (and in life?), and I sure have fun preparing it each week. So see ya next week, and happy rest of February!  - Dan

- – - – -

country-quizzin-logo

For our final week of February, you will be identifying 14 country artists from non-Southern states. Trivial? Sure, but still kinda interesting, too.

As always, no cheating, and you have until 10 pm EST tomorrow (Wednesday). Answers, comments and results will become visible at 10:30, at which time I will also announce this month’s top scorer, who will win the ever-coveted $20 Amazon gift certificate. Ooooo!

Without further ado:

For each problem, identify the artist in question.

1. Let’s start off easy. This upstart grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania before her family moved down to Nashville to help her career along.

Taylor Swift

2. Though born in Alexandria, Virginia, this redheaded alt-country heroine’s family moved to Tacoma, Washington when she was young, and she went to college in British Columbia before coming back stateside.

Neko Case

3. This popular blond singer, whose greatest success came in the 70′s, was born in North Dakota before her family moved to California. She’s been featured in Country Quizzin’ before, if you need another hint.

Lynn Anderson

4. Here’s a toughie. This dude was born in my hometown of Bethesda, Maryland before moving to Arkansas. He was never a big commercial success, but he did have a moderate hit in 2003 whose hook expressed a certain percentage.

Brian McComas

5. This three-named singer, known for an impressive string of #1′s throughout the 1980′s, was born in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Earl Thomas Conley

6. These two iconic singers are considered the pioneers of the “Bakersfield Sound,” which of course draws its name from their hometown of Bakersfield, California. You have to name ‘em both to get full credit.

Buck Owens & Merle Haggard

7. “I’m the biggest thing that ever came from my hometown,” this singer proclaimed on her successful debut album. The hometown: Pocahontas, Illinois.

Gretchen Wilson

8. Though this beloved singer-songwriter moved around quite a bit as a kid, he showed the most appreciation for his home in Boulder, Colorado, which he references in the songs “Colorado Girl” and “My Proud Mountains.”

Townes Van Zandt

9. This recently-passed country legend has an important street named after him in his hometown of West Plains, Missouri.

Porter Wagoner

10. This singer grew up in a rural town in Kansas listening to classic country as well as big-voiced pop stars like Linda Rondstadt and Pat Benatar, whose influence she says helped her learn to increase her vocal range.

Martina McBride

11. This guitar wizard, who was awarded his second Best Country Instrumental Grammy this month, was born in Noblesville, Indiana.

Steve Wariner

12. This talented singer-songwriter didn’t go professional with her stuff until after she’d already been married and settled down with a family up in Massachusetts. She was 27 when she finally did.

Lori McKenna

13. This incredibly controversial singer-songwriter – also one of three names – grew up in Akron, Ohio.

David Allan Coe

14. Yet another three-named singer-songwriter, but not quite as controversial. She grew up in New Jersey, attended college in Rhode Island, and became a popular act in the Washington, D.C. area before finally finding widespread success when she was marketed as a country artist.

Mary Chapin Carpenter

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  1. Chris D.No Gravatar says:

    1 is Taylor Swift, and 7 is Gretchen Wilson, and I think 12 is Lori McKenna?

  2. AndreaNo Gravatar says:

    Thanks for this quiz. I had a interesting lunch break answering it.
    I don’t know if you accept a quizer from Germany. But anyway – I had a great time!
    1. Taylor Swift
    2. Neko Case
    3. Lynn Anderson
    4. Brian McComas
    5. Earl Thomas Conley
    6. Buck Owens
    Merle Haggard
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. Townes van Zandt
    9. Porter Wagoner
    10. Martina McBride
    11. SteveWariner
    12. Lori McKenna
    13. David Allan Coe
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

  3. RussNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift
    2.
    3. Tanya Tucker
    4.
    5.
    6. Merle Haggard and Buck Owens
    7.
    8. John Denver
    9. Porter Wagoner
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Steve Wariner
    12. Anne Murray
    13. David Allen Coe
    14. Jo Dee Messina

  4. 1. Taylor Swift
    2. ???
    3. Lynn Anderson
    4. Brian McComas
    5. Earl Thomas Conley
    6. Merle Haggard and Buck Owens
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. ???
    9. Porter Wagoner
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Brad Paisley
    12. Lori McKenna
    13. David Allan Coe
    14. ???

  5. ccdixonNo Gravatar says:

    Wow, this is hard. There are probably three I know for sure. I feel stupid. Looks like I’ll be guessing a lot.

    1. Taylor Swift

    2. Neko Case?

    3. Tanya Tucker ?

    4. Brian McComas

    5. -

    6. Buck Owens, Merle Haggard (?)

    7. Gretchen Wilson

    8. -

    9. –

    10. Martina McBride

    11. Brad Paisley

    12. Lori McKenna ?

    13. David Allen Coe ?

    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

  6. Not really sur eon most of them but I’ll try.

    01. Taylor Swift
    02. Tift Merritt???
    03. ????
    04. Brian McComas
    05. Ricky Van Shelton???
    06. Dwight Yoakam / Buck Owens
    07. Gretchen Wilson
    08. ?????
    10. Porter Wagoner
    11. Sarah Buxton???
    12. Brad Paisley
    13. Lori McKenna???
    14. David Allen Coe??
    15. Mary Chapin Carpenter

    I don’t usually pay attention to where an artist is from for some reason.

