Guess Who, The

The Guess Who, a leading Canadian rock band (1968-75), formed in Winnipeg (1965) as Chad Allen and the Expressions. Upon changing its name following a promotional gambit that sent records to radio stations in plain white covers marked with the words "Guess Who?," the band scored an immediate US hit in June 1965 with a cover of Johnny Kidd and the Pirates' "Shakin' All Over." Personnel changed frequently. Burton CUMMINGS, who took over lead vocals when Allen departed in 1966, and cofounders Gary Peterson (drums) and Jim Kale (bass) were constants throughout the band's most successful years; guitarist Randy Bachman was an important member until 1970 (see BTO).

The Guess Who performs “Runnin’ Back to Saskatoon." From You Tube.

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The Guess Who had many international hit singles ("These Eyes,""Laughing,""Share the Land,""Clap for the Wolfman") and albums (notably the 1970 release American Woman, which reached the Top-10 of the American album charts). Cummings pursued a successful solo career after 1975, although the band has carried on in various incarnations under the direction of Kale and Peterson from 1978 to the present. In 1983, Cummings, Bachman, Kale and Peterson reassembled for a reunion tour that resulted in a concert video and a live album. The same foursome was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1987. While they have feuded often over the years, Cummings and Bachman settled their differences and led the original quartet in a performance at the closing ceremonies of the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg. That same summer, "American Woman" was back in the charts in a hit recording by US rock singer Lenny Kravitz. In 2000 the group made a successful Canadian tour that was recorded for both a live album and television special. That was followed by a GOVERNOR GENERAL'S PERFORMING ARTS AWARD in 2002.

While still joining the band for occasional high-profile concerts, Bachman has maintained an active recording career from his home base on Salt Spring Island, BC. In May 2004 he released Jazzthing, a collection of standards that reveal Bachman's continuing love for his boyhood idol, Winnipeg guitarist Lenny BREAU.

Author JEFF BATEMAN

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Music Hall of Fame
The website for the Canadian Music Hall of Fame from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).

Randy Bachman
The website for legendary Canadian rocker Randy Bachman. Check out his biography, discography, and a great selection of videos.