The Guess Who

Inducted in 1987

Named “the greatest band in Canadian history” by The Toronto Star, The Guess Who emerged out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1965 and went on to international success through the next decade. Their legacy, however, continues to this day.

Then known as Chad Allen & the Expressions, they had a number of small regional hits until their then label, Quality Records, released their cover of British artist Johnny Kidd’s “Shakin’ All Over” in 1965 under the moniker “Guess Who?” as a marketing ploy to get the band played on Canadian radio. (Canadian DJs virtually ignored Canadian bands at the time.) The name stuck and The Expressions were effectively forced to change their name to The Guess Who?, although the question mark was dropped soon after.

Career Highlights

2013

Canada Post issued a Guess Who stamp

2002

Given the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2002 for Lifetime Artistic Achievement

1987

Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1987

1970

“American Woman” topped the US charts for three weeks in May 1970

Quick Fact

The “Guess Who?” name developed out of a marketing ploy.

1969

Third single, “These Eyes,” tops the Canadian charts

Video Background

Videos

Quick Fact

The Guess Who was the first Canadian band to top the American Hot 100 chart