  7. Erik NorthNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift

    2. Neko Case

    3. Lynn Anderson

    4. Brian McComas

    5. Earl Thomas Conley

    6. Buck Owens; Merle Haggard

    7. Gretchen Wilson

    8. Townes Van Zandt

    9. Porter Wagoner

    10. Martina McBride

    11. Steve Wariner

    12. Lori McKenna (?)

    13. David Allen Coe

    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

  8. [...] For the final week in Februrary, the topic of Dan Milliken’s quiz is “14 country artists from non-Southern states.” [...]

  9. MichaelNo Gravatar says:

    01. LeAnn Rimes
    02. Shelby Lynne
    03. Lynne Anderson
    04. Argh! It’s driving me crazy. The song was “99.9% Sure” and I even saw him open for someone before.
    05. Earl Thomas Conley
    06. Buck Owens and Merle Haggard (I don’t know. This seems a little too easy so I’m not even sure if these guys were really from Bakersfield.)
    07. Gretchen Wilson
    08. Tracy Lawrence?
    09. Waylon Jennings? I doubt it; he passed away a few years ago.
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Brad Paisley
    12. K.T. Oslin?
    13. Incredibly controversial? David Allen Coe?
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter?

    Wow, easily the hardest one yet. I’m almost embarrassed to hit submit. Sigh. I guess my dreams of an Amazon gift certificate will have to be put on hold for another month. Oh, well. Thanks again for assembling another weekly quiz. :)

  10. Steve from BostonNo Gravatar says:

    1) Taylor Swift

    2) Allison Moorer

    6) Buck Owens

    7) Gretchen Wilson

    9) Porter Waggoner

    10) Martina McBride

    11)Steve Wariner

    12) Lori McKenna

    14) Brown University I think it was, that would be Mary Chapin Carpenter

    Great Quiz Dan…I’m surprised (but pleased and impressed) you went with Lori McKenna for Massachusetts’ own pride and joy. Great call…Jo Dee Messina from Hopkington MA, would have been a great choice for a question as well, but more obvious…

  11. Occasional HopeNo Gravatar says:

    I don’t think I’ve done too well this week ;) Most of my answers are guesses.

    1. Taylor Swift?
    2. Neko Case?
    3. Barbara Mandrell?
    4. Here’s a toughie. This dude was born in my hometown of Bethesda, Maryland before moving to Arkansas. He was never a big commercial success, but he did have a moderate hit in 2003 whose hook expressed a certain percentage.
    Pass
    5. Earl Thomas Conley?
    6. Buck Owens and Wynn Stewart
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. Pass
    9. Johnny Cash?
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Jerry Douglas?
    12. Lori McKenna?
    13. Townes Van Zandt?
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

  12. AaronNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift
    2. (no clue)
    3. Lynn Anderson
    4. Brian McComas
    5. Earl Thomas Conley
    6. Buck Owens and Merle Haggard
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. (no clue…never heard of those songs)
    9. Porter Wagoner
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Steve Wariner
    12. (no clue)
    13. David Alan Coe
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

    7 out of 10 ain’t bad! Too bad everyone else is gonna get 9′s and 10′s! Haha ok well I’m off to google the three I didn’t get!

  13. AaronNo Gravatar says:

    ok i wish we could edit comments! I meant to say 11 out of 14 isnt bad! don’t know where the whole 7 out of 10 thing came from! haha my bad!

  14. AJNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift
    2. Neko Case
    3. lynn anderson
    4. Steve Haggard
    5. Earl Thomas Conley (love Live at Billy Bob’s!)
    6. Buck Owens, Red Simpson, Wynn Stewart, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam,
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. Townes Van Zandt
    9. Porter Wagoner
    10. Martina McBride (great Crossroads episode!)
    11. Brad Paisley
    12. JoDee Messina
    13. David Allan Coe or Jerry Douglas (not so controversial)
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter!

  15. BLLNo Gravatar says:

    1 Taylor Swift
    2 ?
    3. Lynn Anderson
    4. ?
    5. Earl Thomas Conley
    6. Buck owens and Merle Haggard
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. Townes Van Zant
    9. Porter Waggoner
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Steve Wariner
    12. Jo Dee Messina
    13. David Alan Coe (from my hometown)
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

    I can’t think of any readheads besides Reba and Wynonna right now, and have no clue on #4.

  16. Rodney in South CarolinaNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift

    2. ?

    3. ?

    4. Brian McComas

    5. Earl Thomas Conley

    6. Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam

    7. Gretchen Wilson

    8. ?

    9. Mr. Porter Wagoner…RIP!

    10. Martina McBride

    11. ?

    12. This talented singer-songwriter didn’t go professional with her stuff until after she’d already been married and settled down with a family up in Massachusetts. She was 27 when she finally did.

    13. David ALan Coe

    14. ?

  17. J.R. JourneyNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift

    2. Neko Case … Luckily, I was just reading up on her for the My Kind of Country blog. Or I would have been blank on this one.

    3. Lynn Anderson

    4. Ugh … I know the song … ’99.9% Sure’. Was it Chris Cagle?

    5. Earl Thomas Conley … my hometown. Thanks for the shout!

    6. Buck Owens … and Merle Haggard?

    7. Gretchen Wilson

    8. Townes Van Zandt

    9. just a wild guess … Don Helms?

    10. Martina McBride … Sharon, Kansas to be exact. She was the singer for a local band called ‘The Penetrators’ too.

    11. I should know this. No idea though.

    12. Lori McKenna

    13. David Allan Coe

    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

  18. CMWNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift
    2. ?
    3. ?
    4. Brian McComas
    5. Earl Thomas Conley
    6. Merle Haggard and Buck Owens (and Wynn Stewart and Tommy Collins)
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. Townes Van Zandt
    9. Porter Wagoner? Or more recently passed than that?
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Jason Aldean
    12. Lori McKenna
    13. David Allan Coe
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

  19. CFNo Gravatar says:

    Tough…

    1.
    2.
    3.
    4. Brian McComas?
    5.
    6. Buck Owens & Merle Haggard
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8.
    9. Porter Wagoner
    10. Martina McBride
    11.
    12.
    13. Mary-Chapin Carpenter?

  20. ScottNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor swift
    4. Brian mcComas
    5. Earl Thomas Conley
    6. Buck Owens and a guess..Merle Haggard?
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    9. Porter wagoner
    11. Steve Wariner
    14. Mary chapin Carpenter

  21. KentNo Gravatar says:

    2. Wynona Judd (sp?)
    4. Brian McComas
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    11. Brad Paisley

  22. Matt B.No Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift
    2. Neko Case
    3. Linda Ronstadt
    4. Brian McComas
    5. Earl Thomas Conley???
    6. Buck Owens and Merle Haggard
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. John Denver
    9. Porter Wagoner
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Steve Wariner
    12. Lori McKenna
    13. David Allen Coe??
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

    I am fairly confident in this bunch… The only ones are the 3 named ones not named Mary Chapin Carpenter. Being from Tacoma, I’d be a fool if I didn’t know Neko Case, lol. Also you could’ve had Lila McCann or Blaine Larsen, lol. Also Kim Richey lived in the Northwest for a long time after being born in Ohio…

  23. pselbyNo Gravatar says:

    1. Taylor Swift
    2. Neko Case?
    3. Lynn Anderson
    4. Brian McComas (well, I’m from Arkansas and I saw him open for Brad Paisley once, so I know this one)
    5. Earl Thomas Conley
    6. Buck Owens & Merle Haggard
    7. Gretchen Wilson
    8. John Denver
    9. Porter Wagoner
    10. Martina McBride
    11. Well…. the Brad Paisley song with lots of guitarists won…Brad is from West Virginia, though…it isn’t Vince Gilll…..Steve Wariner?
    12. Man…I have no idea….K. T. Oslin was older than that, so it isn’t her….
    13. I can’t believe that I can’t think of anyone incredibly controversial from Akron, Ohio, but I just don’t know this one. Steve Earle doesn’t have three names ….Natalie Maines doesn’t have three names….I DON’T KNOW!!!
    14. Mary Chapin Carpenter

    Most definitely the hardest one!!!!

  24. CMWNo Gravatar says:

    Did I get 11/14 this week too? Or am I missing something?

    These quizzes are fun. Congrats to Erik.

  25. AaronNo Gravatar says:

    Woohoo! I finally broke into the top 3 scores!! This might be my first time! Haha how lame is it that I’m excited over that?? Haha for some reason I was always interested in knowing where country stars are from…glad it finally paid off! Haha

  26. JoeBNo Gravatar says:

    I’m sorta glad I (somehow) missed the deadline this week. This would’ve pulled my overall totals WAY down. I think I would’ve only got maybe five (and a half) right. Eek. Embarrassed is me.

  27. Dan MillikenNo Gravatar says:

    Whoops, you did, CM. My bad. So that means you stay in 3rd overall and J.R. and everyone else move down one rank. Sorry, I’ll change it!

  28. [...] original here:  Country Universe » Country Quizzin’ – 02/24/09 Edition (February … Tags: chapin, chapin-carpenter, country-quizzin, gretchen-wilson, hometown, merle, merle-haggard, [...]

  29. ScottNo Gravatar says:

    Congratulations to Erik

  30. J.R. JourneyNo Gravatar says:

    Congratulations Erik! It’s a nice feeling to be running with the top 5 …

  31. Matt B.No Gravatar says:

    I’m so ashamed that I got the Townes one wrong!

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